The NDP is up in arms over Hydro One’s latest rate submission to the Ontario Energy Board.
In addition to higher rates for first nation communities, there is a proposal for pre-pay hydro meters.
New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath says that idea needs to be taken off the table.
“Hydro One wants to spend millions to install pre-pay hydro meters, so it can actually by-pass Ontario’s rules against winter disconnections. With the pre-pay meters Hydro One won’t have to disconnect anyone, the power will get cut off automatically if you don’t pay.”
Energy Minister Glen Thibeault says if pre-pay meters are approved, it wouldn’t be a mandatory program, customers would have to opt-in.