CORNWALL – The city’s chief administrator told councillors Tuesday, the cost to negotiate a long term contract between Cornwall Electric and Hydro Quebec is $91,000.
“That’s the totality of the expenses,” CAO Maureen Adams said, after receiving an update “late this afternoon” from the utility.
The contract is cheaper than in 2008 when it cost $458,000 to negotiate the deal with the Quebec utility.
Cornwall Electric has asked that the cost be included in the cost for electricity this fiscal year.
When asked by Coun. Bernadette Clement, Adams couldn’t explain the difference in price but speculated it could have been because it was a first contract for the Quebec and Cornwall utilities.
Clement said county residents “marvel” at the cost Cornwall Electric residents pay compared to those on Hydro One.
However, making a decision on endorsing Cornwall Electric’s plan was deferred until the September council meeting as council wanted more information.
Cornwall Electric covers 24,300 customers in Cornwall, South Glengarry, South Stormont and Cornwall Island.