hydro pole

A city delegation is back from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference and the future of hydro was the focus on the final day.

They met with Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault.

One discussion point was North Bay Hydro, which Mayor Al McDonald says is consistently ranked among the top local distribution corporations in the province.

He says that results in the city remaining competitive with residents enjoying lower electricity rates.

McDonald also says there’s concern about the increasing regulatory requirement and the impact it could have on the city in the future.

Meantime, they also talked about the Atlantic Power Corporation, which has a facility in North Bay.

Officials say it’s an integral part of the economy as an employer, partner, and generator of clean, efficient energy for the grid, but the corporation’s contract is up next year.

The City says they’re frustrated with the lack of progress on renewing the agreement and have asked the province to renew the agreement.