MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore Chantelle de Jonge has recently been appointed by the Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith as Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities.
de Jonge will be working close with MLA for Lethbridge-East and Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf and said that they will be working together to push back against federal regulation requiring a net zero power grid by 2035.
"We need a power grid that is reliable and affordable. We will also be addressing the cost of utilities for Albertans. The Premier has been clear that we'll be exploring, the potential phase-out of the regulated rate option for electric. And we need to protect consumers from spikes in electricity and natural gas prices."
Ensuring that Alberta does continue to have a competitive range of provider choices within those markets is something that de Jonge is passionate about with also affordability being a top concern as well.
"This ministry will be also reviewing Alberta's electricity pricing system with the goal to reduce transmission and distribution costs for all brands. I'm really excited to get to work in this new position and make Alberta an even better place to live, work and raise a family."
Being MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities comes with a lot of responsibilities and de Jonge knows that she is up to the task to balance both roles effectively.
"We need more people in government to advocate on behalf of the interests of Albertans and to ensure financial stability and the well-being of people across our province, so in this role, I will be able to work with my colleagues to do exactly that and fulfill the mandate that we were elected on."
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