The company which supplies electricity to most of Newfoundland is clarifying its practice of donating to political parties.

NDP Leader Jim Dinn says Newfoundland Power’s donations to the Liberals and PCs amounted to $400,000, something which he sees as a driver of electricity costs.

However, the company says any politically-related financial contributions, including donations or participation in events, are not included in customer rates and are not paid for by customers.

It says the contributions are disclosed annually by the parent company, Fortis, in accordance with its Political Contributions Policy. The disclosure includes political contributions by Newfoundland Power.

Fortis says engaging in the area of public policy is designed to advance the interests of its customers, employees, and the communities it serves. The utility assures that it complies with all applicable laws related to political donations and lobbying.