July 27, 2007

Hydro rates to drop in Aurora Richmond Hill , rising in Vaughan , Markham

Richmond Hill - Aurora homeowners will reap the biggest benefits of soon-to-be harmonized electricity rates, as the average bill there is set to drop 8.2 per cent Nov. 1.

York Region's largest power distributor, PowerStream, had its plan to harmonize rates among York 's four south end municipalities approved today by the province's electricity regulator.

It means some residents in Vaughan , Markham , Richmond Hill and Aurora will see slight increase to their hydro bill while others will enjoy savings.

The average home uses 1,000 kilowatt hours per month.

Aurora customers will see the biggest decrease at 8.2 per cent, followed by Richmond Hill 's 2.1-per-cent decrease.

Vaughan will experience the largest increase at 2.5 per cent, followed by Markham at 1.7 per cent.

Last year, the Ontario Energy Board directed PowerStream to develop a plan to harmonize its rates to eliminate disparities in the rates charged to homeowners in the four municipalities.

PowerStream was formed in 2004 after Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill amalgamated hydro companies. Aurora joined in 2005.

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