May 26, 2015
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This week, the Ontario Ombudsman released his report on Hydro One billing practices, a report he launched after Progressive Conservative (PC) MPP Randy Hillier urged him to look into the problem after the Ombudsman's office had received more than 10,700 complaints.
The scathing report is an indictment on how Hydro One deals with its customers, reflecting directly on the Liberal government's disregard for the people of Ontario, says Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, adding that it's frustrating to note that the majority of these complaints are from rural communities, proving Hydro One is showing a complete disregard for ratepayers outside of major urban centres.
"This report is just another example of how this government can't manage any large projects," says Thompson. "From eHealth to Smart Meters, it is proven that the Liberals are incapable of properly managing processes, resulting in wasted taxpayer dollars, which continues to grow mistrust in premier Kathleen's government."
The report outlined some extreme examples, such as one corporate customer who was billed $15-million rather than $4,034.
The Ombudsman's report explained that an individual of Goderich realized that something was wrong with her rate classification only when she compared bills with her neighbours. She had set up a new account in June, 2013, in her name, and Hydro One had mistakenly reclassified the property as general service. Despite numerous phone calls and three letters, Hydro One did not correct the account and only issued her a credit in January, 2014."
In March, 2014, a senior of Huron-Bruce contacted the Ombudsman when a call centre agent told her she could not get a full refund for an overpayment. Hydro One later agreed to provide a refund, but told her it would take four to six weeks. It eventually gave her a four-month credit, and assured the Ombudsman that as of late April, 2014, refunds should only take three to five business days to process.
"These types of issues are unacceptable," says Thompson. "There are some serious problems with Hydro One billing practices, and the blame falls on the Ontario minister of energy."
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