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Calgary Herald

ATCO says savings to come despite Alberta Utilities Commission decision

Southern Alberta-based ATCO says efficiency initiatives will save its utility customers more than $500 million despite an Alberta Utilities Commission decision. Article content Article content The AUC decision report that was released Wednesday notes that the commission found ATCO's performance-based regulation (PBR) plans 'did not operate as intended in each of 2021 and 2022.' Article content Through PBR, which is used to regulate distribution utilities in Alberta, utilities are incentivized to find efficiencies in their work and pass those on to customers through rates. Article content Article content ATCO maintains it operated within the PBR, and says established rules are now being interpreted and administered differently after the fact. It has been granted the right to appeal one of the AUC's reopener decisions, which will be heard in the Alberta Court of Appeal. Article content Article content Although it has been ordered to refund tens of millions, ATCO asserts that it should be held until the appeal is heard by the court in October. Article content The report does not directly dispute the $500 million in cost savings, and the chief operating officer of ATCO Energy Systems doesn't believe that is the AUC's intent. Article content 'This would be the AUC looking for an additional piece on top of that 500 million,' said Jason Sharpe. 'I wouldn't want someone to look at this decision and say, ATCO isn't committed to delivering lower rates for customers and being more efficient.' Article content In an email an AUC spokesperson said the regulator won't be providing interviews on the matter, but noted it has directed ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas to refund a total of $71 million. Article content Article content This comes 'after finding the companies' 2021 and 2022 rates were not just and reasonable,' resulting in overcharging of customers. Refunds to ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas customers will be $35 million and $36 million respectively. Article content 'The refund will be provided over a six-month period from Sept. 2025 to Feb. 2026, through a rate rider on bills,' the email read. Article content However, ATCO's appeal has been granted the right to be heard, and if they are correct there would be no refund. Article content By going ahead of the appeal, he said customers could end up with a refund on their bill that gets 'clawed back' after the fact.