NDP leader Howard Hampton says today’s record-setting hydro usage is more proof the McGuinty Liberals’ conservation plan is a failure.

“Dalton McGuinty promised to reduce Ontario’s energy consumption – instead for four years we’ve been breaking consumption records – and it’s happening again today,” said Hampton.

The Independent Electricity System Operator reports that today’s demand for electricity will be 26,502 megawatts, second only to the record demand on Aug. 1, 2006, of 27,005 megawatts.

“It was clear four years ago what we needed to get peak electricity demand down through tougher energy efficiency standards, more effective peak demand reduction programs and widespread energy retrofit programs. Instead Dalton McGuinty cancelled programs that promoted efficiency - like the Energy Star tax rebate,” Hampton said.

On Wednesday, the respected World Wildlife Fund and the Pembina Institute issued a report on Ontario’s energy system. It found the province can cut greenhouse gas emissions in half in the next 20 years and eliminate the use of coal sooner than expected – all for less than it would cost under the McGuinty government’s $40-billion scheme to build more expensive, unreliable nuclear plants. .

“Whether it’s his promise on raising taxes, helping children with autism or expanding energy efficiency and conservation programs, Dalton McGuinty isn’t getting the job done – and he can’t be trusted,” said Hampton.