Power bill hike zaps Albertans
Posted Apr 5, 2011 8:03 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The price of electricity in Alberta continues to rise with predictions of more increases in the coming months.
Energy providers blame a combination of increased demand and reduced power generation for the recent price hikes.
The leader of the Alberta New Democrats, Brian Mason, blames what he calls price gouging on the deregulation of the industry.
The province denies that, claiming Alberta electricity rates have been 30 per cent cheaper than those in Saskatchewan over the last two years.
Mel Fruitman with the Consumers Association of Canada tells 660News people should think very carefully before signing a contract with a power provider.
Fruitman says power companies are in the business to make money; their rates are designed to improve their bottom line, not yours.
The cost of electricity has risen by more than 60 per cent since fall.
Calgary’s electricity utility, Enmax, is now charging $11.88 per kilowatt hour; that’s up from $5.78 for the same kilowatt hour for those not on fixed contracts a year ago.
There are predictions prices should stabilize later in the year when more power generation is added to the grid.
