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By Lisa Parent

NDP energy critic takes renewable energy pause concerns to Medicine Hat

Sep 13, 2023 | 5:25 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – NDP energy critic Kathleen Ganley was in Medicine Hat today, raising concerns about the impact of the seven-month ban on renewable energy. The NDP claims Premier Danielle Smith’s renewables ban risks $10 billion in investment and seven thousand jobs in her own constituency.

Ganley says she came to the Premier’s riding because it’s been one month since the NDP started calling on the provincial government to reverse the decision and no action has been taken.

Citing data from the Pembina Institute, the NDP says there are a total of 23 projects under various stages of development in and around the Brooks-Medicine Hat region that are now at risk. The ban came as a shock to many in the industry as there was no consultation prior to the announcement. The decision has also garnered international attention and Ganley is questioning why the premier is risking jobs and investment, in the constituency she was elected to represent.

“That’s an impact on people’s lives and their livelihoods and the government really should be doing better,” said Ganley. “There’s no good reason for them to have done this the way that they did. It’s possible to review the regulations to address the valid concerns that people have raised with projects without stopping development.”

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We reached out to the Premier’s office this morning and they stated she was too busy to comment due to her busy schedule today. The UCP did provide this statement from Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf:

“The party indicates no projects are being cancelled. All projects that have been approved will continue towards construction. The Alberta Utilities Commission will continue to work with projects already in the queue and newly proposed projects while the pause is in place, up until the point of approval. The NDP is deliberately confusing the public by not using the list of projects available from the A-U-C. The pause will help set a regulatory standard for all projects, now and into the future.”

The Pembina Institute says on average, a 100 mega watt renewable energy project generates between 125 and 175 million dollars in project development and construction investments. It also generates one point five million dollars in annual municipal revenues and up to 300 full time jobs during construction.

More information on the renewable energy pause can be found here: Frequently asked questions: Alberta’s Renewables Inquiry and the Related Pause