Local power providers are considering mergers as the province moves forward with plans to sell off part of Hydro One.
Leamington Mayor John Paterson says the government is continuing to strongly encourage utilities to get bigger.
"The encouragement is more of a, 'You better do this. Get bigger, better, and stronger before you're swallowed up or overtaken,' " says Paterson.
While the province is pushing for mergers, Paterson says municipalities are pushing back, looking for local utilities to get a first piece of the Hydro One sell off.
"We're not asking, we're demanding," says Paterson. "If they're going to sell a provincially owned, equity producing firm then at least allow the municipally owned Ontario hydro providers to buy those assets."
No firm decisions have been made in regards to any mergers according to the Leamington mayor. He say locals officials were able to get a better sense of where others stand on the issue at this week's Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Niagara Falls.