Province combines energy agencies

Energy minister Chris Bentley has announced the intention to merge the Ontario Power Authority and the Independent Electricity System Operator.

They are the province’s biggest electrical planning agencies; neither produces or distributes electricity. The Liberals say the move will save up to $25 million a year in back office and administrative costs.

During the election campaign last year the Liberals promised to look for efficiencies in Ontario’s power system. But Bentley also made it clear today, that the merger is something that has been championed by the NDP.

The Tories wanted to scrap the OPA all together.

There was a suggestion that the news conference was a diversion from the Ornge air ambulance investigation. Lawyer & Liberal Alfred Apps was testifying at the same time about his involvement in the company.

Video: Lisa Hepfner reports: