Anyone who understands anything about politics in Alberta understands there’s one issue above all others likely to make Albertans really angry at their provincial government: out-of-control utility rates.
So there is no way to interpret news stories about a 66-per-cent rate spike for electrical expected this month in the Edmonton area but as extremely bad news for the Alberta Progressive Conservatives at a sensitive moment in their party’s history.
Voters may not understand the details of the “deregulation” implemented when Ralph Klein was premier, or why it led to much higher prices — who does? But they sure as heck understand the impact.