Electricity rates compare well with those in competing jurisdictions. Ontario Hydro is a leader in conservation and energy-efficiency programs, providing customers with advice and assistance to reduce electricity costs through measures such as energy audits and the installation of energy efficient equipment. The provincial government has committed to freeze average Ontario Hydro rates until the year 2000. Natural Gas Natural gas is the major fuel for all sectors of the economy except transportation, and is the primary fuel used in residential, commercial and industrial heating in the province. Because Canada is rich in natural gas supplies and has a widespread distribution network, Canadian consumers enjoy the cheapest natural gas in the industrialized world.
Gas provides more energy to Ontario than either oil or electricity.
Natural gas accounted for 37 per cent end user demand in 1997. Centra Gas Ontario Inc. Each natural gas utility sells and transports gas in areas of the province where it holds franchises. Buyers can also purchase gas directly from producers. Most large industrial and commercial customers have used this option and have obtained substantially lower natural gas prices. Oil Oil is refined in Ontario refineries and provides most of the energy used for transportation and the petrochemical industry.