Should Alberta Update Laws for Energy Storage Technologies?

Official title: Energy storage engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Natural Resources Technology & Digital
Alberta asked electricity industry experts how to regulate energy storage—things like batteries that store power from solar and wind. The government wanted to know what rules would encourage investment while keeping the grid reliable. This consultation is now complete, and the feedback shaped Bill 86.

Why This Matters

Energy storage could mean fewer power outages and more stable electricity prices. As Alberta adds more wind and solar, batteries help smooth out the ups and downs. This affects your electricity bills and grid reliability.

What Could Change

Bill 86, the Electricity Statutes Amendment Act, was introduced in November 2021. It updates how electricity producers and consumers can interact with Alberta's power grid, making it easier to invest in energy storage and other emerging technologies.

Key Issues

  • What legislative changes are needed to support energy storage adoption?
  • How should energy storage be regulated to maintain grid reliability?
  • What rules would encourage investment in energy storage technologies?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. Electricity sector stakeholders provided written feedback and participated in virtual facilitated discussions during April-May 2021.

What Happened

Electricity sector stakeholders provided written feedback and participated in virtual facilitated discussions. The input informed Bill 86, the Electricity Statutes Amendment Act, which was introduced on November 17, 2021 to address the changing ways that electricity producers and consumers interact with Alberta's power grid and encourage adoption of emerging energy technologies.