Mason: NDP would clean up Tory electricity deregul

May 16, 2011

Alberta’s NDP Opposition leader Brian Mason says he would responsibly re-regulate Alberta’s power market to protect consumers as Albertans face a 60 per cent increase in electricity rates.

 “This hike is the result of the Tories’ choice to deregulate the province’s electricity market,” says Mason. “Consumers have no choice now but to pay so the power companies can play the market. The NDP would re-regulate the market to protect Albertan pocketbooks while assuring a reliable and sustainable electricity system.”

 The massive rate hike follows the closing of coal plants near Wabamun, cutting supplies and driving up prices. A typical household will pay about $30 more per month starting with April bills.

 “Power companies can save money but shuttering plants. At the same time, they can make more money by jacking electricity rates after the closures. A responsible NDP government would step in to stop this sort of gouging. The Tories, on the other hand, chose to let it all slide,” Mason says.

 Albertans can expect further rate hikes thanks to several massive power line construction projects the Tories are helping push.

 “It’s industry first, consumers last with the Tories. Albertans cannot trust the PCs to protect their pocketbooks.” Mason says.