Give feedback on Ontario Liberal hydro plan, Sudbury-area MPP tells residents

A Greater Sudbury New Democrat MPP is urging people in northern Ontario to register so they can give feedback on the Liberal government's proposed plan to temporarily reduce hydro bills.

• Hydro rates to drop 17%, but Ontarians will pay for it later

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"I understand that for people from Sudbury and Nickel Belt coming to Queen's Park on a Tuesday is not exactly feasible," France Gelinas told CBC News. "But you can book a time, and make your opinion be heard over the phone."

The Liberals' plan, announced in March, would see hydro rates for residential and small business customers drop by another 17 per cent this summer.

The government has said the plan would keep electricity rates at or below the rate of inflation over the next four years, but that it can't predict the size of rate increases after that.

A leaked cabinet document projected large increases in hydro costs starting around 2022.

• How your hydro bill will rise over the next decade

The public hearings are being held at Queen's Park from May 23-25. Gelinas said feedback can be submitted over the phone or in a written submission.

Gelinas said she's been hearing a lot about the proposal from her constituents, with many concerned about the long-term ramifications of the plan.

Anyone who wants to leave feedback on the hydro plan has to register with the clerk at Queen's Park, Gelinas said.