Ron Leipert,
Minister of Energy
Dear Sir:
It has come to our attention that AltaLink has cancelled all projects till the end of 2010. Why then have our electricity transmission rates risen by 47 per cent? If there is a question whether new transmission will be built in Alberta, especially with new technology coming on line, why does the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) continue to collect money from us. Why are consumers expected to pay for the building of transmission lines when the profit from these lines will only be realized by AltaLink?
Our REA has calculated the annual AESO transmission cost component of our bill will increase from $470 per year in 2010 to $1,440 per year by 2017. As consumers in a failing economy we cannot assume the responsibly of potentially unnecessary transmission lines.
I anxiously await your response.
Lue-Ann Lohmann,
RR#2 Bluffton
Editor’s Note: A copy of this letter to Energy Minister Ron Liepert was submitted to the Rimbey Review for publication. GAB, editor