Toronto: Hydro One announced the legal closing of the purchase of Haldimand County Utilities Inc. June 30. The Ontario Energy Board approved the sale on March 12.
As part of the approved deal, Haldimand County Hydro’s 21,200 customers will see a 1 per cent reduction to their monthly distribution delivery rates effective July 1, 2015. In addition, distribution rates will be frozen for the next five years.
“We are pleased to welcome our new customers and employees,” said Carmine Marcello, President and CEO, Hydro One. “Hydro One is committed to delivering great service for Haldimand County Hydro’s customers and we remain focused on prudent management, efficient operations and improving the customer experience for everyone we serve. Electricity is critical to the lives of all Ontarians and we are here to deliver it safely and reliably.”
Haldimand County Hydro will operate as usual until the transition to Hydro One is complete. This includes no changes to customer account numbers, bills, billing and payment options and service options until the transition to Hydro One is complete, which is expected to be sometime in 2016.
On December 17, 2013, Haldimand County announced the sale of the local utility for $75 million. Hydro One paid Haldimand County approximately $65 million net after assuming Haldimand County Utilities’ existing debt.
In addition, Hydro One has reached an agreement to acquire Woodstock Hydro Holdings Inc. (Woodstock Hydro), a transaction which is pending OEB approval. Hydro One’s earlier acquisition of Norfolk Power was approved by the OEB on July 3, 2014.