Here are facts on the NDP ‘white knight’ Act to Cap Regulated Electricity Rates: (AKA Bill 16)
Once upon a time in Alberta the newly elected NDP government hatched a plot. Seizing their power they moved to implement their plan. The old carbon tax under the specified gas emitters regulation was first to be changed. What was at $15 rose to $20 and then $30 and up. Their scheme was working marvelously, increasing tax on generators 70% in one year. This would bring revenue of a few hundred million. They rubbed their fingers together delightedly.
Then something happened they didn’t intend. Reports were published far and wide revealing the damages their plans had realized. A cost upwards of $4 billion.
As things heated up, they began to backpedal. Oh what a mess, oh what a muddle. They couldn’t be caught, for oh what a shame! So, next up was the denial game. 4.3j brought on that debacle, and when held to account this was their answer: “We have no idea! It wasn’t in the binder. We’re not at fault, it was a secret deal!”
Hide as they may, FOIP proved too ruthless, revealing their detailed correspondence.
It wasn’t enough to convince them to turn, instead they went further, refusing to learn. Companies they blamed, lawsuits they filed: Bill 6, Bill 27 and Bill 16 came to be. Each turn and motion boldly showing their terrible plight and need to be right.
Now we come to their ‘white knight’ charade, where we have a problem and they need applause.
Bill 16 is the answer. For what? Don’t you know? It caps your electricity rates (Regulated Rate Options) at 6.8. Never mind that you already pay around just 3 cents, or that you had Fixed Rate Options before they stepped in. They’ll save you from spikes and unstable markets, just don’t pay attention to the fact they caused it.
Caused it? Why yes, didn’t you know? Phasing out a free market economy makes the electricity supply go low. Which means electricity gets more expensive you see. Oh, and that fixed 6.8 cost the NDP $10 million a month for each cent the rate rises above. Where are they getting this sum of money? They say ratepayer, which means taxpayer, which means you and me.
That’s Bill 16, their shining ‘white knight.’ Where you pay more out right, or in taxes hidden out of sight. All while the NDP smile and say, ‘We’ve saved you, and we’ll protect you!’… Just not really.
There’s no happy ending to this unsightly nightmare. Not while this government brings bills to bear.
Don MacIntyre, MLA
Innisfail-Sylvan Lake
#2, 160 Hewlett Park Landing
Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 2J3
E: innisfail.sylvanlake@assembly.ab.ca
P. 403-887-9575