Electricity bills higher for Canadian businesses than in the US: report

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OTTAWA (NEWS1130) – Canadian businesses are paying more than American businesses for electricity according to a new study.

The report released Monday by the Fraser Institute shows small commercial electricity consumers in Canada are shelling out 19 per cent more for power than their American counterparts.

Rates for small industrial consumers are almost 30 per cent greater.

The report examined electricity rates in 119 Canadian and American cities.

It found the higher rates are put Canadian business at a competitive disadvantage.

Lori Mellor of the Preston Street B.I.A. says rising hydro rates are a major concern for businesses in Little Italy and across Ottawa.

“There’s not a lot that these businesses can do to cut their hydro usage during those peak periods,” said Mellor, “It’s really created a hardship.”

The study found Canada needs to boost investment in natural gas generation and hydro facilities to bring down rates.

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