TORONTO, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling Ontario’s long-term energy plan an insult to all Ontarians.

Faced with electricity prices that are projected to soar by 42 per cent over the next five years, and household green energy costs that will sky-rocket a shocking 1,450 per cent between 2010 and 2018 (according to the 2011 Auditor General’s report), Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli’s plan focuses simply on decreasing energy demand.

“This government refuses to take responsibility for the sky-rocketing energy costs,” said CTF’s Ontario director, Candice Malcolm. “Instead of admitting its favourite pet project, the Green Energy and Green Economy Act has been a complete and utter failure, this government expects taxpayers and ratepayers to suck it up and learn to use less energy.”

“The Energy Minister is basically telling us to turn off the heat and put on a sweater this winter,” continued Malcolm. “It’s very insulting.”

The government’s long-term energy plan, released on Monday, focused on “balancing five principles,” with an emphasis on conservation and demand management. It projects that the average monthly residential bill will rise to $178 in five years.

“Instead of planning to grow the economy over the next 20 years, this government is expecting to shrink it, and is planning energy consumption accordingly,” said Malcolm. “It’s a sad admission by the government that its policies will continue to drive manufacturing jobs out of the province.”

“It’s time for this government to disband its horrific green energy policies, and start thinking about everyday families who struggle with the unaffordable cost of living in Ontario,” said Malcolm.