Alberta NDP is accusing the government of dragging its feet on utility rebates.
According to Wednesday’s Orders In Council, the electricity rebates are not scheduled to be fully distributed to Albertans until December 31, 2022, almost a full year after they were first announced, says the NDP in a news release.
The Opposition says a government fact sheet shows that the natural gas rebate that passed in March will only be in effect from Oct. 1 to March 31, 2023.
“We can see from these rebate deadlines that the UCP is literally not getting the job done,” says NDP Leader Rachel Notley.
“Albertans are struggling and tired of waiting for this government to get their act together. This debacle is yet another sign that Albertans cannot trust the UCP.
“An NDP Government will always be focused on keeping more money in Albertans’ pockets and we will get the work done quickly.”
Alberta government reduces gas tax, offers electricity rebate
Electricity prices soared after the UCP removed the cap on electricity prices and the government only promised rebates when faced with mounting pressure from the public, says the NDP. There are currently no regulations governing the distribution of natural gas rebates.
The NDP attempted to amend the UCP’s rebate legislation to ensure rebates were issued to Albertans by May 31, but the UCP voted the amendment down.
“Last month we proposed changes to the UCP rebate bill that would have gotten money into Albertans’ hands no later than May 31,” said NDP energy critic Kathleen Ganley.
“The UCP refused to consider that. We also brought them a fully drafted bill that would have prevented utility cut-offs this year and the UCP refused to consider that.”
Notley called on the UCP to change the regulations to require that the first electricity rebate arrive no later than May 31. She also called on the UCP to immediately prepare and publish regulations on the promised natural gas rebate.