Durham MPP Says Smart Meters
Costly for Disabled and Seniors

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontarians who need electricity 24/7 to power medical equipment ordered by their doctors will be hard hit by time-of-use electricity pricing.

The Durham MPP explained that many Ontarians require year round temperature control, oxygen equipment and other medical devices around the clock.  “These seniors and disabled Ontarians can’t wait to use electricity at off-peak prices,” Mr. O’Toole explained. “They will have no choice but to pay more. And this government has no plan to help them.”

“We already know a typical Ontario family will be paying another $350 per year for electricity,” Mr. O’Toole said. “Disabled persons and seniors cannot choose when they use electricity. Therefore they will be forced to pay peak rates of 9.9 cents per kilowatt hour during times of highest demand.”

Mr. O’Toole urged the provincial government to take action that will protect disabled Ontarians from excessive electricity costs. “Either this government has no plan for disabled Ontarians facing higher electricity bills or the government is ignoring them altogether. In either case, the government’s lack of response is just not acceptable,”

QUOTE:

“Many seniors and disabled Ontarians can’t wait to use electricity at off-peak costs. They will have no choice but to pay more for power. And this government has no plan to help them.”   –  John R. O’Toole, MPP- Durham

QUICK FACTS:

• According to the Ontario Energy Board, the estimated bill impact of the latest electricity rate hike is about $91.20 per year (based on 800 kWh/month use) when compared to the prices that Ontario families currently pay. (Source: Ontario Energy Board Backgrounder, April 15, 2010)
• Dalton McGuinty’s tax fee and rate hikes will increase the annual electricity bill for a typical household to over $2,000 by the end of next year – a $350 increase over last year.

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 For further information please contact:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433