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“The rising cost of hydro is of incredible concern to the OAFB. It is making a direct and, sometimes, devastating impact in the lives of Ontarians who are already struggling to make ends meet, as well as negatively impacting the organizations and programs that are working hard to assist them.”

Many food banks have stepped in to offer their own utility assistance and hydro payment plans to clients, the association said. But even the food banks themselves — like many Ontario businesses — are struggling with their own hydro bills, the association said.

Anecdotally, the food banks association said it has seen more clients over the past year who are struggling with their hydro bills.

Sherry-Selena Hucul, a single mother of four, has been dependent on a food bank and works part-time at one. She both hears from food bank clients and deals with her own struggles with hydro bills.

“Hydro is a dirty word now,” she said. “Even if you get it paid off, within a very short amount of time you end up owing more because the rates go up. So people are really, really frustrated.”

Hucul’s monthly bill is $309, even though she doesn’t heat with hydro, doesn’t have a dishwasher, dries clothes by her wood stove and doesn’t leave lights on outside. Eight years ago her bill was $80.

She qualifies for the Ontario Electricity Support Program, but has been waiting months to get her credit approved. In a household of five, the maximum credit available under that program is $42 a month, though Hucul qualifies for additional help because her son uses an electronic medical device.