As Alberta's population and economy continue to grow, so does the demand for reliable utilities. From heating and cooling homes to powering communities and businesses, Albertans need to know they have access to affordable utilities they can depend on, when and where they need them.

Bill 52, the Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, proposes changes to meet growing demand, prioritizing reliability and affordability in the modernization of the utility system. If passed, the Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act will enable hydrogen use in Alberta's natural gas system. It will also support critical updates to power market rules and transmission policies to strengthen the power grid, lower and stabilize utility bills, and encourage investment in the province.

"Albertans need to know they have reliable and affordable utilities to provide for their families and chase their dreams. From responsibly introducing hydrogen blending in our natural gas system to strengthening our power grid, the changes we're making will drive new investment and fuel Albertans to pursue a bright, successful future." Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

"We're shaping a utility system built to last by preserving investment, innovation and open competition while tackling volatile prices and grid stability so Alberta's energy future is resilient and full of opportunity." Chantelle de Jonge, parliamentary secretary, Affordability and Utilities Driving innovation in hydrogen

The world is looking to hydrogen as an energy solution for hard-to-abate industries. As the largest hydrogen producer in Canada, Alberta has the resources, expertise and investment-ready environment necessary to be a destination of choice for investors and innovators. Through the Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, proposed amendments would allow hydrogen blending in the natural gas distribution system for residential and commercial heating and support new technologies while ensuring the safety and reliability of the natural gas system.

Changes will protect ratepayers from rising costs by ensuring only those who receive hydrogen-blended natural gas in their homes and businesses will pay for any additional system costs. Utility providers will also be required to ensure community support on hydrogen blending projects. Strengthening the grid, protecting ratepayers

Albertans increasingly rely on electricity to power their homes, businesses and lives. The Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, if passed, will put Albertans first by advancing the modernization of the electricity market to ensure it can meet their growing needs, at a price they can afford.

Proposed amendments support the move to a day-ahead reliability market, ensure there is enough power available and reduce the risk of grid alerts in the future. Much-needed updates will also be made to Alberta's transmission policies to protect ratepayers from rising transmission costs on their utility bills. This includes encouraging more efficient use of existing infrastructure by maximizing the use of existing lines and ensuring new power projects are built in optimal locations. Changes will also see costs assigned on a cost-causation basis, ensuring that Albertans are not burdened with the full cost of any new transmission lines that need to be built. Additional legislative changes

The Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 also includes an amendment to the Petroleum Marketing Act to increase the number of directors on the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission board from seven to 13 to increase the range of expertise and allow for more robust governance. This will also increase support for new initiatives such as the bitumen royalty in-kind and a proposed gas royalty in-kind, ensuring Albertans receive the maximum value for our resources.

Quick facts:

* By 2050, hydrogen is expected to be an $11-trillion industry worldwide.

* Implementation of the Restructured Energy Market is expected to begin in 2027.