Hydro Rates to Increase

Hard-pressed electricity ratepayers in Ontario should brace for more price increases.

The Ontario Energy Board says utilities can raise rates to cover $18-million in fines and court costs they had to pay after the courts ruled they were charging too high an interest rate on late payments.

The energy board is also expected to rule shortly on a request from Ontario Power Generation for a 6.2 per cent increase in electricity rates effective March 1.