Ontario Consumers Paying for Liberal Mismanagement of Energy Sector
QUEEN’S PARK – On May 1st, Ontario ratepayers will see hydro prices increase on average by $37.56 annually because consumers used less electricity than expected this past winter. Today, Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown used Question Period to ask the Premier about this logic-defying increase and the ongoing mess in the energy sector.
energy sector.
Referencing a Hydro One bill which has been making traction on social media, Brown said, “I came across a photo of a Hydro One bill the other day – it was dated April 13, 2016. It read: On-peak: 0 kilowatts per hour used. Mid-peak: 0 kilowatts per hour used. Off-peak: 0 kilowatts per hour used. Total cost of electricity charges: $113.”
“Why is it acceptable for Hydro One to charge this family $113 for not using any electricity?” Brown added.
It is Ontario consumers who are left paying for Liberal mismanagement in the energy sector. Despite the fact Ontario has overbuilt the energy sector, the Government is procuring over 900 more megawatts of costly energy.
It was recently revealed the Government has provided renewable energy contracts to seven renewable companies who had donated a quarter of a million dollars to Liberal Party coffers. Three wind companies who hadn’t donated to the Liberal Party did not receive any contracts.
“It’s not that they overbuilt, it’s that they continue to overbuild. Why do they continue to overbuild? Maybe we could ask the wind companies that attend their $6,000 a plate dinners,” added Brown.
“Again why will ratepayers pay more to use less energy? Is it because the Premier wants to reward her Liberal fundraisers and friends?”