The Consumer Advocate says Nalcor got us into this mess, so they should be the ones to get us out.

Dennis Browne has released his recommendations to the Public Utilities Board to help keep rates as low as possible. Government has said it doesn’t want rates going any higher than 13.5 cents. The current rate is 12.2.

He says, if necessary, government should consider privatizing Nalcor’s oil and gas holdings.

A consultant for the PUB recommended variable rates for electricity. For example, power at peak demand time would cost more than that consumed overnight when most people are asleep.

Browne likes the idea but says the utilities are making a good dollar and want business as usual.

He says it would an expensive proposition to implement but it could reduce peak demand so it should be explored.

The PUB will submit its recommendations to government early in the new year.