PORT DOVER – It’s now official Ontario’s energy prices are the highest in North America.
Energy blogger Parker Gallant released an updated analysis of North American energy prices on Aug. 10. Previously, Hawaii did have the highest prices at 22.6 cents/kilowatt-hour, including distribution. Ontario’s distribution charges vary dependent on the housing density. Ontario low density prices are 25.9 cents/kwh and medium density customers pay 22.6 cents, but that is before HST.
“Ontario now has another dubious honour to add to its list,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. “We have long suspected the province’s electricity rates were among the highest on the continent – now it’s proven they are the highest.”
Opposition Energy Critic John Yakubuski added, “In my travels across the province, I’ve seen first-hand the impacts skyrocketing energy rates have had on the hardworking people of our province. Since the Liberal Government first took office, average households are paying $1,000 more a year on their annual hydro bills, meaning some families are being faced with the difficult choice of eating or heating their home.”
Barrett said high electricity prices are the top reason constituents contact his office.
“Government doesn’t realize electricity isn’t a luxury,” Barrett said. “There are many parts of rural Ontario without natural gas service where electric heat is still prevalent. What are businesses such as ice cream stores and grocery stores that must run coolers to do with high electricity prices. This news won’t do anything to attract new business and industry to the province.”
-30-
For more information, contact MPP Toby Barett at 519-428-04446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org
Link to study: