Alberta MLA wants solar project near Caroline reconsidered

Jason Nixon, the MLA that represents Caroline, said he wants the Alberta Utilities Commission to reconsider its approval of a massive solar farm.

The UCP MLA that represents Caroline is calling on his colleagues to reconsider a massive solar farm approved to be built near the community.

Jason Nixon, the MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, said Monday that he’s reached out to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and Alberta’s minister of affordability and utilities over the matter.

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The hamlet of Caroline recently voiced concern over PACE Bang Energy’s plan to build a 14.67-megawatt solar power plant near the community.

The facility would be about 80 acres in size – about the same as the hamlet.

Residents say they aren’t against alternative energy; they just feel that it’s too close and could pose a safety risk.

They say if there is an industrial fire at the plant, their volunteer fire services wouldn’t be able to handle it.

Nixon, in the letter he sent, said he has concerns about land use, community consultation and the fact that Caroline was recently amalgamated into Clearwater County.

The AUC approved the project on Feb. 28 and PACE hopes to have the facility up and running by 2026.