Doug Ford promises hydro rate cut for Ontario

Progressive Conservative leader Doug Ford is promising a 12 per cent cut to hydro rates if elected premier in June.

Ford says under his hydro plan, the government would give ratepayers the dividends it gets from Hydro One.

It would also shift the cost of energy conservation programs from hydro customers to the tax base.

According to the PC leader, the changes would save the average Ontario family $173 a year.

Ford has been critical of and has promised to review the Liberal government’s Fair Hydro Plan, which borrows money to reduce hydro rates by 25 per cent.

He says the Tory plan would be in addition to the Liberals’ rate cut.