Alberta government tells utilities to prove fair costs
“We have taken action to ensure that Albertans aren’t on the hook for unjustified costs associated with building transmission lines,” said Alberta's Energy Minister Ken Hughes. “Transmission companies now must defend every cent they charge consumers. This brings more transparency and delivers on promises made following the retail market review.”
As part of its broader powers to scrutinize the cost of new transmission projects, the Alberta Utilities Commission will be able to assess information earlier in the process, so it can ensure that all costs are necessary.
In January 2013, government announced changes to transmission cost oversight and struck an MLA Implementation Team to protect Alberta consumers from volatile electricity costs.
An estimated $14 billion in new transmission infrastructures will be built over the next decade to meet the growing electricity demands Albertans and industry within the province.
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Ontario explores possibility of new, large scale nuclear plants
TORONTO - Ontario is exploring the possibility of building new, large-scale nuclear plants in order to meet increasing demand for electricity and phase out natural gas generation.
A report late last year by the Independent Electricity System Operator found that the province could fully eliminate natural gas from the electricity system by 2050, starting with a moratorium in 2027, but it will require about $400 billion in capital spending and more generation including new, large-scale nuclear plants.
Decarbonizing the grid, in addition to new nuclear, will require more conservation efforts, more renewable energy sources and more energy storage, the report concluded.
The IESO…
