Your Utility Costs:
Ontario Hydro electricity prices, water
and natural gas energy rates

brought to you by the Ontario Tenant Toronto Tenants web site

Ontario Hydro privatization, deregulation of electricity in Ontario, electricity rates, and hydro electricity contracts. What does it all mean?

Note: Effective May 1, 2007, the Ontario Energy Board has changed the price of electricity for residential consumers, for consumers that use less than 250,000 kilowatt hours per year, and consumers in the municipal, university, school and hospital sectors which will be 5.3 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the first 600 kWh they use each month (750kWh for non-residential customers,) and 6.2 cents per kWh for electricity used per month over this amount. This will be reflected on the "Electricity" line on consumers' bills. From November to April the change to the higher electricity rate will be above 1000kWh. This is up from 4.3 cents per kilowatt hour in 2003, which in 2004 increased to 4.7 cents per kilowatt hour on the first 750 kilowatt hours of electricity consumed per month and 5.5 cents above that, and increased again in 2005 to 5.0 cents per kWh and 5.8 cents for everything over 750 kWh.

There will also be changes in the price of delivering electricity from generators to utilities and then to consumers. The changes to distribution rates, reflected on the "Delivery" line of consumer bills, will vary for each utility.

Read the First Reading version of Ontario Bill 21, introduced February 2006: Energy Conservation Leadership Act, 2005 which is to legislate "smart meters" among other measures.

Tenants, you are paying for utilities such as your water, electricity (hydro) and natural gas (usually for your heating) whether you know it or not. These are a part of your rent except for some people who pay for their electricity directly to the "hydro" company.

Tenants who have electrical heating as do many buildings in St. Jamestown and one in Parkdale (Toronto) will be devestated, (many economically evicted,) with the increases in charges for electricity. And just as many of us had faced large above guideline rent increases in 2002 due to the temporary spike in natural gas prices at the end of 2000, in 2004 and onwards most of us will be receiving above guideline rent increases due to increased electricity rates electricity in Ontario plus another spike in natural gas rates.

Under the Tenant Protection Act, Statues of Ontario, landlords get to triple-dip on these items. Landlords can pass on any increase in utilities to tenants with no maximum (except for where you pay your electricity bills directly where you will pay the increase directly to your hydro utility company,) on top of the annual Guideline Increase under this law. This Guidline Increase is based upon the Consumer Price Index which already includes utilities, plus a 2% a year bonus for the landlords that is not manaded for repairs or anything it is just increasing profit we tenants have to pay! That means that you pay for increased utility rates in the Guideline Amount that landlords are allowed to automatically increase rents by, plus each year you pay a 2% bonus to the landlord that is part of the Guideline amount, plus you pay again for any utility increases, either to the utility company or in an "Above Guideline" increase the landlord can apply for! Is that fair? Of course not.

If hydro is included in your rent, the landlord can and will likely apply for an above guideline rent increase based upon the increases. You will need to check any landlord applications for above guideline rent increases closely to see if they subtracted the rebates or to see if they have chosen a time period that purposely excludes the date when any hydro rebate was paid.

Here is the full version of a letter I wrote, on Ontario Hydro price hikes, tenants and electric heating bills, written in December 2001, that was printed in a couple of newspapers.

Here are my household electricity savings tips for tenants.

My power blackout tips for tenants.

Ontario Electricity Rates

I watched television with disgust, on Tuesday, December 18, 2001, as Ontario Premier Mike Harris justified Ontario Hydro privatization in various speeches with: "more choice and lower prices," "more choice and lower rates" as well as using "more choice and greater savings." I sure don't believe it!

The privatization of our Hydro electric system will affect more than just our rents and hydro bills, it affects the cost of everything, because electricity is part of the cost of all services and goods. It will affect ou r schools, our hospitals, the costs to public transit particularly when there are subways and streetcars. And what may eventually be the biggest effect, it may cost Ontario a lot of jobs, as employers move to where electricity costs are cheaper, once our rates start going up.

Don't believe the promises of the government leading up to the Ontario election. While they said they stopped the privatization of Ontario Hydro, they only stopped the privatization of the hydro transmission lines (from the generators to the local distributors,) while continuing to sell off (or lease) the power generation, and allowing the privatization of the local distribution. I would not believe the price freeze either, as that was promised by Alberta Premier Ralph Klein as a long-term fix, but it only lasted 8 months, until after he was re-elected, and that eight month freeze on retail rates costs Alberta taxpayers billions of dollars. While the retail price we are paying for hydro has been frozen at 4.3 cents/kWh, the wholesale price has been allowed to float, and it is the taxpayer who ultimately has to pay the difference to the electricity marketing companies through increased taxes and/or an increase in the hydro debt. We are being bought off with our own dollars leading up to an election. And the first 10 months of this "price freeze" has so far cost over $1 billion. In the meantime, it is estimated that the government's lease of the Bruce Nuclear plant will provide up to $50 billion in profit over the next 18 years to the private company that is being allowed to lease it. They get to reap the profits while Ontario taxpayers are responsible for the debt and eventual decommissioning of it.

