Even though it could produce a substantial saving, the Ontario government says it won't force local electricity distribution utilities to merge.
An expert panel set up by the Liberal government called for the 80 local distribution companies to be merged into eight-to-12 regional agencies within two years.
But Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli says the Liberal government will not legislate forced consolidation.
The Fort Frances Power Corporation had opposed the merger plan saying it would lead to high electricity rates for its power users.