For Immediate Release:
July 27, 2005

Lack of government plan threatens electricity consumers
Reliability and affordability of power suffering

Queen’s Park - The day after the Toronto blackout, Premier McGuinty continues to put Ontario’s energy users at risk through his lack of real action in resolving the two-month strike between government-owned Hydro One and its engineers.

Barrett attended a Toronto media briefing today hosted by the Society of Energy Professionals.

“The McGuinty Liberals have no plan for energy reliability or affordability. After two months they have finally appointed an arbitrator, but more must be done,” said Barrett. “We need all hands on deck to ensure our lights stay on, and this Premier seems content to stand idly by. That’s not leadership.”

Further, the proposed shutdown of four coal-fired generating stations will adversely impact industrial, business, and individual users across Ontario, according to Barrett.

“Again, Premier McGuinty’s lack of direction has created uncertainty and rising prices for electricity users,” Barrett pointed out. “I’m worried this will drive investment to other, more competitive jurisdictions.”

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett: (519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629