Recommendation number four is in relationship to the O & M costs. Can we afford the O & M costs? The committee believes that the Legislative Assembly should make
its decisions on the Capital Estimates in light of all the facts. Pertinent facts included the ongoing additional O & M costs that result from capital expenditures since these must be accommodated within the Main Estimates in future years. The five year capital plan document would be significantly enhanced with another column showing ongoing O & M costs. In addition, some capital expenditures can be made which will reduce future years' operations and maintenance costs, and consideration should be given to such investments in a manner to support other social economic needs such as job creation and economic development.