The house that private power built: Casa Loma

To find out more about the effects of Ontario's electricity deregulation and Ontario Hydro privatization and its effects visit the Ontario Electricity Coalition here. The Ontario Electricity Coalition now has a petition against the privitization you can sign here.

We must all get involved in this fight to stop the selloff of these public assets. And just because May 1 is the date at which private resellers contracts come into effect does not mean the battle has been lost.It will take a while before all of the intended privatizations of both supplies and distribution has been completed. We all need to get involved before this boondoggle kills our jobs, our institutions, and the costs to all alike.

It is a good idea to complain about this sell-off of the public interest by writing to the editor of various newpapers which you can access from my media links page in addition to contacting television and radio stations and writing letters to your community newspaper voicing how this will impact you as a tenant, as a senior, as a homeowner, as a worker whose employer will be facing greater costs which is likely to lead to layoffs and jobs being taken south, etc.. You should also contact your muncipical, provincial and federal politicians, whom you can find from my government home page links.

If you need to send a complaint to the Ontario Energy Board you can click here: Complaints to the Ontario Energy Board or visit the website of the Ontario Energy Board, the regulator of Ontario's electricity and natural gas industries.

Ontario Hydro joins sales rush, Toronto Star article, Saturday, May 19, 2001, by John Spears.This is the first report that ever exposed this issue of unscrupulous door-to-door hydro salesmen in Ontario. As you will read, it was I who filed the complaint. That is why this was one of the first issues outside of tenants' rights covered by this web site.

Hydro sales firms fined $56,500 for false practices, by Joan Walters, Hamilton Spectator, April 27, 2002

Ontario power prices rival rates set in U.S., Globe and Mail, September 25, 2002

Beware fixed-price hydro contracts, Canadian Press, December 18, 2002

Direct Energy and Ontario Energy Savings Corp fined over contract forgeries, Toronto Star, June 21, 2003

Why Hydro customers must pay for power they don’t use, The Kingston Whig Standard July 2, 2003

New rules for energy sales urged; Consumers to get more information, Toronto Star, October 30, 2003

Ontario Energy Board lays out new rules for Hydro security deposits, CP, February 3, 2004

London Hydro to repay $3.5M. New rules will force it to give back security deposits, London Free Press, Feb. 11, 2004

View a graph of Ontario electricity costs from the Independent Electricity System Operator IESO, but remember that in peak times these wholesale prices can be extremely misleading because they only include domestically produced electricity and exclude the cost of imported power.

Its Greed Stupid! Debunking the Ten Myths of Utility Dereguation by Public Citizen, January 30, 2001, a U.S. publication

Tories electricity plan spells financial disaster Myron Gordon and John Wilson, Toronto Star, April 30, 2001

Executive summary of: Lessons from Alberta on the De-regulation of the Electricity Industry, by Rick Wallace, for The Parkland Institute,The University of Alberta, April, 2001. Sorry, the full report is no longer available online, but can be purchased from Parkland Institute publications.

The Impact of Electricity Deregulation on Alberta small and medium-sized business, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Alberta Branch, July 2001 (PDF Adobe file)

The Harris government is going to spend $2.3 Million of taxpayer money to put their own spin on this issue according to Electrifying Ad Campaign, Toronto Sun, January 24, 2002

Electrical deregulation costly, report says, By Richard Cairney, University of Alberta, Express News, April 26, 2001

Ontario Liberals' McGuinty calls for breakup of Ontario Power Generation, by Paul Vieira, Fin. Post, March 15, 2002

The Klein privatization of Alberta Hydro has so far cost their province $4 Billion, Calgary Herald, March 29, 2002

Disastrous electric power privatization, Ontarians will pay a steep price for squandering hydro wealth, by Myron J.Gordon, April 4, 2002, Adobe Acrobat PDF file An important document

A soaring hydro bill raises grave doubts about privatization, Linda Leatherdale, Toronto Sun, April 7, 2002

Ontario Hydro following Enron plot, Montreal Gazette, May 10, 2002

McGuinty admits to flip-flopping position on Hydro One privatization, Canadian Press, June 3, 2002

Distorted information (on how the posted prices do not accurately reflect actual costs,) Toronto Star, July 5, 2002

Landlord refuses to pay 'exorbitant' hydro bill, Kitchener Waterloo Record, October 11, 2002

John Manley: GST stays on hydro tax, Ottawa Sun, October 23, 2002

Plan would give U.S. a say on our energy, Toronto Star, January 9, 2003

U.S. eyes Canadian energy, Toronto Star, January 13, 2003

Hydro trader pays $1.6M for failed imports, Toronto Star, February 19, 2003

Powerex accused of electricity price rigging, Vancouver Sun, March 4, 2003

Users warned to cut back on Hydro or face electricity brownouts, Ottawa Sun, March 4, 2003

