Admittedly, the 2.1 per cent hike that took effect Oct. 1 probably won't have a major impact on the amount of power most households use. The company maintains the measure, announced just days before it went into effect, will mean an extra $27 a year for the average customer.
This increase of 33 cents per kilowatt hour certainly fits that bill. However, for many Islanders struggling under the weight of rising inflation, fuel and mortgage costs, it will likely feel like another brick in their backpack. Don't forget the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission already approved a four per cent rate hike for the privately owned utility back in May.
There were indications the federal government would pick up some or all of that tab. However, during a federal cabinet retreat in Charlottetown in August, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted the utility did not meet the definition of a small business under the disaster relief program. With weather-related disasters on the increase throughout the country due to the impact of climate change, there needs to be a coordinated program that can kick in immediately rather than on a largely ad hoc basis, that is the case now.