Thunder Bay Chamber says all business suffers from rising electricity costs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce report says more disclosure about peak and off-peak times could help
The president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce says paying more for electricity not only affects large developments like mines, but other businesses too.
"For example, a hotel. They'd be running dryers all day, washing the laundry and .... they'd be running air conditioners in every hotel room to keep the temperature to their guests' liking," Charla Robinson said.
"The ultimate concern is, if we can't be competitive, business can't be profitable and there may be opportunities for businesses to move to other jurisdictions, because they can provide their business in another area," Robinson said.
Industry experts are predicting cost increases on hydro over the next five years, she said, adding the province should also do what it can to address the high costs and mitigate further increases.
The report says industrial electricity prices have risen 16 per cent since 2013 and are slated to climb 13 per cent higher over the next five years.
Robinson noted the government should be more transparent about how Ontario Hydro bills are calculated, and inform businesses and consumers of things that are driving electricity rates — such as project investments and maintenance costs.