Alberta pays highest power rates, CP, March 6, 2003

Agencies fear hydro cutoffs will hurt children London Free Press, March 11, 2003

Hydro vulnerable to weather: IMO, Toronto Star, March 26, 2003

Widespread hydro price gouging found in California, Associated Press, March 27, 2003

U.S. wants to liberate our energy, by Linda McQuaig, Toronto Star, April 19, 2003

Power shortfall worsens, IMO says, Toronto Star, May 29, 2003

Public in dark on electricity pricing, Natural gas system regarded as model, Star, June 26, 2003

Don't privatize nuclear inspections, Pickering urges, Toronto Star, September 16, 2003

How did we get into this mess?, Toronto Star, September 17, 2003

How serious is this mess?, Toronto Star, September 18, 2003

Six key steps Queen's Park must take to ensure a safe, reliable power for Ontario, Toronto Star, Sept 19, 2003

Hydro prices take flight, Toronto Star, October 3, 2003

Hydro issues a 'delayed timer fuse', Canadian Press, October 19, 2003

Hydro vs Coal: Facts at-a-glance, Canadian Press, October 19, 2003

Coal plants closings may cost $1B, Canadian Press, October 27, 2003

Liberals raise hydro rates despite vow, London Free Press, November 26, 2003

Hydro bills jump by $5-$9, Liberals break promise, abolish price cap starting in April, Toronto Star, Nov 26, 2003

Energy policy needed before lights go out, Toronto Star, November 27, 2003

OPG exec's bonuses 'astounding': Minister, Canadian Press, December 5, 2003

Close deregulated electricity market, by John Wilson, Toronto Star, December 10, 2003

Hungry for Power: On the adequate supply of reliable energy to Toronto Toronto Star Dec 24/03

Power shortfall looming: Report, Canadian Press, January 14, 2004

Ontario needs to set strict parameters for energy providers, by John Wilson, Toronto Star, Jan. 27, 2004

Revised Ontario Energy Board recruits three new members (conflict of interest?), Toronto Star, February 14, 2004

Hydro chief returns to $1 million club, Toronto Star, February 17, 2004

Cutting coal-fired plants questioned when natural gas supplies dwinding Toronto Star Feb 24/04

3-way split urged for OPG. Separate units for hydro, nukes, coal, Toronto Star, February 26, 2004

Untendered Hydro contracts call for review, Hamilton Spectator, February 26, 2004

Ontarians willing to pay higher electricity bills, Duncan says, Globe and Mail, March 3, 2004

Ontario hires Chretien crony for hydro inquiry, Toronto Sun, March 5, 2004

OPG deal not political, Premier says, Toronto Star, March 7, 2004

Threatened lawsuit to silence critics of untendered Hydro One contracts, Toronto Star, March 15, 2004

Nuclear power plants should go private: Manley review, Toronto Sun, March 18, 2004

Harris tipped $18.5Gs for Hydro One advice, Toronto Sun, March 18, 2004

Natural gas, hydro going up, London Free Press, Mar 25/04

`Smart meters' will cost us, Toronto Star, March 27, 2004

Private nuclear power operators backed by John Manley, Toronto Star, March 30, 2004

Independent Electricity Market Operator warns of power shortfalls, Canadian Press, March 31, 2004

Ontario's poor cannot cope with electricity bill increases, Editorial, Toronto Star, April 1, 2004

Hydro Costs Add Up for School Boards 580 CFRA Ottawa radio Apr 2/04

Energy accountability. Justice in market gaming is late but welcome Long Beach Press Telegram Apr 13/04

Ralph Klein's Alberta electricity migraine Editorial, Toronto Star April 14/04

Hydro power price caps will end: Ontario Energy Minister Dwight Duncan CP April 15/04

Blowing fuse on caps, Linda Leatherdale accuses McGuinty of being a liar, Toronto Sun, April 16/04

California faces repeat of deregulation debate AP April 16/04

Ontario-wide smart meters planned G&M April 19/04

Ontario Power Generation CEO made $8.3M over 5 years CP April 28/04

Enron gouged customers of $1.1 Billion, utility says AP Jun 14/04

Ex-OPG boss says coal needed to keep lights on Toronto Sun Jul 10/04

Ontario's appetite for energy will triple its generating capacity by 2020 Toronto Star Jul 25/04

Higher hydro prices predicted in Ontario CP Aug 9/04. Ontario Energy Minister Dwight Duncan says it looks like natural gas is "running out" (yet he is still supporting replacing coal-fired generating plants with natural gas.

