Hydro One deal requires more than a little rhetoric during election campaigns
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an open letter to Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha, and has been reprinted here at the author’s request.
Mr. Mantha:
I realize the legislature is currently not sitting, but, somehow, some way, this travesty which has been committed on the people of Ontario has to be pushed to the limits of total betrayal of Hydro One customers who have been being gouged by this company for far too long. They currently are pushing for a substantial rate increase again with the toothless Ontario Energy Board. They (Hydro One) claim this increase is necessary to allow them the needed capital to “upgrade and maintain” their infrastructure in Ontario. If this is even close to the truth, where has the $6.7 billion cost for this new acquisition magically appeared from? If they have access to this money, why has it not been used for this needed “upgrade and maintenance” at home?
You are also aware that the Liberal government boasts of the shutting down of Ontario’s coal fired generators, and now, thinks it’s a great thing to buy into a company that currently operates one of the worst polluting plants in North America, while saddling us all with what really is, a “carbon tax.” This company they just bought into, with yours and my money, is not even connected to the Ontario grid, given its west coast USA location, nor is it even remotely useful to Ontario. If one were to buy the Premier’s “spreading our environmental philosophy,” they are seriously naive. This entire deal has been nothing but hypocritical by both Hydro One and the Liberal government. It will make great election campaign fodder to be sure, but, it needs a concerted effort by both opposition parties NOW, because, by the time an election rids us of the Liberals, it will be just another done deal for Hydro One.
I would really like a response to this, for a change. This is a travesty against every person in Ontario, and requires more than just a shrug and a little rhetoric during the election campaign.
Thank you,
Keith H. Moyer
Elliot Lake
