Utility lines in Lethbridge. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Canadian Press

Utilities Commission denies AltaLink’s proposed $120 million refund

May 17, 2022 | 12:41 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Alberta’s utilities watchdog has shut down a plan from a power transmission company to give ratepayers a refund.

The Alberta Utilities Commission says the small cash payout proposed by AltaLink would ultimately cost consumers millions more than it returned.

AltaLink, Alberta’s largest electricity transmitter, had asked the commission to allow it to offer a 120-million-dollar refund that would have averaged about five dollars a month for residential customers.

The commission pointed out the refund would have been financed by a loan, not cash.

It adds that the interest and other charges on that money meant the true cost of the refund was about 250 million dollars — money the company would have recouped from consumers.

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The commission says the offer was more like a loan than a refund.

Utilities consumer advocate lawyer Jim Wachowich says, if utilities want to help consumers bring down their bills, they should reduce their profit expectations.

An AltaLink spokesperson says the company is disappointed but will continue working to keep consumer rates flat.

(The Canadian Press)