Community Mobilizes Against Hydro Coaticook Billing Errors

Coaticook, March 1, 2025 – Local businesses in Coaticook are facing a financial crisis due to billing errors from Hydro Coaticook, with some establishments receiving unexpected invoices in the tens of thousands of dollars. One community member, Ashley Dobb, a part-time employee at Délice du Nord and a student at Bishop’s University studying environmental studies and sustainable food systems, has taken action to support affected businesses.

Dobb first learned about the issue from her employer, who received a bill totaling $27,000. Seeing the significant impact on local businesses, she launched a grassroots campaign to demand accountability and fairness. “I couldn’t stay silent when the problem was shared with me by my boss. I started mobilizing a campaign, beginning with a small Facebook video, which quickly gained traction,” she said.

Her initiative led to the creation of a petition urging the town to reassess these bills. “The mayor said he would reconsider if 50% of Hydro Coaticook customers signed,” Ashley explained. With a goal of 2,100 signatures, volunteers are going door to door to gather support.

Ashley stresses the importance of community action. “Our voices matter, and we must all work together for better days ahead,” she said. Residents can sign the petition on Change.org or in local Coaticook businesses.

For those wanting to take a stand, attending the upcoming council meeting on the 10th will send a strong message that the community demands fairness.

Listen to the full interview here: