Bill 50 would give cabinet more control over which power lines are built and when, but the Alberta Energy Utilities Commission would retain control over where they are built. (CBC)Sparks flew at an information session in Calgary Thursday night on a bill that would give the Alberta government more control over new power projects.

Alberta Energy officials are touring the province trying to convince environmentalists, landowners and private citizens that Alberta urgently needs more electric transmission lines.

At Thursday's session at the Sandman Inn, most of the people in the small group of attendees were critical of Bill 50, which is currently before the legislature.

Elena Schacherl said wind power could provide Alberta with enough energy for years to come. She fears that exporting electricity to an energy-hungry United States is the real reason behind the bill.

"Government promised for a more democratic process, and then it comes out with Bill 50, which will provide more power for the province to make decisions on transmission lines. That's a bit outrageous."

Marie Barkley, who owns land north of Calgary, said it's unfair that Alberta consumers will be expected to pay at least $8 more a month to cover the cost of new transmission lines.

"We didn't pay for the TransCanada [pipeline] to get us gas, but we are going to pay for this line to go through here?" Barkley said.

Bob McManus, a spokesman for Alberta Energy, said he has heard all the arguments against Bill 50, but Alberta needs more electricity as soon as possible.

"We've had increase in demand the equivalent to two cities the size of Red Deer each and every year," he said.

$8 billion in projects

Bill 50 would give cabinet more control over which power lines are built and when, but the Alberta Energy Utilities Commission would retain control over where they are built, including holding public meetings with landowners affected by a line.

The Alberta Electric System Operator estimates new power line projects worth more than $10 billion will be needed in the next few years. About $8 billion worth of those projects are covered by Bill 50.

The projects include two new lines between Edmonton and Calgary; a new line from Edmonton and so-called upgrader alley just east of the capital; two new lines between upgrader alley to Fort McMurray; and upgrading power lines in and around Calgary.

There is also a separate $2.5-billion proposal to build new lines in southern Alberta, including a substation that would allow wind farms to send electricity into the power grid.

The bill will be debated in the legislature in the fall.