UCP aim for July for energy rebates

Albertans should start seeing the new energy rebates in July. That’s according to Dale Nally, the associate minister of natural gas and electricity.

Last week the United Conservative government tabled Bill 18: the Utility Commodity Rebate Act, which would enable electricity and natural gas rebates, benefitting around two million households and businesses.

One key issue that stemmed from the UPC’s announcement, was the uncertainty of when Albertans would actually see the rebate.

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“We know that the rising cost of living, particularly regarding utilities, is putting a strain on Alberta families. That’s why we are providing short-term relief to help Albertans and making the long-term changes needed to keep energy affordable in the years ahead,” Minister Nally told CityNews.

“With the regulations for the electricity rebate now released, retailers are working hard to integrate it into their billing systems. This work is almost complete and we expect rebates to start arriving on Albertans’ bills in early July. We look forward to announcing more details in the coming weeks, including who to contact with questions about your rebate.”

Nally added the new program would provide more relief than the previous NDP government’s rate, “which only provided $108 million in relief over two years and only to around half of Albertans.”

The UCP’s plan will offer about $300 million in relief, but Nally says, “the regulations for the natural gas program are being finalized and those details will be shared as soon as possible.”

– With files from Saif Kaisar