Saamis Solar Park Project
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On July 18th , 2024, AUC (Alberta Utilities Commission) approved the Saamis Solar Park project that is planned to be built North of Crescent Heights. Since then, on August 27th the City of Medicine Hat applied to have approval of the project transferred to the City citing a purchase agreement.
The City’s application to acquire the Solar Farm Project was discussed at our
most recent MHURA Board meeting on September 2. MHURA has decided to
begin an appeal process in objection to this project. Several reasons for this
included lack of transparency and public consultation regarding this large
scale project.
We are including a copy of the request sent to the City Council that has been
acknowledged and forwarded to the appropriate department to provide
answers to our questions. We also informed AUC that we have begun the
process to file an objection to the application.
Mayor Linnsie Clark and City Council 580 1 st SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E6 September 3, 2024 Reference: Saamis Solar Park Power Plant Good morning Mayor Clark, Since the announcement of the City’s intent to purchase the Solar Farm from DP Energy, a lot of questions and concerns have been raised, and rightfully so, from the Citizens of Medicine Hat. MHURA and its members have questions in regards to this application. 1. Can you please review for us the process and timelines used in making this monumental decision? a) When was the proposal presented to Council and when was it approved? Can you please provide the motion and by-law that was passed to make this purchase along with supporting documents? b) Can you please provide dates and methods used for consultation with the constituents of Medicine Hat? c) Where is this proposal/costs in the budget? Please provide all years it has been included and associated costs. d) Was there a cost/risk analysis done? If so can you please provide the report. e) In considering this option were other projects or options reviewed in comparison? 2. Can you please outline the timelines and costs moving forward? Please include a) Purchase cost including the deemed value of the land to be used. b) Planned start date, timelines for phases of construction. c) Anticipated income and costs for the next 5 years. d) How have the additional conditions been addressed? e) What consideration has been made for the end of project costs and risks? MHURA’s membership is also asking how a decision to forge ahead with applying for approval from AUC for transfer of ownership of the project fits in with the Energy Business Review? Was this purchase with present and future costs/revenues part of the Review? If decisions of this magnitude do not require presentation of the Review or is not considered important enough to await the Energy Business Review, why is the Review necessary? Please justify why the minor request by MHURA for cancellation of the MCAF Fee (a mere $5 M yearly intake from its utility accounts) was delayed pending the outcome of the Review? In the interest of transparency and timeliness please be aware that MHURA will be notifying AUC that we are in objection to this transfer of ownership and are following the procedures as required by AUC to file an intervention. Thank you in advance for your speedy assistance. Because of the financial significance and upcoming deadlines we are requesting a response by September 15th, 2024. Sincerely, Sounantha Boss President Medicine Hat Utilities Ratepayers Association Cc: The Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier Members of Executive Council Executive Branch 307 Legislature Building 10800 - 97 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6 Via email: Mr Robert Dumanowski, Ms Cassi Hider, Mr Darren Hirsch, Ms Allison Knodel, Mr Andy Mcgrogan, Ms. Ramona Robins, Ms. Shila Sharps, Ms Alison Van Dyke, Honourable Brian Jean Minister of Energy and Minerals minister.energy@gov.ab.ca Honourable Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas epa.minister@gov.ab.ca Honourable Ric McIvor, Minister of Municipal Affairs,minister.municipalaffairs@gov.ab.ca Justin Wright, MLA, Cypress Medicine Hat Constituency, cypress.medicinehat@assembly.ab.ca
We are investigating the MCAF Utility Franchise Fee, and hopefully to eliminate this unjustified fee! Our Association will look at all fees and ensure the Ratepayers are being fairly charged.
All accounts will be automatically switched onto the one-rate “best gas wholesale price” our utility can purchase on our behalf effective Jan. 1, 2024. Interim Gas rate prices will update monthly. Interim Electric rates will be based on the market, and will adjust quarterly. Our advocacy has ensured all Ratepayers are receiving one simplified rate, without needing to gamble on a contract or choosing from various rates and fear of choosing the wrong rate! These rates, however, are only INTERIM and are pending a Comco Business Review later in 2024.
Joining our ratepayers association is crucial to advocating for our citizens and reinstating the “Medicine Hat advantage.” Currently, we are experiencing unfair rates that are burdening our residents.
By becoming a member, you can contribute to the collective voice that will negotiate for fair rates, ensuring a more affordable and prosperous environment for all. Together, we can make a difference and reclaim the advantages that our community deserves.
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