The Ford government says it plans to stay the course in the wake of a failed merger between Hydro One and Avista.
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has rejected the merger due to concerns over political interference by the provincial government.
Energy Minister and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford admits the decision caught them off-guard.
Rickford says the news from the United States to end the deal won’t change their focus of bringing down hydro rates.
Rickford says they will always put the concerns of Ontario families, seniors and businesses first.
Meantime, the NDP want to know if electricity rates will be going up because Hydro One is on the hook for a $103-million penalty for failing to ensure regulatory approval for the merger.
