Residents hear solar farm downsides at Medicine Hat ratepayers forum

Sounantha Boss, president of the Medicine Hat Utilities Ratepayer Association, again railed against the city for what her organization sees as a lack of transparency and accountability from the city about its plans during Thursday’s forum.

“The process has not been followed in consultation with the constituents prior to the city’s intent to purchase the Saamis Solar farm project, we have only heard it as a ‘no regret’ strategic investment by the city,” Boss told an audience of some 200 people.

“Much of our inquiries to the city energy department have not been answered fully, leaving more questions in its wake.”

MHURA officials say they are not opposed to solar but instead want to understand what the return on investment can be. That information is expected to come to council if and when an approval to purchase occurs.

The not-for-profit advocacy organization called for a plebiscite on the solar project earlier this week, with the aim of getting more details about the initiative out in the public through a referendum.

It also applied for “intervenor status” in the city’s regulator application.

A pair of guest speakers outlined the negatives to solar energy and why it would be a bad choice for Medicine Hat at MHURA’s forum at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede’s Higdon Hall on Thursday.

Brian Zinchuk, an independent energy reporter based in Saskatchewan, warned those at the town hall about the impact of hail on solar farms.

“It’s a matter of when, not if,” Zinchuk said, adding insurance premiums could be costly as he gave a presentation by video call.

He also pointed out the variability that comes with renewable sources like solar and wind.

Zinchuk was followed by Michelle Sterling, the communications manager of the Friends of Science society, who in a presentation argued Medicine Hat was not the best international location for solar.

Michelle Stirling, of Friends of Science, speaks about the challenges faced by solar in southern Alberta. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

“The important thing is, even though Medicine Hat is one of the best solar locations in Canada, compared to other locations, it’s not as good as it seems,” Sterling told CHAT News as the town hall came to a end.

“There are a lot of risks and challenges, especially with this size of solar farm, and especially inside the city limits.”

She used data from the Alberta Electric System Operator and studies on Alberta’s electricity system to point out the challenges that face the solar energy industry.

While the city is looking for opportunities to diversify its energy sources amid an expected decade-long decline in revenues and offset increasing carbon levies, Sterling said solar is likely not the answer.

“The city is caught between a rock and a hard place, there’s no doubt about that,” she said.

“But, this may not be the solution, even though on the surface it looks like it’s perfect.”

There were no members of council or administrative staff present at the town hall on Thursday.

The city’s energy director Rochelle Pancoast was invited by MHURA but did not attend. However, a pair of city communications employees were present listening to the speakers.

Boss said she hopes that city officials attend future MHURA events.

“We do want to have that open communication so that we can bounce ideas and things back and forth,” she said.

“That’s just the way it should be.”

The ratepayers association grew from public uproar over skyrocketing electricity rates in 2023 that forced city council to approve a $33-million cost pressure relief program.

MHURA kicked off with formal events late last year and was officially incorporated in April.

by Eli J. Ridder

Residents hear solar farm downsides at Medicine Hat ratepayers forum

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