Alberta NDP says Kenney government is failing Albertans who are stuck with high utility bills
Energy companies are no longer bound by a moratorium on shutting off power, which could cause issues for Albertans with mounting utility bills.
As of Friday, the grace period for those behind on payments is over, meaning providers can disconnect services, something the moratorium prevented during the winter months.
The number of Albertans who face shutoff is unclear, but its estimated that at least 1,000 ENMAX customers could be affected.
CTV News reached out to several energy companies for more precise numbers, but many did not respond to the request or would provide official numbers.
In a statement, Chinta Puxley, a spokesperson for ENMAX said, “We don’t provide specific customer account details as all customer information is confidential.”
For those in a financial bind, government officials and energy companies are advising customers to reach out to their provider for payment options.
“We understand these are challenging economic times for many customers, regardless of which utility they’re with,” said Puxley. “We also know that individual customer needs vary and always encourage our customers to contact our customer care team at 310-2010.”
The UCP government does plan to offer a $150 retroactive rebate for most families and small businesses to help with energy bills from the winter, as part of the province’s latest budget, however, there is no clear timeline about when this will take place.
Nevertheless, the official opposition says the rebate isn’t enough and the UCP government need to take further action to protect Albertans.
“We'd like to see them institute a real rebate on natural gas, we'd like to see them institute either a rate cap or a real rebate with respect to electricity,” said Kathleen Ganley, NDP energy critic and MLA for Calgary-Mountain View.
Ganley says unpaid bills speaks to affordability in Alberta.
“These aren't people who are choosing to, you know, spend their money on luxuries,” she said. “We've heard from people who are making the choice between paying for their heat and buying their groceries.”
The opposition tried to extend the shutoff moratorium through to the next period – effectively April 2023 – but the attempt was defeated in the legislature.
RETAILERS COMMITTED TO HELPING CONSUMERS: UCP
The UCP government in a statement to CTV News, said Friday that it has contacted a number of major energy retailers throughout Alberta that have told them there isn't a large number of customers in Alberta who could have their services cut off.
Even so, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity Dale Nally says he is "extreme empathetic" with the challenges that residents are facing.
"(I) want to ensure they are connecting with Alberta’s Utility Consumer Advocate for advice on how to navigate these difficult situations and to learn about the programs that are available to them," Nally said. "Many vulnerable Albertans have access to specialized support programs to avoid utility disconnections through the Special Needs Assistance Program for Alberta seniors, the Direct to Tenant Rent Supplement Program, Alberta Works and Alberta Supports."
Nally adds the "abolishment of disconnections", which was introduced by the NDP government, would result in higher utility rates for all Albertans given the "rapidly growing ratepayer debt."
"For anyone fearing disconnection, the most important thing they can do is stay in contact with their retailer. Utility retailers have assured me that they are committed to exploring all options to keep their customers connected through flexible repayments plans or other solutions."
Nally said the Utility Consumer Advocate is also available to help alleviate the concerns of consumers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
opinion Harry and Meghan's Nigerian adventure: Traditional attire to warm welcomes
For her latest column on CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Nigeria, calling it a 'deeply meaningful campaign' that was about aligning their ongoing efforts to foster mental-health awareness and promoting the Invictus Games.
'Terrifying': Manitoba resident speaks on wildfire and evacuation
As a pair of wildfires burn near Flin Flon and The Pas, a number of Manitobans are being told to evacuate their homes.
Ontario's need for nurses, PSWs to top 33K and 50K by 2032: document
Ontario will need 33,200 more nurses and 50,853 more personal support workers by 2032, the government projects — figures it tried to keep secret but were obtained by The Canadian Press.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
No concert ticket? No problem — Swifties can still gather at 'Taylgate' in Toronto
Whether you were lucky to nab tickets to one of Taylor Swift's six sold-out Toronto concerts in November or not, a new 'fan experience' hopes to get you into the party spirit.