The fall session of the Legislature began sitting and we are scheduled to go until December 6th.
Right out of the gate, the official opposition forced an emergency debate on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX). Given the major setback of this summer’s Federal Court of Appeal decision that halted construction of TMX, it was important to voice unequivocal support from MLAs in all parties to get this vital project back on track.
On November 6, I had the chance to question all of the players who manage Alberta’s electricity system: the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO); the Market Surveillance Administrator (MSA); the Balancing Pool (BP); the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC); and the Ministry of Energy.
It turns out that the Balancing Pool, which controls certain power plants through something called a Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA), has been running those plants in a non-commercial manner. In other words, this government agency has been caught selling electricity for less than what it costs to generate. Taxpayers have been bailing out the Balancing Pool with loans from the Treasury!
At the federal level, Bill C-69, aptly described as the “No More Pipelines Bill,” has already been passed in the House of Commons. It is now being debated by the Senate and should go to committee for more discussion. Another federal bill, C-48, bans oil tankers on the North West coast of British Columbia.
These bills are not in the national interest and will further decimate Alberta’s energy sector! I urge you to call and write to all members of the Senate to express your objection to seeing these bills pass.
As the Christmas season is upon us, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the community volunteers who do such great work serving the needy throughout our city.
Merry Christmas!
Prasad Panda
MLA – Calgary Foothills
