Calgary — Barend Dronkers, Advisor at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to today’s announcement from the Alberta Government that Albertans will have more flexible rules on how they can generate their own electricity:
“The government’s changes to Alberta’s Microgeneration Regulation will govern how small electricity generators, like residential solar panels, connect to the grid in Alberta. Microgenerators can now install systems as large as 5 MW, up from 1 MW, and multiple loads on a site can be aggregated. This will make it easier for farms and larger buildings such as apartments and commercial buildings to generate their own power.”
“Programming expected in 2017 will likely complement the new generator rules and provide funding to support Albertans who want more energy independence to generate their own electricity. This new funding will lead to more local power generation and local jobs, which is good for the grid, pocketbooks and the environment.”
“The announced new rules and programming are just the beginning of what is required to get full benefits from microgeneration. Regulations must allow for virtual net-metering generators larger than local load so that all Albertans have the option to sell their surplus electricity back to the grid. Future rule changes should fairly compensate generators for the full value of each kWh produced.”
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Contact
Suzy Thompson
Communications Lead, Pembina Institute
587-585-4522