RMA is evaluating Bill 8 and how it will impact rural municipalities
Tabled on November 25th, 2025, Bill 8: Utilities Statutes Amendment Act purports to pave the way for data centres to bring their own power generation and advance the modernization of Alberta’s electricity market.
If passed, Bill 8’s proposed amendments would prioritize data centres that bring their own power generation to accelerate approval processes and support their connection to the grid, as well as ensure that proponents of projects would pay for necessary transmission upgrades instead of Albertan taxpayers.
Further, Bill 8 will build on changes made in the spring through the Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 to support the implementation of a restructured energy market, including the finalization of the market’s framework, and proposes changes to enhance electricity transmission policy and enable Alberta’s hydrogen-blended natural gas regulatory framework.
RMA staff are currently reviewing Bill 8 for how it will impact rural municipalities, and more analysis of the bill can be expected soon.
For more information visit: rmalberta.com
Joseph Kay
Policy Advisor
587.689.5484
joseph@rmalberta.com
Warren Noga
Manager of Policy and Research
825.319.2285
warren@rmalberta.com