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
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
MPs to vote on motion to oust House Speaker Greg Fergus over allegations of partisanship
Members of Parliament will be voting Tuesday on a Conservative-led motion to oust House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus, amid renewed concern over his 'alleged lack of impartiality.'
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
Here's how new AI tech could change the iPhone
Generative AI, artificial intelligence that can provide thoughtful and thorough responses to questions and prompts, could potentially breathe new life into Apple’s iPhone lineup at a time when competitors are threatening to leave the company behind in the race to shape what could be a world-changing technology.
WATCH Airline pilot treated to stunning northern lights show during U.S.-Portugal flight
An airline pilot got quite a show on May 11 while flying from San Francisco to Lisbon when a solar storm caused stunning auroras.
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Why young people keep getting caught in debt traps and how to break the cycle
Canadians are feeling the squeeze between incomes that haven't kept up with the cost of living, housing crises in markets across the country and rising interest rates brought in to control inflation. Experts share some tips for managing debt and spending.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m.