Bruce County politicians are optimistic about the reduction in hydro rates announced by the provincial government.
Warden Mitch Twolan says it's obvious the move to cut rates by 17%, on top of the 8% reduction already in effect, was driven by the governing Liberals sinking approval ratings.
He says any help for families struggling to pay their bills is welcome.
"Obviously, there's some people that have gone through some extreme hardships, and we know that and have heard that," says Twolan. "Hopefully, at the end of the day, this is going to alleviate some of those pains."
The province is financing the rate reduction by pushing debt further into the future and Brockton Mayor David Inglis says it's the price to pay for much-needed immediate relief.
"The only difficulty is the debt is being transferred down the road, a few years, for others to pay as well," says Inglis. "But we need relief now and this is one way of doing it, so it's good."
The provincial Liberals are also freezing hydro rate increases in line with the rate of inflation over the next four years and boosting rebate programs for low-income families.
