defeating Lessard by over 4,000 votes. The Progressive Conservatives won a second majority government, and Duncan became opposition House Leader on 25 June 1999. He also served as Liberal Party critic for Municipal Affairs and the Management Board of Cabinet over the next four years. Cabinet minister The Liberals won a majority government in the 2003 provincial election. Duncan was appointed Minister of Energy and Government House Leader on 23 October 2003. Minister of Energy (first time) One of Duncan's primary responsibilities as Energy Minister was managing Ontario Power Generation, which was in an extremely troubled state when the Liberals assumed power in 2003. A damning report into systemic mismanagement at OPG was issued shortly after the new government assumed power, and several high-level executives were forced to submit their resignations. Duncan appointed a new interim board led by former federal Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Jake Epp to lead the organization's renewal. Duncan subsequently announced plans for a comprehensive audit of OPG, when its budgetary shortfall was found to be $850 million. Reports in early 2004 indicated that Tory advisers with close ties to Mike Harris and Ernie Eves had received untendered contracts worth $5.6 million in 1999, when the Progressive Conservatives were still in government. The OPG's situation improved under its new management, and it was able to post a $42 million profit in 2005. Duncan issued a strategic report from the Electricity Conservation and Supply Task Force in January 2004. The report called for Ontario to emphasize energy conservation, while also ensuring "reliability, diversity and affordability", and consumer protection. Two months later, Duncan brought forward a conservation plan highlighted by the use of "smart" electricity meters to discourage overuse during peak hours. The government plans to have smart meters installed throughout the province by 2010. In April 2004, Duncan announced the creation of a new body called the Ontario Power Authority to purchase energy for the province and plan its long-term energy strategy. Duncan argued that the body would "depoliticize" energy debates in Ontario. Most energy companies supported this decision, while a number of environmental groups criticized it. The Globe and Mailraised concerns over the authority's expanding budget in late 2006, but Duncan argued that its expenses are necessary to create a planning regime for the future. Hydro rates increased twice during Duncan's first tenure as Energy Minister. The Liberal Party had campaigned on a pledge