Factors That Affect Pricing
		Forecasts suggest that natural gas prices will track higher than the historical average.
		Lower production from new gas wells. Natural gas is no longer in surplus. A bubble of oversupply depressed prices for 10 years. The gas market now sees the same shortages that have governed the oil market for 25 years. The long term price trend is up and gas traders will need a good reason to reverse this trend. GDP and industrial production is improving and this will increase energy consumption.
		All Indicators point to more expensive Electricity
Coal generating plants to close by 2007
The Ontario government is committed in abiding by the Kyoto Accord against harmful emissions. Coal is the cheapest form of electricity. Coal currently accounts for 30% of total generation during peak hours. Coal will be replaced by more expensive alternatives, including natural gas.
Uncertainty of Nuclear plants
Nuclear facilities are costly to operate and maintain. Nuclear plants in Ontario have been an unreliable source of electricity since 1997. Cost to get nuclear facilities safely operational have been astronomical. These costs will eventually be passed on to consumers.
Increasing economic activity
Demand for electricity in Ontario is burgeoning with increased economic activity. At current generation levels, demand will outstrip supply by 3% annually. Conservation may not be enough to offset increased demand.
Imported Electricity is more expensive
At current generation levels, Ontario is dependent on scheduled electricity imports from Quebec and the United States. With demand outpacing supply, Ontario's dependence on imported electricity will grow painfully acute.