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| For Immediate Release Energy Bill Relief for Families QUEEN’S PARK – Today Tim Hudak, Ontario PC leader, announced that a PC Government would provide relief for Ontario families that are struggling with spiraling energy costs. “Families and seniors from across Oxford have told me that they need relief from unaffordable hydro and home heating bills,” said Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP. “Today Tim Hudak announced that we would help families by removing the hydro debt retirement charge and the provincial portion of the HST from hydro home and heating bills.” Since 2003 hydro rates have increased eight times by a total of 84% or 150% for families with a smart meter. Removing the provincial portion of the HST from hydro and home heating, as well as removing the debt retirement charge will save the average Ontario family $275 per year. The debt retirement charge was created to pay the $7.8 billion stranded hydro debt. According to the Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation Ontario taxpayers have already paid $7.8 billion in debt retirement charges. Since the time the charge was introduced interest rates have been lower than expected, however the McGuinty government recently announced that the debt retirement charge could be extended from 2012 to 2018. “The current government is trying to turn the debt retirement charge into a permanent tax,” said Hardeman. “We believe that Ontario families have paid the debt retirement charge in good faith and need relief.” Hudak also announced that a PC government would create a powerful consumer advocate at the Ontario Energy Board and close the Ontario Power Authority, which was established as a 15 person transitional body but has grown to over 250 employees, more than 90 of which earn over $100,000. “I know that family budgets are stretched and it’s a struggle to balance work, family and the chequebook,” said Tim Hudak. “By eliminating the HST and Debt Retirement Charge from hydro and home heating bills, an Ontario PC government will put Ontario families first.” - 30 - For more information, contact:
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