Where you live shouldn’t determine your power bill

A growing coalition of residents, businesses, organizations, and municipalities across Alberta, the Fair Electricity Distribution Alliance (FEDA), is raising awareness about the unfair electricity distribution rates experienced by many Albertans.

Right now, residents, businesses, and municipalities in northern, east-central and southern Alberta pay significantly higher electricity distribution costs than the rest of the province. Households pay an average of $118 a month, compared to about $34 in non-impacted service areas. For many businesses, distribution fees can be nearly three times as high as in other service areas.

Where you live shouldn’t determine your power bill. This is an issue of fairness; the disparity in electricity costs is putting impacted communities at a disadvantage. The call for change has already received province-wide, municipal validation. A resolution regarding electricity distribution costs was recently tabled at the Alberta Municipalities convention and supported with 75 per cent of the membership voting in favour.

This disparity has created an uneven playing field, penalizing communities simply because of where they are located. The Alliance is looking for a legislative or regulatory solution to equalize rates—a step already taken in provinces such as British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

The Fair Electricity Distribution Alliance unites Albertans across communities and industries in calling for an equal and fair system. The campaign is currently supported by over 25 municipalities, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and local businesses across Alberta and the list continues to grow.

Current FEDA members include:

Albertans can learn more at fairelectricitydistribution.ca.