Hydro Rates Rise Again

QUEEN’S PARK – Hydro rates in the province are going up again on November 1 and Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman is concerned about the effect the hike will have on Oxford families and businesses.

“Hydro bills are increasing another three percent,” said Hardeman. “I’ve already heard from concerned homeowners who keep the heat down just to make ends meet. This increase is going to make it awfully tough on many Oxford families.”

The increase in hydro prices comes on the heels of the Liberal spending scandal to relocate two gas plants that could cost taxpayers up to $1.112 billion. This is the fourth price increase since the summer of 2011 and the second $4 a month increase this year.

The breakdown of the price increase will see off-peak power increase by 7.5% for a kilowatt hour while peak rates will rise by 4%.

“It really is backwards,” said Hardeman. “Those families that are doing laundry in the middle of the night to save money are going to be hit the hardest.”

In addition to the gas plant scandal driving prices up, the increase in pricing also stems from the Liberal’sGreen Energy Act, which subsidizes green energy at a higher rate than any traditional form of energy generation in the province. The price increase will have a drastic impact on individual homeowners trying to make ends meet, but the hydro spike also jeopardizes future investment in the riding.

“Oxford’s economy needs the jobs created by new and existing businesses but these spiraling hydro rates will drive companies away,” said Hardeman. “Oxford’s families and businesses cannot afford to keep paying for the government’s mismanagement.”

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