Latest news with #PublicUtilitiesBoard
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kerala HC stresses need for Periyar protection authority
Kochi: High court has directed the state govt to act urgently on its earlier suggestion to establish an authority for protecting the Periyar River from pollution. The bench of Justices Devan Ramachandran and M B Snehalatha issued the directive while hearing a batch of petitions related to the mass fish deaths in Periyar caused by pollution — an incident that occurred on 20 May 2024. During a previous hearing, the bench had itself mooted the idea of creating a dedicated authority for the protection of Periyar. In the latest proceedings, the court observed that the matter demands urgent attention, especially since many people — including the elderly and young children — depend on the river for drinking water and are consequently exposed to pollutants, making them vulnerable to serious illnesses. The petitions have been adjourned to July 7. In its earlier suggestion, the court noted that no better alternative exists, particularly when immediate and sustained action is needed for the river's maintenance and rejuvenation. Counsel for one of the petitioners also referred to international models such as China's 'River Chief System', Singapore's 'Public Utilities Board', and India's 'National Ganga River Basin Authority' as prototypes for establishing a unified body for Periyar.
CBC
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
Manitoba Public Insurance wants 2% rate hike for 2026
Social Sharing Manitoba Public Insurance has filed an application with the province's Public Utilities Board to raise its rates starting next April. The Crown insurance corporation is seeking approval for a 2.07 per cent increase to the overall rates of its universal compulsory automobile insurance for the 2026-27 fiscal year, MPI said in a Wednesday news release. If approved, the owner of an average private passenger vehicle would pay $21 more a year, MPI said in a news release Wednesday. The corporation says it has worked to keep insurance rates affordable in Manitoba, but insurance companies across North America are dealing with a volatile market, where the cost of claims continues to climb. Modern cars are more complex and contain advanced technology that is more expensive to repair, MPI said. The new rates, if approved, would be effective April 1, 2026, MPI said, but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners wouldn't see the new rates until March 31, 2027. The Public Utilities Board normally issues its order in December, MPI said in its release. Last year, MPI requested a three per cent increase to insurance rates. However, in January, the PUB rejected that request, and instead ordered MPI to raise its basic rates by 5.7 per cent for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The independent regulator stated in its decision that approving the requested lower rate hike would lead to "much higher" rates in future years. Changes to driver ratings, deductibles proposed The corporation is also applying to the Public Utilities Board to expand its merit scale, to include a new level driver safety rating. Currently, the scale tops out at Level 19, at which drivers get a $30 discount on their licence renewal (which has a base fee of $55) and a 48 per cent discount on their vehicle premium. If approved, those who move into the new Level 20 would save 53 per cent on the cost of their driver's and vehicle insurance, MPI said. MPI's rate application also proposes changing the deductible for its basic insurance, increasing it from $750 to $1,000. That change is needed to "keep the basic product affordable and comprehensive," the insurer says. It would also add a new $750 option to the list of lower deductibles it offers, which includes $200, $300 or $500 deductible options.
CTV News
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
MPI requesting 2 per cent rate increase
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is requesting a 2.07 per cent increase to basic rates for the 2026/27 insurance year. On Wednesday, the Crown corporation announced it filed its general rate application and is asking for approval from the Public Utilities Board (PUB). If the hike is approved, Manitobans would see an annual increase of $21 for the average private passenger vehicle policy, which comes to about $1.75 a month. In a news release, MPI explained the rate hike is attributed to the fact that it's facing higher claim costs because modern cars are 'more complex, contain advanced technologies and are more expensive to repair.' MPI added it's also applying to the PUB to expand its Driver Safety Rating scale to include a level 20. If approved, level 20 drivers would save 53 per cent of the cost of their automobile and driver insurance. The 2026/27 insurance year begins on April 1, 2026.
CBC
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
Gas up 6 cents across N.L. before Victoria Day weekend
People getting ready to head out on Newfoundland and Labrador's highways for a Victoria Day weekend of camping and travel got a tough surprise Friday morning, when the price of gasoline jumped by over six cents per litre. The Public Utilities Board's weekly price adjustment set the price of self-serve gasoline on the Avalon Peninsula at just under $1.52 per litre. Prices vary across the rest of the province depending on location, but range between $1.52 and $1.67 per litre in Newfoundland and between $1.58 and $1.85 per litre in Labrador. Most other fuels also increased Friday. Diesel rose by 6.3 cents per litre, putting maximum prices between $1.50 and $1.63 per litre in Newfoundland and between $1.62 and $1.91 per litre in Labrador. The price of furnace oil increased by over 5.4 cents per litre, meaning customers in Newfoundland will pay between $1.10 and $1.30 per litre depending on their location. Stove oil increased by over 5.5 cents per litre across Labrador West and Churchill Falls. That means maximum prices across the Big Land now range between $1.22 and $1.53 per litre depending on location. Propane saw the largest fluctuation of the week, and was the only fuel to decrease in price. An 8.4 cent-per-litre drop in maximum prices mean they now range between $1 and $1.15 per litre in Newfoundland and between 86 cents and $1.11 per litre in Labrador.
Global News
24-04-2025
- Business
- Global News
Manitoba regulator approves natural gas rate hike, cites market conditions
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Manitoba's energy regulator has approved higher natural gas prices. The Public Utilities Board says rates for a typical residential customer will rise 12.4 per cent, or about $73 a year, starting May 1. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The board says the increase is due to several market factors, including reduced natural gas storage levels in North America following a colder winter. Higher demand for liquefied natural gas was also cited. Gas rates are reviewed regularly and the next review is slated for August. Gas commodity rates for customers who have signed fixed-term, fixed-price contracts are not affected.
