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Ontario consumers to have the power to choose electricity retailersOntario Ministry of Energy, NEWS RELEASE - 21 February, 2000 TORONTO - Starting in March, Ontarians will have the ability to choose their electricity supplier from one of several licensed energy retailers, Minister of Energy, Science and Technology Jim Wilson announced today at the launch of the government's consumer education campaign on the opening of the electricity market. "We're giving people the power to choose. Ontarians can flip the switch to the competition or they can remain with their current supplier," said Wilson. "We're suggesting that electricity customers consider all of their options and make informed choices. And we want to provide them with the tools to make those choices." To protect consumers, every electricity retailer must be licensed by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and, as a condition of their licence, must adhere to a strict code of conduct. Starting next month, licensed retailers will be allowed to start contracting with customers to sell them electricity and other services. Delivery of these services would start in November, 2000, when Ontario's competitive electricity market opens. "Consumers will have time to evaluate and make their choices since the competitive market won't open until November, 2000. What we're telling people is that it's in their best interests to consider all the alternatives, check out the prices and services they're being offered, and make an informed choice," he said. The campaign was officially kicked-off today by Minister Wilson in Toronto where the Minister switched on a tree of lights symbolizing the power to choose and the variety of options consumers will have when retailing of electricity begins next month. Advertising will help answer consumers' questions on electricity competition and provide them with sources of additional information. Ontarians can call 1-888-668-4636 (toll free), visit our Website (www.est.gov.on.ca), or request information through e-mail (fyi@est.gov.on.ca). For further information contact: Mike Krizanc Brian LeGrow | |
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