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NDP MPP Sarah Campbell ’s bill would protect Ontarians from unscrupulous electricity retailers

QUEEN’S PARK – Today in the legislature, MPPs debated New Democrat Sarah Campbell ’s Private Member’s Bill, the ‘Energy Consumer Protection Amendment Act,’ which would ban fixed-rate electricity contracts for residential customers, but would not affe

QUEEN’S PARK – Today in the legislature, MPPs debated New Democrat Sarah Campbell ’s Private Member’s Bill, the ‘Energy Consumer Protection Amendment Act,’ which would ban fixed-rate electricity contracts for residential customers, but would not affect industrial, commercial or institutional electricity consumers. “Ontario residents need to be protected from long-term electricity contracts that charge, on average, 50 per cent more than the going price while at the same time not protecting vulnerable consumers from long-term price increases,” stresses Campbell, the MPP for Kenora-Rainy River. Campbell says Ontario residents may be signing fixed-rate contracts with private electricity retailers in the belief that higher prices can be avoided in the future. However, because contracts with retailers are typically for the cost of power, and do not protect against increases in delivery, regulatory, global adjustment or other non-energy charges, they are being taken for a ride. According to Campbell, “The Ontario Auditor General’s 2011 report shows that approximately 15 per cent of the province’s customers are currently signed up with a private retailer and are paying 35 to 65 per cent more than those paying regular local hydro rates  – and they are not protected from price increases!” The bill passed second reading, and will now be sent to committee for in-depth review. “Time and time again, I’ve heard from constituents who have felt lied to, deceived, or misled about these contracts,” said Sarah Campbell. “This bill will help protect consumers from predatory electricity sales tactics, and free Ontarians from exploitative contracts.”