Expect electricity rates to rise even further with Hydro One privatization.

A town hall meeting held by the Hydro One Not For Sale campaign from The Citizens Coalition Against Privatization, explored that message in detail Tuesday night, in front of a crowd of more than 60 at St. Stephen-on-the-Mount Anglican Church.

"They do not have a duty to you," said the chair of the CCAP, Rosario Marchese, referring to the private companies taking a majority share in hydro. "They only have to make money."

Marchese presented data showing that when Ontario Hydro, a now defunct publicly owned organization, was formed in 1906, the price of electricity dropped from 10 c/kWh down to 4 c/kWh, and it stayed close to that rate until 1999. At that point, Ontario Hydro and municipal utilities were transformed from non-profits into for-profit entities and rates slowly began to rise.

With the sale of Hydro One Marchese expects rates to double or triple within a few years.

"If the Tories did this, there would be mass protests," said Marchese a former NDP MPP, referring to Premier Kathleen Wynne's Hydro One plans. "When you sell 60 per cent, the private companies will have control."

The provincial Liberals have sold a 30 per cent share of the company, and are expected to sell off a total of 60 per cent before the next election. While the province hopes the sale will net $9 billion, Ontario's budget watchdog has warned the privatization of Hydro One could cost the government up to $500 million every year in lost revenue.

"It's tripled in price in the last three years — it's ridiculous," said east Hamilton resident Tom Mobley. His power bill has skyrocketed from about $50 bimonthly about three years ago to $200.

For Mobley, doing expensive renovations to increase efficiency is not an option, so he resorts to off-peak electricity use.

"I don't like doing laundry at midnight or cooking at 10:30 (p.m.)," said Mobley, adding that even with off-peak savings, his bill remains too high.

Mountain NDP MPP Monique Taylor said she responded to the invite to co-host the event due to the sheer volume of outreach from her constituents — everyone from those receiving Ontario disability support, to small-business owners, and seniors concerned with rising power rates.

"People are struggling, they are looking for a solution," said Taylor, who opposes the privatization of Hydro One.

Jake Lombardo, a U.S. Steel retiree and former Local 1005 vice-president, said he worries about those on fixed pensions.

In what was already an unbearably hot summer, seniors were turning off their air conditioners, and heading for the mall. Others were not eating properly, he said.

"People are going to start cutting back," said Lombardo. "You are attacking the most vulnerable."

He believes that if the 60 per cent of Hydro One is privatized, those companies will make a push for the last 40 per cent, removing any semblance of public control. When they are finished, he worries they will move on to the next public good or service, he says.

Elaine Mason, from the Westdale area, said she is concerned by an emerging trend of countries buying back utilities from the private sector, and is unsure what effect privatization would have on climate change initiatives in the energy sector.

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"I need to be reminded why (the Liberals) have to do this."