Premier McGuinty's brother gets job with Hydro Ottawa Ottawa Sun Aug 10/04

The darkness may return: Premier McGuinty Toronto Sun Aug 13/04

Ontario Liberal policies could provoke spiralling electricity costs G&M Aug 23/04

Hydro reform will cost us, report says. Privatization bad move: British expert - Ontario's Energy Minister disagrees CP Aug 24/04

Hydro costs threatens Ontario jobs CP Aug 25/04

Ontario Energy minister defends tourney, Won't influence bids, Duncan says Toronto Star Aug 26/04

Ontario scrambles to replace coal-fired power plants Toronto Star Aug 28/04

Power play in billing, Peak-period users face Extra Fees Toronto Sun Sep 8/04

Meter is now running on apartment and condominium plan Toronto Star Sep 9/04

Poor hit hardest by power price hike Toronto Star Sep 25/04

Ontario Power Generation mercury emissions up, Canadian Press, September 27, 2004

Business owners feeling pressure of higher energy costs: survey, Ottawa Business Journal, October 1, 2004

New hydro bills to be easier to understand; Critics say reform will hide costs Toronto Star Oct 22/04

Ontario hydro customers could have to pay $2.3 billion for smart meters CP Oct 29/04

Utility urged to exempt poor from electricity deposit Stoney Creek News Oct 29/04

OEB outlines `smart meter' plan CP Nov 9/04

Pollution Probe calls for higher hydro rates Toronto Star Nov 17/04

Province criticized for OPG mandate Toronto Star Nov 18/04

Wind-power deal fans charges of cronyism Toronto Star Nov 26/04

Hydro proposal would double peak-time costs Toronto Star Nov 30/04

Legislature passes bill to restructure energy sector CP Dec 9/04

Ontario Bill 100: Why is McGuinty giving the U.S. our power? Ontario Electricity Coalition Dec 10/04

Firms give tenants separate meters. Advocates fear change could hurt poor Toronto Star Dec 15/04

Energy price, supply top list of concerns. Ontarians feel interests not being protected Toronto Star Jan 8/05

Electricity rates will vary by household and season, `Smart meter' to apply three fees Toronto Star Jan 18/05

Energy board to spend 81% more. Consulting fees more than double Toronto Star Jan 20/05

We're wired to pay more for power CP Jan 21/05

Smart meter cost may double, $3 to $4 more on monthly electricity bills Toronto Star Jan 27/05

Revised `smart meter' program may add to costs Toronto Star Feb 10/05

McGuinty contradicts energy minister on who will pay higher hydro rates CP Feb 22/05

Liberals sneak in hydro hikes: NDP Toronto Star Feb 23/05

Consumers said in dark on hydro prices Toronto Star Mar 2/05

Poorest families could tip over edge London Free Press Mar 12/05

Ontario power bills going up again CP Mar 18/05

Energy costs hurting northern Ontario economy Toronto Sun Apr 10/05

Ontario law firms gear up for energy boomlet G&M Apr 11/05

Ontario gives 4 private companies green light to produce electricity CP Apr 13/05

London Hydro deposit policy to go to council London Free Press Apr 13/05

McGuinty's Electricity Plan: A Recipe for Brownouts and Blackouts Power Workers Union Apr 15/05

The hunt for 7,500 megawatts Toronto Star Apr 16/05

Town acts to save coal-fired plant Thunder Bay Chronical Journal Apr 25/05

It's bye to coal Toronto Sun Apr 27/05

Lakeview power plant closing won't drain power: McGuinty CP Apr 28/05

Liberals compromise objective analysis of electricity supply options Power Workers' Union May 2/05

Ontario reviews replacing coal with expanded nuclear plants G&M May 3/05

Ontario tenants could face energy bills Toronto Star May 6/05

Hydro One profit jumps CP May 13/05

Clean coal: Soot gets another look G&M May 26/05

High oil and gas prices will sustain uranium boom G&M May 27/05

Ontario's push to privatize power infrastructure Financial Post May 30/05 A must read

Ontario Should Sell Its Energy Infrastructure says Energy Minister Bloomberg May 30/05

Liberals Disclose Expensive Folly of Private Natural Gas Electricity Plants Power Worker's Union May 31/05

'Fiberals' strike again CP Jun 15/05

Soaring electricity prices have pushed Northern Ontario's Bowater mill into a crisis G&M Jul 05/05

Toronto needs more hydro facilities: IESO Broadcast News Jul 9/05

Without new power plants, Toronto blackouts loom G&M Jul 9/05

Province's hydro firms urge Ontarians to save energy or face rolling blackouts Ottawa Sun Jul 19/05

High-priced hydro imports soaring Toronto Star Jul 19/05

Shortages aren't over, Duncan says National Post Jul 22/05

Soaring hydro rates force firms to reconsider expansion plans G&M Jul 25/05

High energy costs hurt Ontario industryToronto Star Jul 27/05

Ontario on brink of blackout CP Aug 3/05

Hydro One profit nearly doubles to $115 million in second quarter CP Aug 5/05

Reliant to Pay $460 Million to Settle Energy Manipulation Claims Bloomberg Aug 15/05

