The MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh suggests Thursday's hydro reduction was nothing more than politicking by the Wynne Liberals.
Percy Hatfield, during Question Period in the Ontario legislature, told MPPs one of his constituents saw his hydro bill rise after the 8% reduction in January.
"Imagine his surprise come January 1 when he saw the promised temporary 8% rebate on his bill, but the bill was actually higher than it was the month before," he said.
Thursday, the Wynne government pledged to cut hydro bills by another 17% on average this summer. Under the plan, the government will stretch out its hydro generator contracts costing it another $1.4-billion.
Hatfield said community facilities are being hit hard too, including the public school board in Windsor-Essex.
"The Greater Essex County District School Board saw hydro costs increase by $50,000 in 2015, and $431,000 in 2016," he told legislators. "Doesn't [Premier Kathleen Wynne] understand that people like Ron and school boards all across this province see this plan for what it actually is? A desperate party playing political games with a hydro system that they made a mess of in the first place?"
Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault responded to the question the Liberals inherited a dysfunctional power system, and all customers will see a break with the new reduction plan.
The Conservatives have said the Liberal government plan will only push the costs down the road, while the NDP have offered their plan which would do away with time-of-use billing.