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“We are a very diverse group,” he said. “We are not blaming anyone, but (government) needs to do a better job on energy costs in Ontario — this government, the next one and the one after that. There have been many government decisions in the past that led us to where we are today.

“We need a transparent plan on how to move forward on electricity, so everyone can understand where prices are going. We want them to come down through cost-effective decisions.”

By working together, the new alliance said it expects to carry more clout into discussions with all parties.

“We will tell them ‘here are our concerns,’ so lets start the process to get costs lower,” Marchand said.

“We need accountability, we need competition and smart electricity decisions that ensure Ontario businesses and households are getting the best value.”

Too many jobs and economic investment opportunities are being lost in Ontario as companies increasingly set up in Ohio or other midwestern states where hydro costs can be one-third of what they are in this province, he said.

“We see the impact of that right here in Windsor and Essex County,” Marchand said. “The cost of electricity has skyrocketed and has been a disincentive for business to stay here.”

dbattagello@postmedia.com