Nuclear plants needed: Ontario Energy Minister Dwight Duncan Toronto Star Aug 20/05

Energy costs trigger Ontario plant closing Globe and Mail Sept 1/05

Plan for higher energy bills: Dwight Duncan CP Sept 16/05

Ontario needs coal power alongside more nuclear power CP Sept 22/05

Power agency warns of dark days Ottawa Sun Sept 28/05

Two Lambton coal-fired units are deemed among North America's cleanest CP Oct 6/05

Ontario faces major decisions as future of power grid outlined CP Oct 10/05

Plan for smart meters on track, Ontario Energy Minister says CP Oct 13/05

Smart meter costs add up London Free Press Oct 24/05

Ontario sets deadline for 'smart meter' rollout CTV Nov 3/05

Smart meters a waste Letter to the Editor, Lindsay This Week Nov 4/05

$marting meters, not smart meters Woodstock Sentinal Review Nov 9/05

Ontario passes law to cut power to marijuana grow-ops CP Dec 14/05

Coal plants should stay open: Report CP Feb 2/06

Coal plants may run longer Toronto Star Feb 4/06

Could we get by without new power? Toronto Star Feb 4/06

Higher demand boosts OPG's profit CP Feb 10/06

Nuclear power hearings a 'sham,' activists say CP Feb 13/06

Energy costs fuel demand for fluorescents AP Feb 27/06

Smart meters bring clash over hydro Toronto Star Feb 27/06

Hydro offers cheaper generator bid Toronto Star Feb 27/06

East-end power struggle Toronto Sun Feb 27/06

Get ready 'smart' meters coming CP Feb 28/06

Ontario government too hasty on nuclear power Toronto Star Feb 28/06

No guarantees against Ontario blackouts Toronto Star March 1/06

Ontario cannot afford to give up coal Toronto Star March 3/06

Mercury in fluorescent bulbs risky Toronto Star March 4/06

Hydro chief got big salary boost in '05 CP March 31/06

Figuring out why your Hydro bill is so darned long Ottawa Citizen, April 11/06

Hydro fees jump up to 15% CBC, April 12/06

City of Ottawa bans Fluorescent Bulbs from garbage because of toxic mercury content CBC, April 12/06

Ontario power rates set to jump as execs rake it in Ottawa Business Journal, April 12/06

Opposition bombast veils facts of rate hike Toronto Star, April 19/06

New power plant or `valley of death' Toronto Star, May 2/06

Crisis building in power system Toronto Star, May 4/06

Large Ontario Apartment Manager Submeters Suites to Conserve Electricity CCN Mathews, May 9/06

New system will attempt to avoid power blackouts CTV, May 11/06

Triacta's smart meters break into Toronto market Ottawa Business Journal, May 31/06

Estimates of Ontario's electricity reserves 'miscalculated': sources CP, June 8/06

Coal-fired power plants to stay open in Ontario CTV, June 9/06

Another McGuinty promise bites the dust as summer energy demands underestimated Toronto Sun, June 10/06

Hydro defends power cutoff Ottawa Citizen, June 13/06

Ontario opts for nuclear plants Toronto Star, June 13/06

Accept nukes, McGuinty says Toronto Star, June 13/06

Nuclear issue will frame next vote Toronto Star, June 14/06

Power to the people: Energy salaries top list, Toronto Star, March 31, 07

Direct Energy chided for 'sloppiness', Toronto Star, June 9/07

Ontario urges customers to conserve power Reuters Canada, June 27/07

OEB issues code amendments for the Smart Metering Initiative transition period OEB, June 27/07

Reactor outages, sticky temperatures prompt first call for energy conservation Toronto Star, June 27/07

Landfill sites hide electricity potential Toronto Star, June 27/07

Nuclear selloff in works, Toronto Star, July 6/07

Project recycles trash gas, Toronto Sun, Jul 23/07

Long, slow road to meeting nuclear power needs, Toronto Star, Aug 11/07

Power authority chief stirs conflict-of-interest fears, Toronto Star, Aug 15/07

OPG hurt by Pickering's poor power performance, Toronto Star, Aug 18/07

The Ontario Power Authorites nuclear vision, Toronto Star, Aug 30/07

City making green electricity, Northern Life, Nov 7/07

Parties unplug debate on privatized power system, Toronto Star, Sep 27/07

Clean, green power - but at what price?, Toronto Star, Sep 29/07

Bruce shuts Ontario Bruce 3 reactor for maintenance, Reuters, Oct 1/07

OPG Ontario Pickering 4 reactor shut for work, Reuters Canada, Oct 9/07

Strong Canadian dollar helps jolt Ontario electricity rates down 4.8 per cent: OEB, CP, Oct 12/07

