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Chestermere-Strathmore MLA, Chantelle de Jonge, Appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities
de Jonge and her team aim to balance reliability and affordability in the province’s utilities while navigating federal net-zero power grid regulations.
By Steve Jeffrey
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Chestermere-Strathmore’s Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Chantelle de Jonge, has recently been handed the reins as Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities by Premier Danielle Smith, as the Alberta government takes steps to address rising utility costs and push back against federal net-zero power grid regulations.
In her new role, de Jonge will work closely with MLA for Lethbridge-East and Minister of Affordability and Utilities, Nathan Neudorf, vowing to “protect consumers from spikes in electricity and natural gas prices” and to maintain a “power grid that is reliable and affordable”.
The team aims to push back against the federal regulation requiring a transition to a net-zero power grid by 2035. They are advocating for a more tailored approach that serves the unique needs of Albertans.
de Jonge, also expressing concern for consumer affordability, hinted at a possible review of the province’s electricity pricing system, potentially phasing out the regulated rate option for electricity. “This ministry will be reviewing Alberta’s electricity pricing system with the goal to reduce transmission and distribution costs for all brands,” she declared.
On the issue of competition, de Jonge underscored the need for Alberta to continue offering a competitive range of provider choices within the market, and stated that she was excited to “make Alberta an even better place to live, work, and raise a family” in her new role.
Balancing her new role with her duties as MLA for ChestermereStrathmore will be a challenge, but one that de Jonge is prepared to take on. She reiterated her commitment to advocating for the interests of Albertans, ensuring financial stability, and promoting the well-being of people across the province. She expressed confidence in her ability to fulfill both roles effectively and to “work with [her] colleagues to do exactly that and fulfill the mandate that [they] were elected on”.
