London, Ontario March 2nd, 2017 – Today Premier Kathleen Wynne made a commitment to eliminate hydro delivery charges for those First Nations living on-reserve. This glowing statement will give much needed relief to First Nations communities, especially those in remote areas, where hydro costs were crippling. Ontario’s Fair Hydro plan would lower electricity bills by 25% on average for all residential consumers in the province. There will be no more monthly service charge for customers of licensed distributors which charge a bundle rate.
“It’s about Poverty Reduction and immediate impact, the premier and cabinet responding to human needs“ – A.I.A.I. Grand Chief Gord Peters.
In June of 2016, the Minister of Energy got the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to examine possible options for First nation energy rate. Through multiple sessions it was found that hydro rates were unaffordable and added to the low income stress for those within the communities that were already strained with many other issues. The new plan will further give access to the New Affordability Fund which will provide up front funding for energy conservation like cold climate air source heat pumps, insulation, weather stripping and energy efficient appliances. These charges are expected to be implemented by the summer of 2017.
