Mason calls for scrapping of bill 50

October 21, 2011

 

Alberta’s NDP Opposition leader Brian Mason is calling on the government to scrap bill 50 before any review of power line projects proceeds.

“Albertans are already grappling with rising electricity prices, with spikes in the double digit percentages monthly. Power line mega projects will make electricity bills skyrocket. Bill 50 has left the public with little proof these lines are needed, or what purpose they’re truly meant to serve.” Mason says. “Real change begins with scrapping Bill 50.”

Today’s move to put power line applications on hold is a good first step, but does nothing to guarantee a change in the way power planning is handled in Alberta, Mason says. Bill 50 removed requirements to prove power line projects are needed, are in the public interest and are built at the lowest possible cost.

“Alberta’s NDP was the first to challenge Bill 50. It specifically shuts the public out of power line planning that hits home on utility bills. Albertans can’t trust the PCs to plan our power grid, so Albertans need to be able to protect themselves from rate increases by having a say.”

Alberta’s NDP wants to make sure power companies will pay at least half of all transmission line costs, and that any power line capacity meant for power exports to the U.S. are paid for fully by line owners.