Alberta NDP warn of power rate hikes

The New Democrats say the Alberta government is being wilfully blind to evidence that new power line construction will send electricity bills through the roof.

NDP Leader Brian Mason has released a letter sent to the government caucus last fall by two electricity consumer groups.

The letter warns that a projected $13 billion in new power lines will increase power bills by as much as $256 a month - and perhaps more if there are cost overruns.

Mason says it's time the province repealed legislation that allows the cabinet to approve power line construction without public hearings if it deems the lines are critically needed.

Energy Minister Ron Liepert says the lines are needed to serve a growing network of industrial and residential users, and to avoid brownouts.

Liepert has said that a lot of estimates are flying around, but the industry figures he is relying on show no anticipated spike in power bills.