Progressive Conservatives say household hydro costs are set to skyrocket to new highs in Ontario, according to a leaked cabinet document that breaks down the Liberal government’s Fair Hydro Plan.
A May 12 press release from Perth Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece says the document shows rates declining in 2017, only to rise slightly the following year. By 2022, however, rates are projected to spike. Marked “confidential,” the document was presented to the Liberal cabinet in early March 2017, the release states.
Pettapiece says the document confirms his view that the government developed its plan entirely around the next provincial election, expected in June 2018.
“It’s designed to get the Liberals through the next election,” he said.
“It’s supposed to provide short-term political gain for the Liberals, in exchange for long-term pain for the rest of us.”
The release says average monthly residential bills will jump to an average of $151 per month in 2023. By 2030, that number rockets to $216 per month.
Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault has stated the leaked document is months old and the numbers it contains are inaccurate.
On March 11 the Liberal government introduced its “Fair Hydro Act” legislation.
