CHAT News File Photo

By Regan Tate

Utility rebates to begin next month

Jun 22, 2022 | 1:49 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- Utility relief is on the way for almost two million Albertans.

The provincial government says beginning in July more than 1.9 million homes, farms, and small businesses will receive monthly credits of $50 on their July, August, and September electricity bills, for a total of $150 in rebates.

The province says it is providing targeted support to help Albertans deal with the rising cost of living. The government believes these rebates combined with the fuel tax exemption and the upcoming natural gas rebate will help many Alberta households pay their bills.

Albertans currently connected to the system that have consumed electricity within the past calendar year, up to a maximum of 250 megawatt hours per year, are automatically eligible for the rebates.

Eligible Albertans can expect to see an automatic $50 rebate on their bills. It is being applied directly to eligible utility bills, meaning no application or other action is needed to start receiving the rebate in July.

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Consumers wishing to protect themselves from price volatility may enter into a competitive fixed-rate contract and still be eligible for the $50 rebates. Albertans can visit the Utility Consumer Advocate to see what products are available in their area.

The rebate will be listed on each bill as a line item titled “GOA Utility Commodity Rebate,” and $50 rebates will follow in August and September, for a total of $150. Exact timing will vary depending on the billing cycle of one’s utility provider.

Consumers who believe they meet the eligibility criteria but have not received the rebates by the end of July should contact the Utility Consumer Advocate.

The provincial government also announced on Wednesday that the fuel tax relief program will continue until September. Fuel prices have continued to increase nationwide. Currently, gas prices in Medicine Hat are about $1.91.9 per litre.

The government says with the relief program in place Albertans will save between $6.80 and $18.50 every fill up depending on the type of vehicle being driver.

The government committed to evaluating the program quarterly and reinstating it in stages only if the average price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil fell below $90 per barrel. For the four-week period ending June 15, WTI averaged $115.88 per barrel.