First, I would like to…

First, I would like to recommend that for the next public consultation on the Long Term Energy Plan, you host more of a "public meeting" style. I think a short presentation should be made. There should be a question and answer period.

Another option would be to give a short presentation and then continue the rest of the evening as the "drop in" style Q&A like you did during these most current public consultations. The reason I suggest a presentation is because it is impossible to consult the public on something they have no knowledge of. Most ordinary citizens are not politically involved. Most ordinary citizens don't have time between their 2 or 3 part time, low paying, precarious jobs to study up on the Long Term Energy Plan. Most ordinary citizens don't even have the time to read your 50 something page "conversation guide". Most Ordinary citizens aren't even aware of the Long Term Energy Plan, or it's significance, therefore making it impossible to "consult" them as your government has claimed to do.

Education needs to happen. People need to understand what they're being consulted on before offering valuable recommendations.

Now, moving along to the Long Term Energy Plan:

For the reasons mentioned above, I am not an energy expert. I do know one thing though - the energy crisis in Ontario is crippling. Our province is currently on a one way train to decimation. I'm sure there are many contributing factors.

The largest concern I have is with the privatization of Hydro One. Despite mass opposition and warnings from the government's very own non-partisan public watchdogs, the government still pushes ahead with this privatization scheme. A privatization scheme which is quite obviously a thinly veiled attempt to line their buddy's pockets and gain a few extra bucks to balance the budget just in time for the next election. This Government is selfishly making poor choices that are affecting every single person in the province. Have you heard the saying "heat or eat?" - it's a reality! The Ontario Energy Board reports that 60,000 customers had their hydro services cut over the past year due to non-payment.

So what does this have to do with privatization? There is a direct correlation between the deregulation of (formerly) Ontario Hydro and increased prices. For a century Ontario enjoyed reliable hydro at 4-5 cents per kilowatt hour. These steady hydro rates survived World War 2 and the Great Depression. Now isn't that something - hydro at a fair price that everyone can afford. Fast forward to the 2000's when Ontario Hydro was deregulated and all of a sudden rates skyrocketed! I have seen articles which indicate rates have increased as much as 300%. That is outrageous!

The exact same thing will happen with the so called "broadening of ownership" of Hydro One. Private investors will make millions off the backs of hard working Ontarians. Not to mention the loss of revenue for the government.

So my recommendation is simple: stop the sale of Hydro One!

Another thing you may consider is this: If green energy is so important (which I believe it is) - we're being told "it's worth the cost" ... then why on Earth are we producing more green energy than required and selling at at a loss to other jurisdictions?!? If Ontario can pay the hefty price to produce this precious green energy, then those who use it in other jurisdictions can pay the same! At least then we wouldn't be at a financial loss.

Oh and another novel idea: stop producing excessive energy we don't need. I mean, that would require the government to abandon their corrupt ways and stop signing contracts with their infrastructure pals, but hey, it's worth a try!

[Original Comment ID: 206976]