Energy minister Glenn Thibeault is taking steps to ensure local distribution companies, like Sudbury Hydro, don’t disconnect customers over the winter because they haven’t paid their bill. Thibeault is trying to get a new law in place where the Ontario Energy Board can order the local utilities not to disconnect during the winter. Thibeault says Tory Leader Patrick Brown claims the energy minister can order the utilities not to disconnect, but the minister says he can’t. He says the Ontario Energy Board can order the local utilities not to disconnect and that’s what the proposed law is all about. Thibeault is urging the Tories and NDP to get on board and help pass the new law that blocks winter disconnects. Thibeault has personally asked the local utilities to voluntarily stop disconnecting customers and Sudbury Hydro is complying with the request.
