The Auditor General has given the Ontario government a failing grade in her December 9 report on the energy sector. Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli’s reaction was to question the Auditor General’s calculations, saying “the electricity system is complicated and difficult to understand.” Leeds Grenville MPP Steve Clark is one of many individuals calling for the resignation of the Energy Minister in the wake of the report.
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Clark says no one can deny the Auditor General’s report is a devastating indictment on the Liberal government.
The study of the provincial energy sector shows the global adjustment charge makes up 70% of your homeowner hydro bill. The report also points out the failure of the smart meter program, which cost nearly $2 billion and had very little effect on energy conservation. Minister Chiarelli’s first reaction to the scathing report was to question the Auditor General’s calculatons. Later Chiarelli’s office issued a press release, extolling the virtues of the smart meter, and saying the updated Long-Term Energy Plan shows lower cost projections.