A panel of three former cabinet ministers is recommending about 80 local distribution companies merge into much larger regional electricity distributors, with just two in northern Ontario.
Chair Murray Elston says they did not take a position on allowing more private players in the electricity system, but is confident there would be $1.2 billion dollars in savings over 10 years in either case.
The New Democrats say the panel's report clears the way for more privatization and higher rates.
The Progressive Conservatives like the idea of voluntary mergers of electricity distribution companies, but want to make sure local voices still have a say in the operation of the new utilities.
