By: Darren Chu Life on the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) over the last few years has been like riding a rollercoaster, albeit less thrilling or fun. Last month, the Government of Alberta announced some big changes to the RRO. The Regulated Rate Option will now be known as the Rate of Last Resort or RoLR, to better communicate the intention of the rate. There are some underlying changes as well, which will help stabilize the ups and downs of riding the “RoLR-Coaster.” But these changes are delayed by legislation, which means they won’t go into effect until January 1, 2025, a full seven months from now. That leaves a whole sizzling summer season and an expected La Nina winter (a colder winter) for RRO rates to continue the peaks and valleys we’ve come to know and expect. Why stay on the RRO for the balance of the year? You have a choice, which, in this case, looks an awful lot like a switch in the tracks. Do you choose Path A and stay on the RRO as it careens over hills and bu

By: Darren Chu In 2019, we dreamed of a world where homeowners with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their rooftops could play an important role in Alberta’s deregulated energy market. Five years later, the Solar Club stands as a testament to the willingness of Albertans to embrace renewables and the incredible success that comes with empowering Albertans to be directly part of the energy transition. The Solar Club operates on four core pillars:  Improving ROI : By providing excellent rates, a cash back program, and the chance to profit from the sale of carbon credits, Members have vastly improved the returns on their solar investments.  Achieving Net Zero : By aggregating all Members’ exports, we can achieve net zero or even climate-positive status.  Environmental Impact : The Solar Club is committed to a collective environmental statement by exporting 100 million kWh of renewable energy into Alberta’s grid by 2030.  Promoting Renewables : By encouraging the use of Renewable Energ

By: Darren Chu It’s been a difficult few years for Calgarians. COVID decimated the economy. Then global supply chains were impacted. The cost of living has increased, and inflation has risen to new heights. Moreover, these factors are not hidden or hard to see - we see them in the news daily. What’s even more alarming is that Mayor Gondek has called a rare “Special Meeting of Council” to address the affordable housing crisis, to be held two days after Council hears feedback on their new housing strategy. None of the crises we’re currently seeing happen overnight. The affordable housing crisis has long been an issue for Calgary, yet ENMAX still proceeded with their deal to purchase Emera Maine (now Versant Power) to the tune of $1.8 billion in 2020. The question Calgarians should be asking is, has this investment paid off?  In 2020, ENMAX’s financial statements show Versant Power had an operating profit of just $62M. In 2021, this value was $80M, and then $73M in 2022, for a grand to

By: Darren Chu In 2023, the City of Calgary is estimated to collect $450 million dollars from Calgarians under the heading of Local Access Fees and Franchise Fees. That’s almost half a billion dollars (GST taxable, no less) being collected from Calgarians when costs are soaring and affordability is top of mind. Calgary’s Mayor is focused on the ENMAX Local Access Fees; we ask her and City Council to remember they also have a deal with ATCO to collect Franchise Fees. Mayor Gondek, when you get together with your team in September, don’t forget to look at cutting this extra charge as well. How is this possible? For every site serviced with natural gas, ATCO Gas collects a “Franchise Fee” on behalf of the City and remits it to them as revenue. You probably noticed this line item on your natural gas invoice but didn’t know what it was for. Last year, the City collected $102 million from Franchise Fees, which is not shocking in and of itself; rather, this $102 million represents more than