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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Alberta sets new electricity usage record during deep freeze
CALGARY - Albertans are cranking up their thermostats and blasting heat into their homes at overwhelmingly high rates as the deep freeze continues.
It’s so cold that the province set a new all-time record Tuesday evening for electricity usage.
According to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), 11,729 MW of power was used around 7 p.m. Tuesday, passing the previous record set in January of last year by 31 MW.
Temperatures reached a low of -29 C in Calgary on Tuesday while Edmonton saw a low of -30 C, according to Environment Canada. Wind chill made it feel closer to -40.
“That increase —…
