Ontario cuts natural gas price after ending carbon tax

The Ford Government has announced that it will reduce the cost of natural gas in the province, claiming families will save up to $80 per year on their bills.

Premier Ford made the announcement today as part of his government’s overall commitment to “offer tax relief for lower and middle-class families.”

“Your government is committed to giving real relief to people all across Ontario, and helping small businesses and job creators like Troy’s Diner,” said Ford, in a release. “Reducing energy costs and making them more transparent is a key part of this promise. By removing the carbon tax from natural gas bills, we’re saving families about $80 a year and small businesses about $285 a year.

“Promise made, promise kept.”

Following the decision, Ontario Energy Board (OEB) was notified to take immediate steps to remove the cost of the carbon tax from natural gas rates by October 1, 2018.

Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, has contacted the OEB and outlined the government’s expectations that natural gas costs are removed for residents and ensure over-collection of the carbon tax is refunded.

“Eliminating the carbon tax will provide real relief to lower and middle-class families and Ontario businesses,” said Rickford. “This government remains committed to making life more affordable for all Ontarians.”

In July the province introduced the Cap and Trade Cancellation Act. The proposed legislation will also include measures to help replace the cap-and-trade carbon tax with a different plan for achieving real environmental goals, according to the province.

See also