Alberta's Leaked Plan to Fuel AI Boom Sparks Power Bill Fears
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was promoting AI data centres at a conference in Edmonton just before a leaked document revealed the province's plans to attract more of them and boost oil production. The document, labeled 'cabinet report,' outlined proposals for creating a Crown corporation to build natural gas pipelines, which would increase power bills for Albertans, according to Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi.
Smith addressed the controversy on her radio show, distancing herself from the proposal. The story generated significant attention, with media outlets like The Globe and Mail and CBC covering it extensively.
The leaked document has raised concerns about the impact of AI data centres on the environment, particularly water usage, which is a pressing issue for Albertans.