Ontario Energy Group Consumer Watch Addresses Rising Energy Costs in Ontario

April 28, 2014 - PRLog -- Ontario Energy Group Consumer Watch has undertaken efforts to educate Ontario homeowners and small business on how best to prepare for and mitigate recent developments in natural gas and electricity rate increases that are causing residents significant concern.

The rate increases include an interim rate increase of 40% in natural gas rates, a petition successfully filed by Enbridge Gas and implemented on April 1st.  Additionally, the Ontario Energy Board has approved a peak consumption rate increase on April 16th, to be implemented province-wide on May 1st.

Earlier this month, Oraclepoll Research released results of a consumer survey regarding the state of Ontario’s provincial energy policy. 82% of respondents described themselves as “Concerned” about rising costs of energy in their homes, with little evidence that energy prices will decline in the foreseeable future.

Established in early March 2014, Ontario Energy Group Consumer Watch operates as a consumer advocacy forum that fights on behalf of consumer rights and interests. As part of their initiative of addressing these concerns, OEG Consumer Watch has begun a new campaign to help consumers reduce energy consumption and drive down the amount they pay on their bills in spite of these rate hikes.

One strategy for this approach is by offering energy-saving advice as to how they can improve the efficiency of existing home utility appliances. Additionally, OEG Consumer Watch continues their parent organization’s approach of connecting homeowners with rebate programs and government-sponsored energy initiatives. These programs can individuals them with up to $650 in direct energy rebates and home improvement subsidies that accompany the growing efforts of the provincial governments Green Energy Act, put into effect in 2009.

To learn more about the efforts undertaken to aid homeowners with energy-saving programs, please visit http://oegconsumerwatch.com.