Chambers of Commerce in Northern Ontario are asking the province to look at some of the challenges posed by the lack of affordability and transparency in energy pricing in the Long-Term Energy Plan. The Timmins Chamber has called on the province to ensure its approach reflects the realities of business in the north.
Chamber President Christine Bender says the geographic and economic realities of Northern Ontario mean that energy costs make up a greater portion of businesses expenses here than anywhere else in the province. Bender believes soaring electricity costs have been felt more in the north due to harsher seasonal climates, greater transportation costs, and a larger number of natural-resource-sector firms. She says it’s no surprise that their member businesses routinely say the rising cost of energy is their biggest challenge.
Northern chambers are putting forward 12 recommendations for change including economic development, increased transparency and to clarify the global adjustment so ratepayers can better understand their electricity bill.