The effects of high energy prices are being felt right across the region and some families have had no other choice but to make some tough decisions.
With sky-high energy prices, many people – especially electric heat customers – have a choice to either find cheaper alternatives or have their service cut off.
“Some people are saying they're spending seven, eight, a thousand bucks a month just in extra electricity costs and heating their homes,” says Dwayne Cardoso of Kar-Los building supplies.
The phones are ringing off the hook at the Greater Simcoe United Way call centre as people look for help.
“We have assisted 843 customers. Families and individuals in Simcoe County, which is a 3 per cent rise from last year,” says Nancy Smith.
The United Way oversees a program called "Leap." It offers emergency money to people who are about to have their hydro disconnected.
“Whether it be two, three, four, $500 against their hydro bill. It means so much to them.”
The Ontario Energy Board says electricity prices have increased nearly 80 per cent in the past decade. The Barrie Food Bank serves hundreds of families every month. More of their clients have reached the edge.
“We're in a very desperate situation here. We really don't want to see our clients end up on the street or end in a very uncomfortable situation. We have women, children and dads sitting at home in a very cold apartment because they can't afford the hydro on.”
The Ontario government is removing the provincial portion of the HST from hydro bills, but that doesn't kick in until January.
