The Ontario Electricity sector is ripe for change as the new provincial government seeks to sort out what has been left by their predecessors.
Changes are necessary as the industry is somewhat out of sync with its environment. The most obvious issues of excess generation capacity and outdated wholesale electricity market need to be addressed.
A change of political leadership is not the only driver for change as the industry struggles with cost, evolving consumer expectations, reliability standards, technological innovation, infrastructure migration, government policy, conservation, environmental stewardship and private investment.
Without any form of comprehensive plan to move forward, its like standing on the edge of a cliff, peering down into the abyss.
Who cares?
If you look at the results of several surveys conducted by government agencies and media – very few people are aware of what goes on in the electricity sector in Ontario. Perhaps it is too mundane, complex or difficult to find relevant information?
Consumer Awareness (or lack thereof)
In a 2015 Ipsos-Reid survey conducted by the Ontario Energy Board
Only 4% of consumers would say that they are ‘very knowledgeable’ about how the price they pay for electricity is determined.
3 out of 10 Electricity Retailer contract holders were unaware that they had entered into a contract with a third-party or that the Retailer was charging them as much as 65% more than what their local distributor would have under a regulated plan.
In a 2018 pre-election Ipsos poll conducted by Global News
13 per cent of Ontarians believe Wynne and the Liberals have the best plan going forward to lower hydro costs.
20 per cent said it was the NDP
29 per cent said the Ford and PCs had the best plan
More than one-third of Ontarians surveyed said none of the parties have the best plan.
These are frightening numbers since the PCs did not and still do not have (as of October 2018) ‘a plan’. Only the Liberals had a viable plan (see my pre-election commentaries if you want the details).
Help yourself…
In a series of brief high level articles under the heading of ‘Change and Innovation’ I provide an overview of what is happening in Ontario with some insight into the future.
There are three kinds of people in our society:
Those who make things happen
Those who watch what happens
Those who wonder what happened
Which do you choose to be?
Derek