Ottawa to explore coal as energy solution, Calgary Sun, Oct 13/07

$245M offered for London Hydro, London Free Press, Oct 17/07

London Hydro mulls $245M offer, London Free Press, Oct 18/07

Peak power demand down in Ontario, CP, Oct 18/07

Wind in their sales, Ottawa Citizen, Oct 21/07

It's time to nuke Ontario, Toronto Sun, Oct 28/07

Leaders mute on hydro debt, by John Wilson, Toronto Star, Nov 1/07

OPG says hydro rates too low, wants increase, CP, Nov 2/07

3% hydro hike sought, Toronto Star, Nov 2/07

Expanding economy needs new nuclear plants, Toronto Star, Nov 2/07

Monthly hydro bills set to rise, Toronto Star, Nov 3/07

Government caught in middle of electricity rate battle, Toronto Star, Nov 5/07

Ontarians urged to embrace energy conservation, CP, Nov 7/07

For energy, timing is everything, (time-of-use smart meters,) Toronto Star, Nov 19/07

High stakes at Bruce Power, Toronto Star, Dec 8/07

Hydro Quebec shelves smart meters, CBC, Dec 10/07

Ontario should get smart, follow Hydro Quebec decision to abandon time-of-use meters, Ontario Electricity Coalition, Dec 12/07

Electricity metering not so smart, by John Wilson, Toronto Star, Dec 13/07

Ontario equipped to power normal weather, CP, Dec 18/07

Optimize use of power transmission lines, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, CKNX, Dec 31/07

Ontario moving ahead in wind energy, Orangeville Citizen, Jan 03/08

Has government explored all energy options?, Owen Sound Times, May 24/08

Echoes of Hydro One, Financial Post, May 24/08

New reactors for Darlington, Toronto Star, June 16/08

Darlington to get 2 new reactors, Toronto Star, June 17/08

Renters wary of smart meters, Toronto Star, June 17/08

Darlington announcement generates cheers, jeers in region, Toronto Star, June 17/08

With two proposed reactors, Saskatchewan joins Ontario in nuclear renaissance, Globe and Mail, June 18/08

Ontario aiming to lead 'nuclear renaissance', Toronto Star, June 18/08

Smitherman gets power job, Toronto Star, June 19/08

Ontario eyed for wind turbine factory, Toronto Star, June 19/08

Ontario pioneers fluorescent recycling, Toronto Star, June 19/08

Darlington the backbone of Ontario's power system, Toronto Star, June 20/08

Behind the costs at Darlington, Toronto Star, June 22/08

Ontario urged to turn down electricity expansion, Toronto Star, October 8/08

OEB raises electricity rates more than 10%, Canadian Press, October 16/08

Electricity cost rising in November, Toronto Star, October 16/08

Hydro wallop adds to economic pain, Toronto Sun, October 16/08

Ontario' regulatory process for electricity has broken down, National Post, October 21/08

You can't drive this hybrid electric, Toronto Star, October 27/08

Wind study forum too big a hit, Toronto Star, October 28/08

Bluffs 'only option' for wind farm, Toronto Star, October 29/08

Ontario government opposes two possible new nuclear reactors from Bruce Power, Canadian Press, October 31/08

Wind farm opponents turn up heat, Toronto Star, October 30/08

On conservation, Ontario energy czar condescends, Toronto Star, November 1/08

Smitherman rejects Nanticoke nuke plan, Toronto Star, November 1/08

Ontario delays deadline for final bids on two new nuclear reactors, Canadian Press, November 4/08

Enersource Corporation: Forging Ahead on Smart Meter Deployment in Mississauga, Marketwire Press Release, November 4/08

Conservation experts urged for businesses, hospitals and schools, Toronto Star, November 5/08

Beware of Energy Marketers trying to sign you for contracts, Pembroke Daily Observer, November 7/08

Energy use up across Canada, Edmonton Sun, November 19/08

Energy plan targets soaring costs, Toronto Star, March 11/09

Installation of Smart-Metering Systems in Residential Complexes, Ontario Energy Board, March 24/09

Win-win on power plant, Toronto Star, Sep 14/09

Sustainable energy plan has rivals green with envy, Toronto Star, Sep 14/09

Prepare yourself for an energy shock, Toronto Sun, Jan. 16, 2010

Blueprint extends life of Pickering, Darlington plants, Toronto Star, Feb 9, 2010

So much is happening and has been written on this issue that I have moved the links to Ontario hydro electricity reports, studies and over 600 articles here. These are only in order by date so that page is primarily for research purposes, and not for the light reader. (Some 2005 links are not yet working.)

Read my Power Blackout Outage Tips for tenants.

Ontario Tories must act on blackout risk, by John Wilson, Toronto Star, July 15, 2003 Talk about foreshadowing !

