As of today, hydro customers in Ontario will be paying more than twice as much for electricity during peak demand periods.  The Ontario Energy Board approved the increase for peak periods – weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  It will be 16.1 cents per kilowatt hour, compared with 8 cents for off-peak hours – weekdays from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and all day on weekends and holidays.  The Board estimates the changes will add $5.71 to the monthly average household electricity bill.

Some opposition MPP’s at Queen’s Park are warning that the province’s already high electricity rates will “go through the roof” when the Liberal government proceeds with its plan to sell 60 per cent Ontario’s giant transmission utility Hydro One.