Are your electricity bills getting the best of you? Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller says he wants to help. He says concerns about electricity bills are the number one issue he’s hearing about from constituents – particularly those who get their power from Hydro One.
“Parry Sound-Muskoka’s average income is below the provincial average and I think those who are less well off, have less sophisticated heating systems – electric baseboard heat… for some it becomes a question of heat or eat,” said Miller, who will be hosting two forums to try and answer some of the questions consumers may have. The forums will be held on September 8, 2016. One takes place at Huntsville’s Algonquin Theatre from 5 to 7 p.m. The other forum takes place in Parry Sound at the Foley Community Centre from 1 to 3 p.m.
The ombudsman from Hydro One actually offered to come into the riding so we’re accepting her offer and holding these public meeting to try to help people out and provide answers to some of their Hydro One questions. Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller
Miller said among the most common complaints he’s hearing about is not only the cost of electricity but issues related to how seasonal residents are charged and overall transparency, particularly as it pertains to delivery and regulatory charges.
He said one of his constituents printed off an explanation from the Hydro One website, explaining how charges are calculated yet when the consumer did their own calculation the numbers simply didn’t jive. “For that person they can actually bring their bill to this forum and the ombudsman should be able to provide answers,” he said.
He said he’s interested to hear what people have to say and while the ombudsman won’t be able to change policy associated with the delivery and cost of electricity, he believes that’s an area where he can help. “If someone comes in and has particular complaints to do with policy, then I can voice that at Queen’s Park when we’re back in September.”
He blames government overspending when trying to get green energy into the power grid for Ontario’s high hydro rates. “I would highly encourage anyone who has an interest, to get the Auditor General’s 2015 annual report and read the section on electricity. That explains a lot about why Ontario is facing some of the highest hydro costs in North America.”
Miller said the more people attend and speak up, the better.
Don’t miss out on Doppler! Sign up for our free, twice-weekly newsletter here.
What happened to the original concept of Ontario Hydro “POWER AT COST”