Premier Kathleen Wynne’s apology for the $585-million decision to scrap and move two power plants in Oakville and Mississauga didn’t impress her rivals.

Opposition parties said her “I’m sorry” should have come in the legislature and not on TVO.

“It’s a day late and a buck short,” New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath said Wednesday. “The money is already wasted . . . now we need to make sure it never happens again.”

Progressive Conservative MPP and energy critic Vic Fedeli (Nipissing) called Wynne’s mea culpa a “hollow apology” and urged the Liberal party to refund the money to taxpayers.

“You’re sorry you got caught,” he shot at Wynne during question period.

Wynne told reporters the apology didn’t come until three months after she took power from Dalton McGuinty, who ordered the plants cancelled over community opposition before the 2011 election, because “the whole discussion has changed” to centre on finances.

“I said ‘I’m sorry’ because I am . . . . I’m sorry that it cost so much money, so many public dollars,” Wynne said.

The premier added Ontarians wanted more than her “I regret” statements about putting power plants too close to homes, schools and a hospital.

“Regret is slightly more distanced from taking personal responsibility,” Wynne said.

A Conservative motion to force a non-confidence vote in the minority government over the power plants failed early Wednesday evening as New Democrats sided with the Liberals.

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