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ARTICLE · 06 DECEMBER 2021

An Electricity System In Transition: The Electricity Statutes Amendment Act, 2021

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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On November 17, 2021, the Honourable Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity, introduced Bill 86, the Electricity Statutes Amendment Act, 2021 (ESAA), to the Alberta Legislature.

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Matt Hammer
Matt Hammer
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On November 17, 2021, the Honourable Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity, introduced Bill 86, the Electricity Statutes Amendment Act, 2021 (ESAA), to the Alberta Legislature. With the ESAA, the Government of Alberta (Government) takes steps to modernize an Alberta electricity system in transition. Rapidly evolving technology, including that related to energy storage and renewable power generation, as well as a number of recent Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) decisions and inquiry reports, have all contributed to a changing landscape for the production, transmission and distribution of electricity in Alberta.

The Government appears to recognize these challenges and opportunities, stating that the ESAA will "help build investor confidence in Alberta's electricity grid and support a modern and innovative electricity system". Specifically, the ESAA proposes to

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