Hydro Rates Increase Again Today

QUEEN’S PARK – During a statement in the Ontario Legislature Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP , said that Ontario families cannot afford today’s hydro rate increase.

“ Today’s increase means that hydro prices in Ontario have now doubled since the McGuinty government took office,” said Hardeman “The government simply can’t continue to sign 20 year contracts to buy power at 80 cents or even 50 cents a kilowatt-hour without forcing up the cost of hydro for everyone.”

For consumers on time-of-use pricing, the Ontario Energy Board says the increase is about $4 or 3.3 per cent of the total monthly bill for a consumer using 800 kilowatt-hour s ( kWh ) a month. The on-peak price is rising 0.9 cents per kWh to 11.7 cents. For those on tiered pricing, a monthly increase of $5.80, or about 5.1 per cent for a consumer using 800 kWh per month is expected.

During the statement Hardeman pointed out that in an Oxford business survey two years ago 95% of respondents said that increasing hydro rates were impacting their businesses.

“We know hydro increases impact jobs. Businesses that are looking to invest are going to look for a cheaper jurisdiction and too many of our businesses are leaving and taking their jobs with them,” said Hardeman.

Hardeman also referenced the government’s 2010 Fall Economic statement which revealed hydro prices are expected to increase 46% by 2015. The majority of that increase was attributed to green energy projects.

“I’ve heard from seniors who are worried that they won’t be able to stay in their homes and families who dread receiving their hydro bill because they don’t know how they are going to make ends meet,” said Hardeman. “It’s clear these hydro increases are a direct result of the McGuinty government’s policies and Ontario’s families have had enough.”

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For more information, contact:
Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford
(416) 325-1239