Dalton McGuinty Admits His Energy Experiments Will Double Hydro Bills

Yesterday, Dalton McGuinty admitted that the hydro bills paid by Ontario families will double over the life of his plan to pay for his smart meter tax machines, enormous subsidies to energy developers, the sweetheart Samsung deal and other experiments. This is on top of the 75% increase in hydro rates the McGuinty Liberals have overseen since 2003. In 2007, Dalton McGuinty ripped up a previously-prepared plan that would have cost $60 billion. After experimenting with energy policy over the three years, the Liberals now say their plan will cost $87 billion. Families and Dalton McGuinty’s own economic advisors know the real cost will be much higher.

QUOTES

“By Dalton McGuinty’s own admission, the average Ontario family’s hydro bill is going to double over the life of his plan, although his own advisors say that hydro bills will skyrocket even more than that. For many families, $228 is the cost of a car payment. It’s time Dalton McGuinty realized Ontario families can’t afford to pay more.” -- Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak “Premier McGuinty’s Task Force on Competitiveness, Productivity and Economic Progress say the McGuinty Liberals have grossly understated the costs families will pay for Dalton McGuinty’s costly energy experiments.” -- Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak

QUICK FACTS

According to Dalton McGuinty, residential hydro bills will double as a result of his long-term energy plan from $114 a month today to $228. When the Liberals came to office, the average residential hydro bill was $87 a month. Between 2007 and 2010, the projected cost of Dalton McGuinty’s energy experiments has increased by 45%. "The government has said that the program’s price tag will manifest itself as a 1 percent annual increase in consumers’ electricity bills. But other estimates put the cost much higher.” (Source: Task Force on Competitiveness, Productivity and Economic Progress, Ninth annual report, November 2010) CONTACT: Pema Lhalungpa | 416-325-9347 | pema.lhalungpa@pc.ola.org