Post Event | A conversation with Hon. Nathan Neudorf, Alberta's Minister of Affordability and Utilities

On June 24, the Calgary Chamber hosted the Hon. Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities, for a keynote address and fireside chat discussing the changes to Alberta’s energy market to ensure affordability, reliability and resiliency while maintaining responsible environmental practices.

The Minister began remarks by underlining the need for responsible development, noting the importance of investment attraction to ensure that Alberta’s de-regulated market can meet the demands of an increasing population and drive for greater electrification.

Minister Neudorf also outlined the recent – and upcoming – changes to the electrical market such as:

• Local Access Fee recalculation; 
• regulations for new renewables development; 
• changes to the Regulated Rate Option (now named the Rate of Last Resort); and 
• new Supply Cushion Regulations. 

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to engage with all stakeholders –industry, regulators, governments and operators in developing the changes to Alberta’s electricity market. Minister Neudorf reaffirmed his government’s belief in the private sector’s ability to drive Alberta’s net-zero by 2050 goals. The Minister finished his remarks by noting the value of affordable, stable electricity for all stakeholders, residential clients, businesses and generators.

The fireside chat with Calgary Chamber President & CEO Deborah Yedlin covered all aspects of Alberta’s unique energy market such as:

• Changes to the renewable’s regulation and supporting decarbonization with a diverse generation mix while recognizing the essential affordability and reliability created by traditional thermal generation; 
• Alberta’s plans for Small Modular Reactors and nuclear power generation; 
• Advancing the potential of energy storage; 
• Importance of load attraction through AI data centre investments in the province; and 
• Federal Clean Electricity Regulations, and recent changes to the Competition Act. 

To close, the Minister touched on other parts of his mandate, including work being undertaken to improve the affordability of housing, groceries and both auto and home insurance. Minister Neudorf wrapped up the fireside chat by restating the importance of collaboration to ensure we are working for the benefit of all Albertans.

Thank you to our sponsors, including our Presenting sponsor, BHE Canada, our Thanking sponsor, Capital Power and our Supporting sponsors: AltaLink, ATCO, Direct Energy, Suncor and TransAlta, without whom this event would not have been possible.