Alberta amends power line bill

subscribe

The Alberta government has made changes to Bill 50, the controversial bill that has prompted sharp criticism for limiting the amount of public input into the construction of new electricity transmission lines.

Under amendments announced recently, the provincial electricity regulator must now consider the public interest when they decide where to put the lines.

It also establishes an oversight committee to give customers timely access to information on the projects. The amendments also allow for the staged construction of two high-voltage lines from Edmonton to Calgary and Edmonton to Fort McMurray.

Energy Minister Mel Knight said the changes were made to address concerns raised over the bill since it was introduced in June, but they came under quick criticism for not going far enough.

"They've added some kind of consumers' committee, but it's not clear that it's going to have any authority," said Alberta NDP leader Brian Mason. "And certainly it doesn't change the fact that these massive $14 billion worth of projects are mandated by the legislation."

Mason is calling for the bill to be scrapped entirely.

"We need to restore a proper regulatory process where the proponents have to advocate for these projects and justify their costs and others who oppose the projects or have concerns are allowed [to] intervene," he said.

The province argues that transmission lines should fall under the same criteria as infrastructure, such as roads and hospitals, that don't require public input if the work is critical.

Knight has said new lines, especially two between Calgary and Edmonton, are critical to avoid widespread electricity outages in times of heavy demand.

But well-known landowner activist Joe Anglin said the amendment calling for the staging of the lines puts that need into question.

"We never expected anything but staging of these projects. We never expected them to all be built at once. So to come down and say, 'now we're going to stage these,' the only thing it does it just tells the public the sense of urgency was never really there to begin with," he said.

The NDP also released a leaked report written for the Utilities Consumer Advocate that says the power demand forecasts used in the argument for the lines don't reflect the economic downturn.

Related News

bank-earnings-ev-tariffs-algoma-steel

Economic Crossroads: Bank Earnings, EV Tariffs, and Algoma Steel

OTTAWA - In a complex economic landscape, recent developments have brought attention to several pivotal issues affecting Canada's business sector. The Globe and Mail’s latest report delves into three major topics: the latest bank earnings, the implications of new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), and Algoma Steel’s strategic maneuvers. These factors collectively paint a picture of the challenges and opportunities facing Canada's economy.

Bank Earnings Reflect Economic Uncertainty

The recent financial reports from major Canadian banks have revealed a mixed picture of the nation’s economic health. As the Globe and Mail reports, earnings results show robust performances in some areas while…

READ MORE
co2 flame

Climate Solution: Use Carbon Dioxide to Generate Electricity

READ MORE

africa electricity future

Putting Africa on the path to universal electricity access

READ MORE

new orleans power failure

New Orleans Levees Withstood Hurricane Ida as Electricity Failed

READ MORE

power lines

Typical Ontario electricity bill set to increase nearly 2% as fixed pricing ends

READ MORE