Hydro costs force Kingsville greenhouse to expand outside Ontario

Greenhouse growers in Kingsville are choosing to expand operations outside of Canada because of risinghydro rates.

After operating in the region for 45 years, owners at Mucci Farms are building a new greenhouse in Ohio, saying the cost of being in Ontario is just too high.

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Bert Mucciwould prefer to expand his business in the region, but hydro rates continue to rise. Instead, the business will stay in the region, while building their new U.S. operation.

"If we had competitive electricity rates, we would be doubling our production here," he said.

As the winter months approach, greenhouse growers are firing up their lights, and that means hydro costs are about to become even more grim.

"We are paying one of the highest rates in North America," Mucci said. "It's causing us to move out of Ontario right now."

Mucci Farms has paid up to 18 cents per kilowatt, butthe company can get hydro for 6 cents a kilowatt in Ohio.

"The only thing in Ohio that's making it the most effective is the electricity costs," he said. "We have the best of the best here."