Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Bill 18

Province introduces legislation to give Albertans utility rebates

Apr 20, 2022 | 4:11 PM

Albertans could soon get some much-needed relief on their utility bills.

The provincial government has introduced Bill 18, the Utility Commodity Rebate Act, which would enable rebates for more than 1.9 million households and businesses.

Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity, says this price protection measure will help Albertans weather rising energy prices due to the federal carbon tax, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and other geopolitical factors.

“We know increased costs are affecting the well-being of Albertans, and our government is taking real action. This legislation is necessary to deliver electricity and natural gas rebates to help nearly two million Albertans. We’re providing short-term relief while creating long-term improvements that will make the utility system more affordable down the line.”

If passed, Bill 18 would provide electricity customers with a total of $150 in rebates ($50 for each of the first three months in 2022).

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The government is working with utility companies to start issuing the rebate directly onto consumers’ bills this summer.

For natural gas users, rebates will kick in if regulated natural gas rates exceed $6.50 per gigajoule between October 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.

The Natural Gas Rebate Program is currently scheduled to launch in fall 2022.

Nally estimates that the province will spend approximately $280 million over three months issuing the rebates.

Kevin Lacey, Alberta Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, says any measures that help everyday Albertans will always be welcome.

“The Kenney government has stepped up to the plate to help taxpayers who are struggling with record high energy prices. This energy rebate combined with eliminating the provincial gas tax is a great way to give taxpayers a break.”

According to the province, new legislation is necessary as the existing Natural Gas Price Protection Act does not allow for rebates on electricity bills.

As of April 1, 2022, the Alberta Government ceased the collection of the provincial fuel tax, resulting in gas prices dropping by approximately 13 cents per litre.

“The UCP have dragged their feet for months on providing help to Albertans as they combat skyrocketing utility bills,” said NDP Energy Critic Kathleen Ganley. “Today’s legislation still provides no timelines for giving an actual rebate to Albertans, many of whom are facing thousands in overdue costs and the threat of their electricity and heat being shut off entirely.

“The UCP has demanded immediate passage of this legislation. But, we won’t give that to them because we are going to take time to see if we can make this bill better for Albertans.

“Bluntly, we are considering amending this bill to see if we can force this government’s hand to actually help families.

“Alberta’s NDP will do whatever it takes to put money in the hands of Albertans as they face a cost of living crisis that is being made so much worse by UCP decisions.”

(With files from rdnewsNOW)