ssmpucA number of issues were discussed during Wednesday’s PUC Board meeting.  They ranged from water testing and watermain breaks to continuing to have one of the lowest rates for electricity in Ontario.  It was mentioned water tests showed that most of the time the water met Ontario Drinking Water Standards, with very few occasions to report anything out of the ordinary last year.  2013-14 became the second worst winter for watermain breaks in the Sault with 171, compared to an all-time worst of 191 in 2002-2003, and 168 in 1993-94.  But this past winter has been better with only 81 breaks to date, but an increase in the number of frozen events — such as frozen pipes — is the reason the PUC is overbudget regarding water.  All other divisions reported being ahead of budget so far this year.  Also included on the list was how the Sault continues to be competitive compared to other utilities in the province for electricity rates.  For an 800 kilowatt monthly bill, the Sault PUC charges 113 dollars and 34 cents — putting in the low end for residental customers or one of the five lowest rates in Ontario.  When it comes to water and sewer bill, Sault Ste. Marie residential customers continue to have the lowest yearly rates compared to North Bay, Thunder Bay and Sudbury.  The PUC charges 763 dollars — among the middle of the pack in this category.  The other three northern centres charge between 890 and 960 dollars a year.  Another subject discussed was that of miscellaneous water charges.  Representatives of the various PUC divisions passed the new charges.  That’s the cost that is charged for things such as the installation of water works and restoration in the form of asphalt and curb work.  PUC President and CEO Dominic Parella says the new rates are reflective of current costs of material supply, labour, equipment and costs related to recent projects.