High heat bills may threaten St. Stephen man's cold-blooded pets

A St. Stephen resident says rising electricity bills have doubled his home costs and put his reptiles' heat-dependent habitats at risk; N.B. Power has asked regulators for a 4.75% rate increase and says colder weather raises customer bills.

Doug Harper of St. Stephen keeps snakes, lizards and frogs in a basement room that uses electric heat lamps and pads. He reports a sharp rise in his household electricity bill and says the higher cost is making it harder to maintain those animals. N.B. Power has asked regulators for a 4.75 per cent rate increase after nearly 10 per cent in approvals over the last two years. Representatives from N.B. Power and a university engineering professor said colder weather and heating needs are major drivers of winter bills. Key facts: - Harper said his bill rose by about $600 compared with this time last year and that his household energy costs have roughly doubled year-over-year. - His reptiles rely on electric heating, and he said he has a backup generator for emergencies but that it would not be sustainable long-term. - N.B. Power requested regulatory approval for a 4.75% increase; the province approved almost 10% in the prior two years. - An electrical engineering professor noted heating is a large contributor to winter bills and that recent temperature swings make costs unpredictable, while an N.B. Power accounts specialist said rate changes help keep infrastructure safe and reliable. Summary: Rising electricity costs are affecting Harper's ability to maintain temperature-sensitive pets and have prompted home efficiency upgrades. N.B. Power has applied to regulators for a 4.75% increase and a regulatory decision is undetermined at this time.