EDMONTON, AB (November 8, 2011): The recent admission of power price manipulation is another example of systemic problems in Alberta’s electricity system that continue to put consumers at a disadvantage, the Wildrose said today.

Today, it was reported that TransAlta Corp. admitted to intentionally manipulating the cost of electricity during a 31-hour period last year which allowed them to pocket an additional $245,000 on the backs of Alberta consumers.

Coupled with Bill 50 (the Electric Statutes Amendment Act), which allows utility companies to bill consumers for the cost of building transmission lines that haven’t been proven necessary, Alberta business owners and families continue to be hit with unfair price spikes and additional costs.

“Alberta’s electricity system is stacked against consumers and that’s just not right,” Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said. “This latest incident shows how unfair the system is and how badly it needs to be changed.”

The Wildrose energy policy calls for a full repeal of Bill 50 and reforms to how electricity is purchased and sold in order to avoid price spikes.

Wildrose Energy Critic Paul Hinman said there needs to be better monitoring practices in place so utilities can’t take advantage of Alberta consumers.

“We don’t know how widespread this problem is,” Hinman said. “How many more examples of this are there? We need to get to the bottom of this to know how this happened so Albertans are not subject to price gouging or manipulations in the market.”

The Wildrose Caucus stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.

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For further information or to arrange an interview, media are invited to contact:

Evan Menzies

Communications Assistant, Wildrose Caucus

Ph: 780-904-4913