MPP Sattler stands up for London families facing Wynne government’s out-of-control hydro rates
Queen’s Park – During question period today, Peggy Sattler, NDP MPP for London West, demanded action from the Wynne government to stop out-of-control hydro rates that are hurting families in London, after her office was contacted by Chris and Robina Willis.
“Chris and Robina live in London West with their five children. Both have jobs, but like too many working families, they are struggling to keep the lights on,“ Sattler said. “Any time they fall behind on their hydro bills they must pay hefty fees and a larger deposit, leading to bills as high as $1,000 and forcing them to cut back on necessities. As hydro rates increase, this vicious circle just gets worse.”
Sattler asked, “Why is the premier ignoring the crisis faced by families like the Willises, and refusing to act now to keep hydro costs affordable?”
Sattler said London families should not have to pay for this government’s wrong decision to privatize hydro. “They have had to use the food bank multiple times, and have removed their children from extra-curricular activities,” Sattler said. “Now they say they will no longer be able to organize birthday parties for their children.”
“Chris and Robina Willis are doing everything they can to keep up,” Sattler said. “Does this government think it is fair to make children pay the price for their failure to take real action on hydro rates?”
Yesterday, Ontario’s New Democrats released a plan for Ontarians to own more and pay less for electricity in the province. The plan would see Ontarians’ hydro bills cut by up to 30 per cent through a comprehensive plan to fix the system. The NDP will bring Hydro One back into public ownership, end mandatory Time-of-Use pricing and end premium delivery charges. The plan will start lowering bills immediately, and will result in billions of dollars being returned to Ontario instead of ending up in the hands of private and foreign corporations.