Ontario food banks say they're seeing an increase in clients unable to afford the rising cost of hydro bills.
The Ontario Association of Food Banks says high electricity bills are having a ``devastating impact'' on the lives of low-income Ontarians.
Food banks serve 335-thousand adults and children each month, and the association is calling on the Liberal government to boost hydro assistance, particularly for the most impoverished families.
In a report released today, the association says many food banks have stepped in to offer their own utility assistance and hydro payment plans to clients.
But it says that even the food banks -- like many Ontario businesses -- are struggling with their own hydro bills.
Premier Kathleen Wynne said in a recent speech that more relief is on the way, in addition to an eight per cent rebate set to kick in on January 1st.