EDMONTON — Heavy traffic on a website for Albertans to apply for $100 from the provincial government has clogged the site on the day it opened.

In an email Wednesday, Alberta’s technology and innovation department says it is aware of “performance issues” with the website related to heavy traffic load

The email says that “new functionality has been added” to support the Alberta Energy Rebate Portal, and that support teams would be monitoring the site for the remainder of the day.

The direct deposits are meant to help Albertans deal with the high cost of living.

Premier Danielle Smith announced last month that residents can get the cash instead of the province reducing its tax on gasoline at the pumps.

Smith said normal cuts to gas taxes don’t always get passed on to customers.

Last week, the province officially changed its fuel tax relief regulations to make way for the payments.

Nearly 3.4 million adults are eligible and have until Sept. 2 to apply online.

The government says it expects the money to land in bank accounts within two weeks after an application is received.

Applications can only be made online, but the government says Albertans can call a phone help line for assistance with the website.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2026.

Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press