The MPP for Huron Bruce says Ontario energy rates have officially become the highest in North America, with local residents feeling the drain on their finances.
Lisa Thompson says since 2003 Ontario's rates have jumped from 4.3 cents per kw/h to as high as 25.9 cents in low density areas.
She says over 60,000 homes were disconnected in 2015 for failing to pay their hydro bills, with the average bill costing $1,000 more than it did 13 years ago.
She says the government continues to show no regard to rural residents as the energy crisis escalates, and some residents are forced to choose between heating and eating.
Thompson has launched a petition that residents can sign if they wish to voice their opposition to increasing power prices.
She says as of this month, Ontario officially surpassed Hawaii as the most expensive jurisdiction in North America for power.