EDMONTON - Following the release of new analysis from the Business Renewables Centre-Canada showing Alberta municipalities are missing out on $91 million per year in local tax revenue after last year’s provincial renewable energy moratorium, Public Interest Alberta is calling on the Alberta government to release its finalized roadmap for renewable energy development as soon as possible.
“Nearly five months after the moratorium has been lifted, uncertainty in the market still plagues Alberta’s renewable energy sector,” said Bradley Lafortune, Executive Director of Public Interest Alberta.“The UCP Government has set Alberta back years by starving rural municipalities of much-needed tax revenue, curbing clean energy generation and storage capacity, and decimating investor confidence in Alberta.”
“While corporate revenues in the traditional oil and gas sector continue to surge and shareholders are making profits hand-over-fist, the renewable sector has been suffocated” said Lafortune.“The three biggest Canadian oil giants have already made more than $112B in revenue in Canada from May 2023 to May 2024,” said Lafortune. “It’s outrageous that the provincial government is holding an emerging market back. We have some of the best renewable energy stock the world over. If we had efficient, predictable, and fair rules, our renewables sector could be the best in the country.”
“Alberta used to be seen as a leader and innovator in clean and sustainable energy development,” said Lafortune. “But due to the actions of this regressive government, we are now lagging behind provinces like Ontario and Quebec, who have announced firm plans to bring 5,000 and 10,000 megawatts of new power online within the next decade. We need a clear vision for how the UCP plans to right this ship away from disaster.”
Public Interest Alberta is demanding an urgent finalization of the roadmap for renewables, before the end of this year as well as the following:
- Clear and efficient process for competitive bids for long-term projects;
- Hard targets to a renewable energy target, signaling to industry the long-term opportunities within Alberta;
- Aligning policy, programs and regulations with existing potential partnerships with the federal government and municipalities.
