Hydro rates to soar, Sun learns

Toronto Sun - September 30, 2002
By Alan Findlay and Antonella Artuso

Hydro One is preparing a major electricity rate change for rural Ontario this spring that could see power bills rise by up to 40% for more than 200,000 customers, Sun Media has learned.

Caledon, Rockland, Exeter, Dryden, Arkona and Wyoming are among 17 municipalities whose residential bills face major overhauls as the provincially owned Hydro One prepares to harmonize bills across the province.

According to a presentation given to industry stakeholders last week, the average household monthly bill could increase by as much as $30 under one scenario being considered.

RATE INCREASE

Electricity consumers across Ontario have already been hit with numerous rate increases in recent months, including distribution, generation and administration charges.

The possibility of another increase comes after the company embarked on a major expansion from 1998 to 2000, buying up local utilities.

Currently, the municipal utilities bought up by Hydro One have a wide range of rates. The lowest residential customer bills among them are in Arkona, where a typical home pays about $73 a month for electricity. Under one plan, the average household's bill at all the affected municipalities would be more than $103.

Bills for Toronto, Ottawa and London would be $82.16, $74.98 and $80.66 respectively.

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