REGINA – The federal environment and climate change minister says recent comments from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe over an incoming emissions policy are irresponsible.
Steven Guilbeault says it’s baseless and untrue for Moe to say the clean electricity standards would cause utility rates to spike dramatically.
The minister says Moe promoting fear about the effect on rates is irresponsible because the regulations haven’t been developed.
Guilbeault says Ottawa’s clean electricity standards focus on ensuring the system can deliver power in a way that’s affordable and reliable.
Moe has said the province may not follow the standards because he has concerns it could result in the closure of natural gas and coal plants, resulting in high utility rates.
The standards, which would require electricity grids to be net zero by 2035, would allow natural gas plants to continue operating after 2035 if they abate emissions or in situations where backup power is needed.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2023.
