Renewable Power Incentive Program In Alberta

Resolution Category Provincial Scope 5
Subject Environment
Year 2010
Status Adopted - Expired
Sponsor - Mover
Peace River, Town of
Active Clauses

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association urges the Government of Alberta to establish renewable power incentives.

Whereas Clauses

WHEREAS renewable power incentive programs benefit municipalities, especially if they have developed large scale or multiple small scale alternative energy projects;

WHEREAS renewable power incentive programs would support urban and rural Alberta to be energy self sufficient, make the grid more efficient and cost effective;

WHEREAS Alberta’s deregulated electricity market is well situated for renewable power incentive programs; and

WHEREAS positive spinoffs from a well developed alternative energy sector in Alberta would have significant employment and manufacturing potential for urban and rural municipalities as seen in European and American alternative energy sectors.

Government Response

Feb 16, 2011 - Alberta Environment

As identified in Alberta’s 2008 Climate Change Strategy, the Government of Alberta is committed to transforming the way we produce energy and introducing greener, more sustainable approaches to energy production. Alberta Energy is in the early stages of developing a renewable and alternatives framework for Alberta to further define actions that can be taken for development of alternative and renewable energy in Alberta. This framework will be developed in consultation with stakeholders, including the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, and should be completed by winter 2011.

As we move forward with the implementation of Alberta’s 2008 Climate Change Strategy, incentives and support for renewable and alternative energy will be closely examined to see how they can help achieve our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Apr 13, 2011 - Alberta Energy

The Government of Alberta recognizes the importance of renewable energy to Albertans. The Alberta Provincial Energy Strategy commits to “not only support renewable energy development but promote a market for its consumption” and “promote smart metering…to help Albertans better understand their consumption patterns and incent greener responses.”

My staff is currently developing an Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy Framework, which will address man of the questions and policy proposals your members put forward. As part of the stakeholder consultation to which we have committed, we will be inviting AUMA members and other stakeholders to provide input.

The Alberta Utilities Commission has just completed a Smart Grid Inquiry report. This report addresses a range of smart grid issues, including advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). As we review the study and develop policy with respect to AMI, we will be seeking input from interested parties such as AUMA.

Nov 20, 2012 - Alberta Energy 

Department is currently developing an Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy Framework. This is a collaborative effort with other ministries whose mandates encompass aspects of alternative and renewable energy.

Public consultation is an important part of the framework development process. In September 2011, Alberta Energy hosted an industry expert working session to gather information on alternative and renewable energy resource potential, opportunities, benefits, barriers and suggestions to reduce common barriers. This information is being used in the development of an Alberta primer on alternative and renewable energy, which will serve as a basis for further information gathering and analysis and, subject to government’s approval, public consultation. This work will lead to policy options for consideration by government.

Alberta Municipalities notes

AUMA considers this response.