Ontario hydro rates going up (Yet again!) May 1, 2014...

According to City News (http://www.citynews.ca/2014/04/16/ontario-hydro-rates-going-up-may-1/):

Starting next month, homeowners and small business owners will be paying more for electricity.

The new prices will be in effect from May 1 until October 31.

Hydro officials say consumers will be paying 0.3 cents more per kilowatt hour during off-peak and mid-peak hours and  0.6 cents more during peak hours.
Allan Findlay with the Ontario Energy Board says this is about a 2.4 per cent  increase.

“For the typical household consumer that would be an increase of approximately $2.83 on the electricity line or the bill,” he explains.

The energy board reviews prices twice per year based on updated estimates of costs.

The market price of natural gas rose during the long winter, but that impact was somewhat cushioned by previously signed contracts with natural gas and other generators.

If you recall, the Ontario Energy Board is the same outfit that recently 'rubber stamped' a 40% increase in natural gas (Enbridge 40% natural gas hike OK’d).

And as for another increase in the cost of electricity, McGuinty touted the so-called "smart meters" as a reward to those conscientious individuals who toed-the-line on energy use. 

Well, so much for that 'Pinocchio' promise.' This increase will affect off-peak users as well.

I weary of asking my fellow, cash-strapped-Ontario-citizens to please, please, please make some small token of protest before we are all freezing in the dark.

The minister in charge is Bob Chiarelli, and you can contact him as follows:

Hon. Bob Chiarelli
Ministry of Energy
4^th Floor, Hearst Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2E1

Tel: 416-327-6758
Fax: 416-327-6754

e-mail: bchiarelli@mpp.co@liberal.ola.org