A call for smarter, fairer electricity distribution

CALGARY, A.B. — Kari Hyde, Manager, Utility Integration and Demand-Side Management, Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to Alberta’s Electricity Future (AEF) coalition and the Energy Futures Lab’s recommendations for the new Alberta Distribution Policy.

“The Pembina Institute is proud to have been an active contributor to the Energy Futures Lab’s (EFL) collaborative work in shaping forward-thinking distribution policy recommendations. This isn’t just about upgrading infrastructure—it’s about modernizing the entire approach to how Alberta delivers reliable, affordable electricity to people and communities.

“The Energy Futures Lab has made a compelling case for action: Alberta’s electricity customers need more options to control their costs, more ways to contribute to local energy reliability, and better access to programs and tools that fit their needs. That starts by unlocking demand-side management in Alberta, building the data foundations to empower customer participation, and creating flexible pathways for local, community-based solutions to thrive.

“At the Pembina Institute, we see distribution reform as essential to ensuring Alberta’s grid evolves in step with the province’s rapid growth—without driving up costs for customers. The old model of infrastructure-first solutions is no longer sustainable. A flexible, customer-focused distribution system can reduce unnecessary costs, support local economic development through new revenue streams, and give Albertans more control over their energy futures.

“These recommendations show how Alberta can turn today’s challenges into opportunities to build a system that is more fair, affordable, and responsive to the communities it serves. Pembina urges government to move forward quickly to ensure Alberta is building an electricity system designed for people, not just infrastructure.

“We're pleased to see next steps outlined in these recommendations that provide key solutions to turn electricity customers into active contributors to the system, enhancing energy independence and security, grid resilience, and customer choice.”

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