Coalition takes aim at rising electricity rates
Area chamber joins group that says prices hurting province’s industry
A diverse assembly of 19 groups representing business, agriculture, manufacturing and other sectors from across Ontario have formed a coalition to pressure the provincial government over escalating hydro costs.
The coalition to be known as the Ontario Electricity Stakeholders Alliance will also demand more transparency on government decisions on electricity, introduce more competition and make “smart electricity decisions” through “rigorous cost-benefit analysis.”
The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce is among the groups that have joined the coalition, which also includes Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers and Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association.
The rising cost of electricity — “up to 400 per cent in the past number of years,” — has made it the No. 1 issue for business across Ontario, said Matt Marchand, CEO of the local chamber of commerce.
“We are a very diverse group,” he said. “We are not blaming anyone, but ( government) needs to do a better job on energy costs in Ontario — this government, the next one and the one after that. There have been many government decisions in the past that led us to where we are today.
“We need a transparent plan on how to move forward on electricity, so everyone can understand where prices are going. We want them to come down through costeffective decisions.”
By working together, the new alliance expects to carry more clout in the discussions with all parties involved.
“We will tell them ‘ here are our concerns,’ so lets start the process to get costs lower,” Marchand said.
“We need accountability, we need competition and smart electricity decisions that ensure On- tario businesses and households are getting the best value.”
Too many jobs and economic investment opportunities are being lost in Ontario as companies increasingly set up in Ohio or other midwestern states where hydro costs can be one-third of what they are in this province, he said.
“We see the impact of that right here in Windsor and Essex County,” Marchand said. “The cost of electricity has skyrocketed and has been a disincentive for business to stay here.”
We need a transparent plan on how to move forward on electricity, so everyone can understand where prices are going.