The NDP are vowing to continue fighting against the introduction of pre-paid hydro meters in Ontario.
Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof says those who already have problems paying their hydro bills will be most affected by the introduction of pre-paid meters.
Vanthof says the focus is now no longer on the people but rather profit, meaning no longer will Hydro One workout re-payment plans for those struggling to pay now that the Wynne government has privatized the utility.
He says this will crush people who can’t afford their costly bills, which will create issues in small northern townships such as those within his riding.
Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government blocked an NDP bill last Tuesday to ban pre-paid hydro meters in Ontario.
The introduction of the pre-paid meters was a part of Hydro One’s application for rate increases in Ontario from 2018 to 2022.
Vanthof says the NDP would like to see the idea scrapped, but the Ontario Energy Board will still be hearing Hydro One’s request for the meters, albeit a date has not yet been set.
Vanthof also says he believes the request will not be heard prior to the June election.