Lack of government leadership before and during the blackout of August 16, 2003, Globe and Mail, August 16, 2003

High-rises apartments run dry as pumps fall silent in power blackout, Globe and Mail, August 16, 2003

Alone in the dark. Some Toronto seniors may not know what happened, Toronto Sun, August 16, 2003

Why do we suffer power blackouts?, Toronto Star, August 17, 2003

Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty against compensation for those who suffered losses in blackout, London Free Press, Aug. 23, 2003

Preventing the next blackout, by John Wilson, Toronto Star, August 19, 2003

Electricity facts, Globe and Mail, August 19, 2003

Power reform urgent, Toronto Sun, April 6, 2004

Why a Blackout Can Happen Again, NBC, August 12, 2004

Lights out, no one at home Toronto Sun Apr 6/05

20 seconds from another blackout? Toronto Star Jun 22/05

Experts Assess Deregulation as Factor in '03 Blackout New York Times Sept 16/05

Interim Report: Cause of the August 14 Blackout in the United States and Canada, U.S.-Canada Power System Outage Task Force

On Thursday, August 9, 2001, there was a public forum on electrical deregulation in Ontario, held at the Emmanuel-Howard Park United Church Hall. Bruno Solano, President of CUPE Local 1, Toronto Hydro, and Joyce Nobel a former hydro worker, discussed how for all of its history Toronto Hydro was run by the City of Toronto as a "consumer-cooperative" that set rates to break even; there was to be no profit. Now the City of Toronto (Mississauga has done the same) has turned it into a supposedly arms-length corporation, on which it wants profits, which Mr. Solano said was told to start bringing in $150,000,000 a year by 2005, to go into city coffers. This is clearly a hidden tax the city wants to impose on residents. How much would it mean to tenants? And Mr. Solano's predictions are coming too true. For 2004 the City of Toronto is to receive $25 million in "dividends" plus $67 million in "interest" from the new Toronto Hydro, and this $92 million a year windfall works out to be a $36 a year hidden tax for each woman, man and child in Toronto much of it hidden in higher rents.

Since they are trying to increase profits they are also reducing staffing and preventative maintenance, both essential to maintain a reliable source of electricity. In four or five years will brown-outs become the norm? And heaven help us should be get a bad ice storm.

Energy Probe opposes rate cushioning says local utility rate increase "scam people". Toronto Star Aug 12, 2000

Buying Hydro, twice is an Oct 23/01 editorial that outlines the mechanics of how the City of Toronto is using Toronto Hydro as a new source of income.

Hydro Ottawa to raise rates in March Ottawa Citizen Jan 31/02

Toronto's out-of-sight Hydro kitty, by John Spears, Toronto Star Mar 30/02

Toronto Hydro quadrupled 2002 profits Toronto Star Apr 2/03

Landlords battling city over utility bills London Free Press Nov 30/03

Toronto Hydro's annual profit more than doubles to $95.6 million CP Feb 27/04

City of Toronto won't be calling in Toronto Hydro loan Toronto Star Apr 6/04

Utility would pay City of Ottawa $18M a year in dividends Ottawa Citizen Aug 12/04

Ottawa Chamber of Commerce cool to Hydro Ottawa payout Ottawa Sun Aug 17/04

Toronto Hydro boosts city's dividend Toronto Star Oct 8/04

City windfall, over merger of Hamilton Utilities Corporation and St. Catharines Hydro Hamilton Mountain News Nov 5/04

Hydro Ottawa applies for rate increase effective April 1st Hydro Ottawa Press Release Jan 17/05

Toronto Hydro bill may jump 5.5% Toronto Star Jan 28/05

Electricity rates headed up London Free Press Feb 1/05

Hydro Ottawa receives approval for April 1 rate increase CNW Mar 23/05

Local distribution costs adds the shock to electricity bills in Ontario G&M Apr 5/05

Enersource pays its first dividend Toronto Star Apr 20/05

Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited seeks electricity rate reduction for all Toronto customers CNW Aug 4/05

Toronto Hydro proposal could result in savings Globe and Mail Sept 21/05

In the end, Harris could help Miller Toronto Star Feb 20/06

Hydro Ottawa Shouldn't Be City's Cash Cow 580 Radio Ottawa, April 13/06

Toronto Hydro asks for 4% rate hike, Toronto Star, Aug 4/07

How much will your rent rise due to increasing charges for water?

This is expected to diproportionately hurt the poor who are already struggling just to pay the rent. Will other cities follow North Bay's lead? Water bill hike gets the nod North Bay Nugget Sep 5/01

City of Toronto seeks water rate hike Toronto Sun Oct 30/02

Water Sell-off on tap, Dealing underway as water giants set up shop, Now Weekly, April 4-10, 2002

Canadians abusing water supply Toronto Star Aug 27/03

City to tap water bills for cash Toronto Sun Jan 13/04

Dead in the Water, CBC Fifth Estate special, March 31, 2004, on the shortage of water and the very negative effects of privatization.

