Energy Minister Clueless on Energy-Saving Ideas for Consumers
Energy Minister Murray Smith is clueless when it comes to energy and cost-saving initiatives for consumers….
Tories Flip Flop on Liberal Net Metering Amendment to Bill 3
Energy Minister Murray Smith is clueless when it comes to energy and cost-saving initiatives for consumers, Liberal Environment critic Debby Carlson charged.
In Question Period this week, Smith admitted a Liberal amendment to the Electric Utilities Act that would have allowed for ‘net metering’ is a good idea. But the minister could not explain why he helped to defeat the amendment in debate.
“Murray Smith wouldn’t know a good idea if it jumped up and bit him on the nose,” said Carlson.
Net metering is an energy-saving idea which would see homeowners’ meters “spin backwards” when renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind power are used.
“Consumers could save energy and money,” said Carlson. “It’s a win-win situation.”
The Tory Caucus, including Smith, voted down the amendment to Bill 3 (The Electric Utilities Act) this week in debate. Carlson noted Smith did not seem to understand the concept.
Premier Klein had not heard of the idea either, asking in question period today, “Net metering, is that like fishing nets?”
“It’s painfully obvious this government doesn’t have a clue about wise, energy-efficient options they could be pursuing on behalf of Albertans,” Carlson said.
In Question Period yesterday, Carlson asked Smith why he would not establish rules to set-up net metering for consumers.
Smith responded: “That’s an interesting suggestion. If it isn’t given in a spirit of sarcasm and criticalness, I’d be more than prepared to undertake that.”
“He sure wasn’t prepared to undertake it two nights ago when he quashed the amendment.”
Carlson said when it comes to green power, the Tory government doesn’t walk the talk.
“They introduced a green power campaign to save the government money, but they won’t change the rules to allow consumers to bring their costs down too,” said Carlson.
Carlson noted a majority of U.S. states, as well as Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Yukon have net metering programs.