Alberta is taking the federal government to court over new electricity rules it says are dangerous and unfair.
The province says Ottawa’s Clean Electricity Regulations will cause blackouts and raise power bills. It wants Alberta’s Court of Appeal to decide if the rules break the Constitution.
“The federal government refused to work collaboratively or listen to Canadians while developing these regulations,” said Premier Danielle Smith.
“The results are ineffective, unachievable and irresponsible, and place Albertans’ livelihoods – and more importantly, lives – at significant risk,” said Smith.
She said the province “will not accept unconstitutional net-zero regulations that leave Albertans vulnerable to blackouts in the middle of summer and winter.”
The new rules were finalized in December 2024. They set tough carbon limits on fossil fuel power and aim for a net-zero grid.
But the Alberta Electric System Operator says the rules will make the grid more than 100 times less reliable. Alberta’s electricity system could face serious blackouts, the province warns.
Albertans expect affordable and reliable power, Smith said.
“Implementation of these regulations could increase costs by a staggering 35 per cent,” she said.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery called the federal rules “another example of dangerous federal overreach.”
“These regulations will create unpredictable power outages in the months when Albertans need reliable energy the most,” said Amery. “They will also cause power prices to soar in Alberta, which will hit our vulnerable the hardest.”
The province says Ottawa’s rules rely too much on unproven technology. Natural gas plants would need costly upgrades to keep running.
“Ottawa’s electricity regulations will leave Albertans in the dark,” said Rebecca Schulz, environment minister.
“They aren’t about reducing emissions – they are unconstitutional, ideological activist policies based on standards that can’t be met and technology that doesn’t exist,” said Schulz.
She said the rules would scare away investment and punish people for using natural gas.
“We will not put families at risk from safety and affordability impacts – rationing power during the coldest days of the year – and we will continue to stand up for Albertans,” Schulz said.
The province says the Constitution gives provinces full control over electricity production. That is why it is asking the Court of Appeal to review Ottawa’s rules.
