MLA Rob Anderson tries to repeal Bill 50

Airdrie-Chestermere MLA Rob Anderson was unsuccessful in his bid to have Bill 50 repealed in the Legislature, April 18.

Bill 50, the Electric Statutes Amendment Act, clears the way for the construction of two high-voltage direct-current lines in Alberta, including one that will pass through Crossfield. Anderson is seeking a complete needs assessment of the lines by the Alberta Utilities Commission. He pushed for open and transparent bidding and tendering of the contracts, which were awarded to AltaLink and ATCO, and wished to ensure landowners would be fairly compensated and have recourse to Alberta courts.

“I was making a case to the backbencher Tory MLAs that they are going to lose dozens of seats because of this,” said Anderson. “I understand how hard it is when the party whip is in force and people can’t vote against something.”

Anderson said Energy Minister Ron Liepert doesn’t understand Bill 50 very well, calling him “bureaucratic” and “in over his head.”

But Liepert insisted it wasn’t a political decision and referred to the Province’s electricity regulator, Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) and its recommendations.

“It wasn’t a bunch of political guys sitting around a coffee table saying we need to build powerlines,” said Liepert. “AESO makes their long-term projections and it was based on their projections that we need those lines.”

Former energy ministers and Premier Ed Stelmach justified bypassing a needs assessment, claiming the review process already happened and was therefore no longer necessary, according to Anderson.

“This is not true. Why on earth would you pass a bill to avoid having to go through the needs assessment process if you had already legitimately gone through the needs assessment process?” said Anderson. “This argument insults the intelligence of Albertans. It is a falsehood, plain and simple.”

The motion was defeated 23-6 with Anderson receiving support from provincial NDP leader Brian Mason, Wild Rose MLA Paul Hinman and Liberals Bridget Pastoor, Harry Chase and Kevin Taft.

“Bill 50 is really quite simple. It ensures the timely approval of critical transmission projects that we need to support our economy and keep the lights on,” said Liepert.

He also balked at the alleged $16 billion price tag and said the four main proposed projects would cost $5 billion.

“The $16 billion is the total long-term projection of what the system needs in upgrades over the next 20 years,” said Liepert. “No one’s bill is going to double or triple as a result of the transmission build.”

Alberta is one of North America’s fastest growing jurisdictions and 11,500 Megawatts of new power must be added to the grid within 20 years to keep pace with the economy, added Liepert.