Use Too Much Energy, Pay More. Conserve Energy, Pay More
QUEEN’S PARK – On May 1st, Ontarians will experience another Hydro rate hike, with the average consumer’s annual costs increasing by approximately $37.56.
Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown used today’s Question Period to ask the Premier why the Liberal Government continues to make life more unaffordable forOntarians.
“Hydro rates will rise again and life will get even harder under the Liberals,” said Brown. “Why will everyone pay more for their hydro bills? Because Ontario families used less energy. I thought that was a joke when I first heard it.”
The Ontario Energy Board said that the rate increase is to recover a shortfall resulting from lower than expected usage this past winter.
“So hydro bills can be summed up like this in Ontario: You use too much energy, you pay more. You conserve energy, you pay more,” Brown added.
Since November, 2015, hydro bills have increased by an average $186.96 a year.
“Does the Premier think it is okay for families and seniors to pay more when they are using less?” Brown concluded. “Are people in Ontario supposed to conserve energy? Or are they supposed to use more energy so their hydro rates don’t go up?”