Great Lakes proposal a mistake, report says. Deal allows water diversion, critic says Toronto Star Oct 16/04

We'll pay piper in water rates. Hikes of up to 62% over the next 10 years Toronto Sun Nov 3/04

City plans water rate hike. Expect 62% increase by 2012 Toronto Star Nov 4/04

Toronto water rates rise 6% Toronto Star Dec 3/04

City water bills to increase 9% annually to 2013 Toronto Sun Nov 30/05

The POLIS Project - EcoResearch on Environmental Law and Policy University of Victoria

In the winter of 2000, there was a jump in natural gas prices, peaking at about 4 times the present price and averaging about 2.5 times the present average. There were claims of a natural gas shortage while hundreds of "sweet gas" wells lie capped in the very shallow and accessible waters of Lake Erie. Sweet gas is a term used for the purest natural gas.

Experts mostly agree the natural gas price spike of late 2000/early 2001 was due to market manipulation, and that the further spike in January 2003 was due to speculators and not due to any shortage.

To understand how this affects Ontario tenants, and how the Tenant Protection Act, permits landlords to get this increase twice, plus get a 2% bonus, you can visit the Rent Increase Guideline section of my Current Issues page.

Natural Gas Prices Rising CP Jan 5/02

Enbridge hikes natural gas rates 25 per cent CP Mar 29/03

Natural gas supply lagging, U.S. told AP Jun 11/03

Enbridge customers hit with surcharge Toronto Star Jul 1/03

EnCana subsidiary settles energy trading charges Natural Gas price manipulation CP Jul 29/03

Surge in natural gas prices brings fear of sharply higher heating costs AP Dec 16/03

Recent price spikes prompt familiar calls for inquiries Sign On San Diego Jan 11/03

Six firms settle over natural gas index reporting Houston Chronicle Jan 28/04

Aquila will pay $26.5 million in natural gas prices investigation, AP, January 29, 2004

Natural gas supplies dwinding, price rising, as Ontario government pushes for switch from coal-fired generators to natural gas Toronto Star Feb 24/04

$94 hit on gas rates. Supply charge up 14% CP Mar 24/04

Direct Energy: Retailers still treating customers with disdain Toronto Star Apr 3/04

Enbridge rapped for usurious late-fee penalties Globe and Mail Apr 23/04

Utility broke law, top court rules Toronto Star Apr 23/04

Suncor profits fuelled by natural gas prices CP Jul 28/04

Ontario Energy Board approves natural gas price increase CP Sep 24/04

Big Oil greed greater issue than supply and demand The Pantagraph, Illinois, Nov 6/04

Increasing natural gas prices a puzzle AP Nov 17/04

Shell discovers deep natural-gas deposit CP Dec 9/04

Ontario Energy Board Issues Natural Gas Reporting and Record-keeping Requirements OEB Dec 23/04

Enbridge Gas wins approval for rate hike CP Dec 23/04

American Electric Power to Pay $81 Million In Gas Price Manipulation Case WBNS Ohio Jan 27/04

Canadian Gas May Rise as Heat Wave Grips Ontario, U.S. Midwest Bloomberg Aug 3/05

Canada Natural Gas May Rise on Hot Weather and Soaring Futures Bloomberg Aug 12/05

Diligence needed in tracking gas bills Toronto Star Aug 13/05

Soaring home heating costs this winter could dent consumers' budgets AP Aug 27/05

Energy Department: Gas prices could skyrocket AP Sept 8/05

Natural gas providers in area seeking rate hikes Brockville Recorder & Times Sept 8/05

Energy strategy urgently needed Toronto Star Sept 9/05

Heat billing shock Toronto Sun Sept 15/05

Heating rebate for poor likely CP Sept 18/05

Natural gas bills on rise CP Sept 24/05

Heating costs on the rise Toronto Star Sept 24/05

Heat cost rebate in works CP Sept 27/05

Canada needs plan to secure natural gas for industry, consumers: report CP Oct 5/05

Natural gas gains as Ontario, Midwest forecast turns cooler Toronto Star Oct 5/05

Ontario won't help with heating costs CP Oct 6/05

Food bank already feeling heat Ottawa Sun Oct 6/05

Feds accuse traders of manipulating natural gas Rocky Mountain News Nov 9/05

FERC 'shares concerns' on gas prices In Business Las Vega Decc 23/05

Drop secrecy of trading in natural gas Lincoln Journal Star March 26/06

NEB expects natural gas prices to keep falling CP, June 8/06

Manager of Operations for Energy Company Admits to Conspiracy to Manipulate Natural Gas Prices U.S. Newswire, June 9/06

Police the energy markets, New Jersey Star-Ledger, Jan 05/08

Former natural gas trader is sentenced, Houston Chronicle, November 3/08