Follow us on: Bre a k i ng n e ws at n el s on st ar. c om
PM41537042
Free
Wednesday, September 25 • 2013
TURN OLD GOLD JEWELLERY INTO
Vol. 6 • Issue 25
L.V. Rogers Bombers perfect in Oliver See Page 17
SOMETHING NEW!
Custom built jewellery for you
Local literacy champions saluted See Page 14
FortisBC
431 Baker Street , Nelson, BC Phone: 250-352-5033
FALL BULBS! Prepare your garden with tulips, crocus, daffodils and more!
Complaints prompt early rate review JOE FRIES Penticton Western News
More than just a farmers store
3 .39%
*
www.nelsoncu.com
524 Railway St Nelson (250) 352-5375
BOOMTOWN SPORTS INC KOOTENAYS LARGEST
SPORTS STORE Bike tO ScHOOl Sale all prices slashed on new and used bikes Helmets locks gloves ScOOterS at cOSt Backpacks half price trading Saves taxes tHankS fOr recycling
Nearly 150 complaints about FortisBC’s new two-tiered electricity prices have prompted the BC Utilities Commission to order an evaluation of the new rate structure sooner than planned. FortisBC was scheduled to report on its conservation rate by the end of April 2014, but the commission has now bumped up the deadline for a preliminary study to October 31. In the one year that followed the July 2012 approval of the new rate structure, the utilities commission received 149 complaints, a number it deemed “significant,” according to an order paper issued August 22. The order compels FortisBC to prepare a report that includes information about how much energy has been saved by the new rate structure, how it has affected company revenue, and its impact on customers who don’t have access to natural gas to heat their homes. “They’ve been listening to me, I guess, because I was the biggest complainer,” said Robby Kilborn, an Olalla resident who saw his power bill quadruple to $2,100 for a four-month period last winter. The conservation rate reduced the price for energy use below 1,600 kilowatt-hours in each billing cycle, but increased the cost for consumption over that mark. While FortisBC expected 75 per cent of its customers would pay less under the new structure, people like Kilborn, who have no choice but to heat with electricity, have seemingly paid much more. “I’m glad they ordered the report on it,” he said. Keremeos mayor Manfred Bauer has previously called on the utilities commission to increase
Open Sunday 11-4
510 Hall St • 250-505-5055
boomtownskis.com
$153,500 RECREATION COTTAGE An incredible 0.92 acres with several apple, plum and pear trees, lilacs and a huge horse chestnut. This 433 sq. ft. split level recreational cottage has Kitchen & pantry on lower level and living room/bedroom combination on upper level. MLS 2393072
Alan Tarr 250.354.8489
Story continues to ‘Report’ on Page 7
Hopelessly Devoted to Grease
Sam Van Schie photo
Sydney Galbraith and Lisel Forst get into character as Rydell high school students for the Grease sing-a-long at the Capitol this Saturday. See story page 10.
250.352.7252 $295,000
$427,777
$399,000 per/unit
$329,000
6 MILE CREEK FRONT
WATERFRONT IN PROCTOR
COMPROMISE NOTHING
Here is a nice 2 - 3 bedroom home located at 6 Mile that offers a 1 acre lot and has Duhamel Creek flowing through the property. This home has most of the renovations completed and offers a great living space for first timers or retirees. MLS 2392755
This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home boasts an open layout, wood burning stove, large covered deck, basement with washer/dryer. Outside you will find 70’ of sandy/pebbly beach, level lot with irrigation, RV parking, storage shed and an older dock with 2 slips. MLS 2393107
Front & Back 4 bdrm 3 bath Duplex with over 2052 sq ft living space with surrounding Kootenay Lake, City & Mountain views from every room and decks. Great 3 level floor plan, lots of parking, good sized yard and additional 500 sq ft of outdoor covered verandah space. MLS 2390202 & 2391042
CLEAN & BRIGHT FAMILY HOME 3 - 4 bedrooms, 2 baths + a large rec. room, deck and carport. Located just a few minutes outside Nelson along the N. Shore with a peek-a-boo lake view. Great, established neighbourhood. MLS 2393214
Laura Salmon 250.551.8877
Lisa Cutler 250.551.0076
Lorne Westnedge 250.505.2606
Tad Lake 250.354.2979
601 Baker St. Nelson, BC V1L 4J3 RHC REALTY
Serving Nelson & Area Since 1908 100% Locally Owned & Independently Operated