Powering Medicine Hat—For the People, By the People
Our utilities were built by the people—let’s ensure they serve the people, with fairness, transparency, and a future-focused vision for every resident of Medicine Hat
In Medicine Hat, our public utilities like gas, electricity, and water have always shown our local ownership, self-reliance, and community pride. But in 2024, things changed. Utilities usually bring in over 30% of the City’s income, but this year’s report shows a big drop. The City made $32.7 million less than expected, mostly because electricity and natural gas revenues fell by $63.2 million.
The City doesn’t give one total for all utilities, but the numbers show they likely brought in about $140 to $145 million this year, compared to $225 million in better years. This is a big drop in a key source of revenue, and it’s understandable that many residents have questions:
“If we still own it, why does it feel like we’re losing control?”
With markets becoming less stable, we need to look at how we manage and protect our public assets. We should set rates openly, communicate honestly, and have a clear plan to keep revenues steady without making things harder for families.
Our public utilities should always serve the public good, do so in a sustainable way, and keep community trust at the heart of every decision.
The Problem:
When rates rise faster than wages, trust in leadership falls.
It doesn’t have to be this way —My Commitment: Fair, Transparent, Community-First Utilities
As your city councillor, I will fight to:
- Center Affordability
We need to make sure lower-income families, seniors, and small business owners are protected from unfair increases.
- Protect Public Ownership
Our utilities should stay in local hands. There should be no privatization and no secret deals.
- Keep Rate Hikes in Check
Rate increases should match inflation and real market benchmarks, not just be set to meet revenue targets.
- Rethink the Utility Dividend Formula
We need to review how tens of millions are transferred each year and make sure ratepayers are not unfairly paying the price.
- Make Utility Spending Public
We should create clear, easy-to-read reports so everyone can see where the money goes and why.
As the saying goes: “You have to paddle your own canoe.” But when the whole city is in the same boat, we need to row in the same direction, together. These are public resources. That means they’re your resources. And they should work for you.
Let’s protect what’s ours, manage it wisely, and make it work for everyone—not just the balance sheet.
If you agree it’s time for more fairness, more transparency, and stronger leadership, let’s talk.
Do you feel our utilities reflect your priorities? What would make our energy system work better for everyone?
Reference List
- City of Medicine Hat – 2024 Budget Overview
Source of utility revenue data, operating income percentages, and financial transfers.
🔗 https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/government-and-city-hall/resources/Documents/Budget-2024/Budget-In-Brief-2024.pdf - City of Medicine Hat. (2024). 2024 Financial Report. Retrieved from https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/government-and-city-hall/resources/Documents/2024-Financial-Report.pdf
- Municipal Inspection Report (2023)
Highlights governance concerns, transparency issues, and public trust challenges.
🔗 https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/government-and-city-hall/resources/Documents/Municipal-Inspection-Report-2023.pdf - Alberta Municipal Affairs – Municipal Government Act
Provides legal guidelines for public utility ownership and revenue use.
🔗 https://www.alberta.ca/municipal-government-act
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