Ontario’s governing Liberals promise the debt retirement charge will be taken off residential hydro bills starting in 2016.

The charge was introduced in 1998 to help pay down the debt of Ontario Hydro.

Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli says the government will also look for ways to cut electricity costs for low-income families when another benefit that took 10 percent off monthly bills expires at the same time.

That doesn’t impress the opposition which feels electricity costs will only climb because of the cancellation of gas plants in Oakville and Mississauga.

The Liberals table their budget next week and need the support of at least one opposition party to pass it in order to avoid an election.