Horwath lays out plan for Ontarians to pay less for, and own more of hydro

Feb 27, 2017 @ 10:46

Today Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath laid out her plan to cut hydro bills for everyone across the province by up to 30 per cent and to return Hydro One back to public ownership.

 

“It’s time for the people of Ontario to pay less for – and own more of – our hydro,” said Horwath. “Affordable, reliable public power will be the backbone of the electricity system under an NDP government.”

 

Lower hydro bills start with more public control of the electricity system in Ontario.  Along with returning Hydro One to public hands, the NDP plan lays out an end to the practice of paying for electricity Ontario doesn’t need, and an immediate review and renegotiation of bad private power contracts signed by Liberal and Conservative governments. Additional commitments built into the package include equalizing rural and urban delivery charges, capping private profit margins and ending Time of Use billing.

 

“Electricity isn’t a luxury. It shouldn’t be priced like one,” said Horwath. “Instead of subsidizing hydro bills by taking money from hospitals and schools, I’ll lower the cost of power. Families will see immediate relief, and permanent change on their hydro bills. It’s time for a government that gets what families are dealing with – and takes action to make life easier in Ontario.”

 

With profits flowing to private and foreign corporations, Horwath said making hydro public again is the best way to get hydro bills under control and deliver long-term financial returns to the province. No rate increase would be required to finance the return of Hydro One to public ownership.  The NDP’s ambitious but achievable plan is one piece of a much-needed plan to make life more affordable for all Ontarians; and give the next generation the opportunity to build a great life.

Andrea Horwath