MPP Bailey wants government to stop unaffordable electricity rate increase

Sarnia-Lambton – Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey wants the government to stop a planned increase in electricity distribution rates.

Hydro One recently put forward an application to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to increase rates for electricity consumers. An average family would see its bill increase by $141 per year.

“Ontario families can’t afford this electricity rate increase,” MPP Bailey said. “We know the Liberal government plans to increase rates after the election, now they’re also going to do it before the election.”

Patrick Brown, Leader of the Opposition, recently wrote Premier Wynne a letter asking the government to stop the increase.

“This hydro rate increase, which begins January 1, 2018, is extremely unfair and unaffordable,” Brown wrote. “I am urging you to immediately reject this application and all subsequent applications, until executive compensation is reined in at Hydro One and the government has stopped signing expensive, new, unneeded power contracts.”

Ontario residents can submit a letter opposing the rate hike at: www.StopTheRateHike.ca

Last week, Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault said he does not intend to use his authority to stop the unaffordable rate hike.

“I’m not going to ask them to consider rejecting anything,” he said during an interview on AM980.

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