The Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce (NOACC) are applauding the provincial government's decision to delay deregulation of the electricity market until spring 2002.
Concerned for major industries that will be faced with huge hydro bills, NOACC officials say competition may be good in the long run, but there is a danger of rates going up too much. Higher costs will hurt big area employers like Thunder Bay's Bowater pulp and paper mill, which is Ontario's second-largest electricity consumer.
The provincial government originally planned to open up the hydro market last fall, but held off because of concerns about big hike rates due to an uncertain reliable supply of power.