The Utility Commodity Rebate Act would replace the Natural Gas Price Protection Act with new enabling legislation for both electricity and natural gas rebates. If passed, forthcoming regulations under the act will enable an electricity rebate that will benefit more than 1.9 million families, farms and businesses, as well as a natural gas rebate to protect Albertans from high prices next winter.
This is part of the ongoing work to provide price protection and help for Albertans struggling with high energy prices due to the federal carbon tax and other geopolitical factors.
“We know increased costs are affecting the well-being of Albertans, and our government is taking real action. This legislation is necessary to deliver electricity and natural gas rebates to help nearly two million Albertans. We’re providing short-term relief while creating long-term improvements that will make the utility system more affordable down the line.”
Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity
“The Kenney government has stepped up to the plate to help taxpayers who are struggling with record high energy prices. This energy rebate combined with eliminating the provincial gas tax is a great way to give taxpayers a break.”
Kevin Lacey, Alberta director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation
The Electricity Rebate Program will help cover the higher electricity bills that many Albertans experienced during the winter of 2021-2022. The program will provide $150 in total electricity rebates over three months ($50 for three months in a row).
The government is working with utility companies to start issuing the rebate directly on consumers’ bills this summer.
The Natural Gas Rebate Program will provide relief on natural gas bills to support Albertans amid this period of high prices. Natural gas rebates will kick in when regulated natural gas rates exceed $6.50 per gigajoule between Oct. 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023.
More information on each rebate program will be released after regulations have been put in place and before payments begin.
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