The London Free Press
April 1, 2005

Toronto: Flicking on the light switch in Ontario is going to cost more starting today, when electricity rates for residential users rise as much as 10 per cent. Consumers should expect prices to continue going up, said Tom Adams, executive director of Energy Probe.

"That’s quite certain," Adams said. "The only uncertainty is how high will it go."

As of today, residential consumers will pay five cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity – up from 4.7 cents – for the first 750 kilowatt-hours used each month. Beyond that threshold, the cost rises to 5.8 cents per kilowatt-hour – up from 5.3 cents.

Distribution rates, the amount on the bill that goes to local electricity utilities, are also rising.

Combined, the hikes mean bills for residential consumers will go up between four and 10 per cent, the Ontario Energy Board said – despite the Liberals’ promise in the 2003 election to keep electricity prices frozen.