Frequitude:
I don't think anyone is saying wind and solar are THE solution. What I've been saying is they are PART of it, and bringing on all that capacity will help supply the demand as Alberta grows, while hopefully flattening the price spikes.
Peaker plants are apparently exempt from the net zero legislation. So they can continue to operate as is. If there's a business case for more peaker plants, the market SHOULD build them. If prices are spiking regularly, I'd think that would happen.
From what I understand, gas power plants commissioned before 2025 are also exempt.
Anything brought on after that has 20 years to comply. Google tells me the lifespan of a gas turbine that operates 24/7 is around 10 years. The math on the useful life of a gas plant is open to interpretation here, but it's a pretty big timeline; 2 decades to figure out CCUS.
The feds are also committing 40 billion to the provinces over 10 years to achieve their goal. If Alberta is the "problem emitter" in Canada, it stands to reason the bulk of that money will be here.
IMO the federal legislation is largely toothless, there's a PILE of money that is going to be up for grabs from them (on top of the cash already going into the industry) so it makes no sense whatsoever for Smith to pause renewables and pick a fight with Trudeau here. It only makes sense if her goal is whip up her base, which seems to be what is happening.
Calf was also 100% right with his comments on the cost of transmission and distribution. That portion of your bill is outrageous and it should be addressed.
TL/DR IMO go heavy renewables alongside nuclear and have Ottawa help fund it.
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