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Old 08-04-2016, 11:12 AM   #2530
Zarley
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Quote:
Originally Posted by para transit fellow View Post
I am confused by whatbyou mean by this.

We had cheapest rates for electricity and then we deregulated.
I'd encourage you to read this study that provides a good overview of the industry and an objective comparison of rates by province:

http://www.ippsa.com/IP_pdfs/IPPSA%2...uly%202011.pdf

The facts show that Alberta residential consumers have paid rates in line with the Canadian average, while industrial consumers have enjoyed below average rates. The article you posted included criticism by industry that turned out to be completely unfounded. In fact, Lethbridge Ironworks remains in operation today despite the CEO's dire predictions in the article you posted.

Quote:
Originally Posted by para transit fellow View Post
For about 15 years we had very high electricity rates

Now we have cheap electricity rates... with ridiculus transmission costs to cover infrastructure built to ship electricity south to the usa.
This statement illustrates that you truly don't know what you are talking about the amount of power Alberta exports is almost zero - less than 1% of national electricity exports. Obviously this is due to our lack of low cost hydro generation. Transmission infrastructure expenses have been necessary to support population growth in the province, not export. Our lack of export capacity also means that export revenues are not used to subsidize rates inside the province, as is done in BC and MB.

Quote:
Originally Posted by para transit fellow View Post
How has this "competitive" rate been beneficial?
In addition to providing consumers with rates that are in line with peer provinces and states, deregulation has allowed for billions of dollars in private investment inflows into the province while ensuring that public sector inefficiencies do not creep into the power market.
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