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MINISTER THANKS LDCs
FOR ADAPTABILITY AND CUSTOMER FOCUS When Ontario initially declared a state of emergency, our government was quick to extend the winter disconnection ban. Thank you to the many LDCs who took a step further by voluntarily extending their disconnection suspensions and offering critical consumer protection policies. I know many utilities continue to work directly with customers to provide flexible payment terms, suspend late payment fees and waive interest charges in recognition of the economic challenges associated with the pandemic. Our government and the people of Ontario appreciate this thoughtful and responsive action.
“ Families and small businesses need stability and reliability when it comes to their monthly electricity bill.”
“ Our government and the people of Ontario appreciate this thoughtful and responsive action.”
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ince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario has faced significant economic challenges – the likes of which have not been seen for generations. Over the past eight months, businesses and families across our province have been living with a great deal of uncertainty. Our government understands that families and small businesses need stability and reliability when it comes to their monthly electricity bill. That is why at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis our government jumped into action to support Ontario’s electricity customers with rate relief that reflected Ontarians’ transition to spending more time at home or facing financial hardship.
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Through it all, Ontario’s LDCs have weathered the COVID-19 storm alongside us. I want to express my gratitude to the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) and LDCs across the province who have adapted and delivered our government’s emergency support programs to Ontario’s electricity customers. Our government is proud to work alongside LDCs, customers’ first point of contact, to deliver targeted support to Ontario’s ratepayers. In the midst of COVID-19, our government was proud to offer customers the flexibility to select an electricity rate plan that works for their lifestyle. We recognize the effort on behalf of LDCs to deliver this critical choice to customers and our government thanks LDCs for their work to deliver this program for the benefit of Ontario’s customers. We appreciate every LDC’s adaptability and willingness to work with our government to implement these critical policies and emergency measures to protect Ontarians. These are challenging times for all of us and the work of the EDA and LDCs has been essential in the fight against COVID-19. Ontario and our government will continue to rely on electricity distribution networks to power our economic recovery and get our province back on track. Thank you for your dedication to Ontario’s electricity customers. Hon. Greg Rickford Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Minister of Indigenous Affairs THE DISTRIBUTOR
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WINTER 2020-21
