Ombudsman’s report slams Hydro One

Ontario’s ombudsman released his annual report today.

At the top of the list: a record number of calls and emails about Hydro One. Andre Marin says the almost 80,000 complaints about the utility are the most they’ve ever received about a government agency. And he says the problems range widely.

“Unintelligible billing, erratic billing. unexplained withdrawal from people’s accounts who are on automatic withdrawal from people from Hydro One. To over-billings, to lack of meter readings, malfunctioning smart metres to people whose homes have completely burned down, and they’re still getting hydro bills.”

Hydro One has released a statement in the wake of the report. It says it’s been co-operating with the office of the ombudsman and is committed to resolving billing issues and improving customer service.

The investigation continues.