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Taxing Hydroelectricity in Ontario

Author

Listed:
  • David W. Gillen
  • Jean-François Wen

Abstract

Using data from the financial statements of Ontario Hydro and an observed cost of importing electricity to the province, we provide an estimate of the hydroelectric rent that is potentially available in Ontario as tax revenue. Our results suggest that the existing water charges in Ontario can be raised ten-fold to capture this rent. We assess the impact that fully taxing the rent would have on the prices of electricity and manufacturing products, given that a substantial portion of the potential rent is currently used implicitly to subsidize electricity consumption. We relate our findings to the ongoing restructuring of the electricity market in Ontario.

Suggested Citation

  • David W. Gillen & Jean-François Wen, 2000. "Taxing Hydroelectricity in Ontario," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 26(1), pages 35-49, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpp:issued:v:26:y:2000:i:1:p:35-49
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Garnaut, Ross & Clunies-Ross, Anthony, 1983. "Taxation of Mineral Rents," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198284543.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yris D. FONDJA WANDJI & Jules SADEFO KAMDEM, 2020. "La rente hydroélectrique en Afrique : Une évaluation avec taxation et optimisation des coûts totaux de production," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 52, pages 147-170.
    2. Banfi, Silvia & Filippini, Massimo, 2010. "Resource rent taxation and benchmarking--A new perspective for the Swiss hydropower sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(5), pages 2302-2308, May.
    3. International Monetary Fund, 2011. "Iceland: Advancing Tax Reform and the Taxation of Natural Resources," IMF Staff Country Reports 2011/138, International Monetary Fund.
    4. Massarutto, Antonio & Pontoni, Federico, 2015. "Rent seizing and environmental concerns: A parametric valuation of the Italian hydropower sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 31-40.
    5. Shrestha, Ram M. & Abeygunawardana, A.M.A.K., 2009. "Evaluation of economic rent of hydropower projects," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(5), pages 1886-1897, May.
    6. Banfi, Silvia & Filippini, Massimo & Mueller, Adrian, 2005. "An estimation of the Swiss hydropower rent," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 33(7), pages 927-937, May.

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