CFAX 1070 TOP NEWS STORY - February 15, 2009

NDP MLA JOHN HORGAN SAYS A NEW INITIATIVE TO INSTALL ELECTRICAL "SMART METERS" ON BC HOMES IS A BILLION DOLLAR WASTE OF MONEY.

THE METERS ARE MEANT TO INSPIRE CONSERVATION BY SHOWING HYDRO CUSTOMERS HOW MUCH ENERGY THEIR HOME IS USING AT ANY GIVEN TIME.

BUT HORGAN, THE NDP'S ENERGY CRITIC, SAYS THAT'S ONLY THE BEGINNING.

"THIS WILL LEAD INEVITABLY IN MY OPINION TO PEOPLE BEING CHARGED (MORE) FOR USING ELECTRICITY AT HIGH PEAK TIMES, LIKE DINNER TIME. WHEN PEOPLE COME HOME FROM WORK, THEY TURN ON THE LIGHTS, THEY TURN ON THE STOVE, THEY TURN ON THE RADIO TO GET THE EVENING NEWS. THAT'S WHEN CONSUMPTION IS AT ITS HIGHEST."

HORGAN SAYS -- JUST LIKE THE TWO TIERED BILLING STRUCTURE AT BC HYDRO -- IT WOULD PENALIZE PEOPLE FOR USING HYDRO ELECTRICITY, A CLEAN ENERGY SOURCE.

- ADAM STIRLING