Minister of Energy Failing Northern Ontario: Fedeli
October 25, 2016
QUEEN’S PARK – The failed energy policies of Premier Wynne and her Energy Minister, Glen Thibeault, are making life harder for families in Northern Ontario, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli stated today.
During Question Period, Fedeli highlighted the story Robert and his wife Carol who live in the North.
“As seniors on a fixed income, Robert and Carol are hurting under the Wynne government’s failed energy policies. Carol wears winter clothing and a toque to bed, because they can’t afford heat. They simply can no longer afford to stay in their home. This is the unfortunate reality of many households across Northern Ontario,” said Fedeli.
In his latest report, the Financial Accountability Officer indicated that households in Northern Ontario paid over 45% more for electricity costs than households in Toronto, between 2012 and 2014.
“For five years, we have been saying the entire province is in the midst of a hydro crisis, but the Financial Accountability Officer’s report reveals the shocking negative impact the Wynne government’s energy policies are having on Northern Ontario,” said Fedeli.
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) recently found 567,000 families were behind in their hydro bill payments at the end of 2015, owing a total of $172.5 million. The OEB also revealed that nearly 60,000 residential customers were disconnected from their hydro services in the past year for being unable to afford skyrocketing hydro rates.
“Instead of meaningful action, the Wynne government responds with band-aid solutions and talking points. I ask Minister Thibeault, will the government end its failed hydro polices and truly address the concerns of Northern Ontario?” Fedeli concluded.
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