Premier Danielle Smith made several major promises about massive AI data centres in a video Tuesday.

She said nobody’s electricity bills will go up. Water use will be minimal because of technical advances. The province will reap $250 million a year from the Meta project in Sturgeon County alone.

There will be no cost to the public, only benefit from taxes, fees and royalties borne by the companies.

AI data centres in Alberta, such as Meta’s $13-billion project in Sturgeon County, in short, will be a matchless economic bonanza.

The video — at @ABDanielleSmith — is being widely praised as a master class in how to explain a complex issue to the public. Smith is at her absolute best as a presenter.

Of course, the pitch is also condemned by opponents as super-slick hooey.

Most Albertans have probably seen the headlines about companies wanting to invest in and build AI data centres in Alberta. Many Albertans are excited about that, but others have legitimate questions. Here are the answers to 6 common questions on everything from power to water… pic.twitter.com/BdNg9GIDC9— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) August 11, 2026

Most Albertans have probably seen the headlines about companies wanting to invest in and build AI data centres in Alberta. Many Albertans are excited about that, but others have legitimate questions. Here are the answers to 6 common questions on everything from power to water… pic.twitter.com/BdNg9GIDC9

This is not everyday issue management. The stakes and the risks are enormous.

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