The Public Utilities Board has released some key dates as it tries to come up with recommendations on how to keep electricity rates as low as possible in the post-Muskrat era.

Public hearings begin October 3, but anyone wishing to appear will have to apply to the board by September 20. There are other ways to make your views known. People can send comments to the PUB website or contact the Consumer Advocate.

Two reports recently presented to the PUB contain dozens of ideas including having a two-tier system whereby electricity used at peak periods, such as suppertime, costs more than power used in mid-afternoon or overnight.