The Alberta government is taking the federal government to court over what it calls “unconstitutional” net-zero electricity regulations, arguing the new rules will drive up costs, create power shortages, and jeopardize the province’s energy reliability.Premier Danielle Smith announced Wednesday that the province is referring the federal Clean Electricity Regulations to the Alberta Court of Appeal to determine their constitutionality. Smith said the rules — finalized by Ottawa in December 2024 — pose a direct threat to the stability and affordability of Alberta’s power grid.“These regulations are ineffective, unachievable and irresponsible, and place Albertans’ livelihoods — and more importantly, lives — at significant risk,” said Smith. “We will not accept unconstitutional net-zero regulations that leave Albertans vulnerable to blackouts in the middle of summer and winter.”The federal regulations aim to force Canada’s electricity grid to net-zero emissions by 2035 by imposing strict carbon limits on fossil fuel power generation. Alberta officials say the rules are based on unrealistic assumptions and technology that doesn’t yet exist at scale.According to the Alberta Electric System Operator, the regulations would make Alberta's power system more than 100 times less reliable than the province’s current adequacy standards. The province also estimates electricity costs could rise by as much as 35%.Mickey Amery, Alberta’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, called the federal move “dangerous federal overreach.”“These regulations will create unpredictable power outages in the months when Albertans need reliable energy the most,” Amery said. “They will also cause power prices to soar in Alberta, which will hit our vulnerable the hardest.”The Constitution of Canada grants provinces exclusive control over the development and operation of electricity generation facilities. Alberta argues that Ottawa has crossed a legal boundary by imposing a one-size-fits-all climate policy without proper consultation.Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, said the new rules could force natural gas plants to either shut down or undergo costly upgrades, deterring private investment and threatening Alberta’s energy security.“Ottawa’s electricity regulations will leave Albertans in the dark,” Schulz said. “They will drive away investment and punish businesses, provinces and families for using natural gas for reliable, dispatchable power.”Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf echoed the concerns, warning that the federal policy puts “the well-being of Albertans at risk.”
