Shocking revelation

Minister admits hydro bill 'gobbledygook'

Toronto Sun - October 9, 2002
By Alan Findlay

Confused by your new electricity bill? Don't worry, Ontario's energy minister doesn't understand it either.

Answering questions in a committee yesterday, Energy Minister John Baird called the bills "gobbledygook" and needed ministry staff to explain itemized charges for him, including the Wholesale Market Surcharge ostensibly used to pay down an ever-increasing hydro debt.

Liberal MPP and party hydro critic Michael Bryant skewered Baird repeatedly as he sought help in explaining various lines on a hydro bill.

"I find it kind of astounding the energy minister cannot translate an energy bill," Bryant said. "Ontario consumers are expected to do so and I think they expect you to do so as well."

"It's much like a tax form," Baird said, conceding that Bryant had made his point. "It's much like a lot of gobbledygook people get from government and I agree with you wholeheartedly."

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