Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate

Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate The UCA educates and mediates for Alberta's utilities consumers and advocates for energy consumers. Have questions about utilities?

Need help understanding your bill? Facing a dispute with your provider? The UCA is here to help and empower consumers as they navigate Alberta's utility market.

Looking at energy options in Alberta can feel overwhelming. With different retailers, rate types, contract terms, and of...
08/13/2026

Looking at energy options in Alberta can feel overwhelming.

With different retailers, rate types, contract terms, and offers available, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

That's why the UCA created the Cost Comparison Tool. It brings together electricity and natural gas options available in Alberta, making it easier to review and compare your choices in one place.

To start comparing your options, visit https://ucahelps.alberta.ca/cost-comparison-tool/

Before signing a utility contract, take a moment to review the details. ✅ Understanding the rate type, contract term, fe...
08/12/2026

Before signing a utility contract, take a moment to review the details. ✅

Understanding the rate type, contract term, fees, and incentives can help you make a more informed decision.

Use this checklist as a quick reference the next time you compare utility plans.

Looking for ways to stay comfortable and manage your energy use this summer? ☀️Warmer days can lead to increased energy ...
08/11/2026

Looking for ways to stay comfortable and manage your energy use this summer? ☀️

Warmer days can lead to increased energy use, especially if you're running fans or air conditioning more often.

Here are a few practical tips from the UCA to help manage your energy use during hot weather:

✅ Close blinds and curtains during the day.

✅ Use fans to circulate cool air.

✅ Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible.

✅ Avoid using ovens and dryers during the hottest parts of the day.

✅ Clean or replace air filters regularly.

✅ Seal gaps around windows and doors to keep cool air inside.

What are your favourite ways to stay cool during Alberta's summer heat? ☀️

Who sets transmission and distribution charges? Let's break it down. ⚡Transmission and distribution rates are approved b...
08/07/2026

Who sets transmission and distribution charges? Let's break it down.

⚡Transmission and distribution rates are approved by regulators such as the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), the Canadian Energy Regulator, and local authorities such as municipal governments, town councils and Rural Electrification Associations. These charges are not set by retailers.

These charges help cover the cost of delivering electricity and natural gas to Alberta homes, businesses, and farms.

08/06/2026

August Default Rates ⏬

If you haven’t signed a competitive electricity or natural gas contract, you may be receiving service from a default retailer.

⚡ Electricity (Rate of Last Resort - RoLR)

💥DERS: 12.02 ¢/kWh

💥ENMAX: 12.06 ¢/kWh

💥EPCOR: 12.01 ¢/kWh

💥FORTIS: 12.01 ¢/kWh

🔥 Natural Gas (Default Rate Tariff - DRT)

💥 DERS: 1.729 $/GJ

💥 APEX: 2.021 $/GJ

Want to compare other electricity and natural gas options available to you? Visit the UCA Cost Comparison Tool in the link in our bio.

08/05/2026

The UCA is here to help with your utility questions.

From understanding your bill and learning about your utility options to helping resolve concerns with a utility retailer, the UCA provides information, education, and mediation services for Alberta consumers.

Contact us toll-free at 310-4822 (in Alberta) or 1-888-644-6608 (outside Alberta). You can also email [email protected] or visit our website.

What would you do if you received two electricity bills for the same property? A consumer reached out to the UCA after r...
08/04/2026

What would you do if you received two electricity bills for the same property?

A consumer reached out to the UCA after receiving two electricity bills for the same property. Despite contacting both utility companies several times, they still didn't receive a clear explanation for the duplicate billing.

The UCA reviewed the situation and requested photos of the consumer's electricity meter. By examining the meter’s location and reading, we discovered the consumer had mistakenly been billed for a neighbour's property meter.

The UCA then worked with both utility companies to investigate the issue and correct the error. As a result, the duplicate billing stopped and the consumer received a refund for the incorrect charges.

Sometimes resolving a utility issue requires a closer look at the details. If you've contacted your utility retailer and still don't have answers, the UCA's mediation team may be able to help identify the issue and work toward a resolution.

Learn more about the ways the UCA has helped consumers through mediation: https://ucahelps.alberta.ca/about-the-uca/who-we-are/mediation/

The UCA offices are closed today for Heritage Day. If you have questions about your utilities, our team will be happy to...
08/03/2026

The UCA offices are closed today for Heritage Day.

If you have questions about your utilities, our team will be happy to assist you when we reopen. You can reach us toll-free at 310-4822 (in Alberta) or 1-888-644-6608 (outside Alberta).

You can also submit a question through our contact form: https://ucahelps.alberta.ca/contact/

We'll respond during regular business hours.

07/31/2026

Understanding the difference between a retailer and a distributor can help make sense of your utility bill ⬇️

Distributors are responsible for delivering electricity and natural gas to your property. They build and maintain the infrastructure needed to provide service, including power lines, pipelines, and meters.

Your distributor is based on your location and does not change.

Retailers sell electricity and natural gas to consumers. This is the company you sign a contract with, or the company that provides service if you’re on a default rate.

Both play a role in providing utility service, which is why you’ll see both supply and delivery charges on your bill.

Address

Edmonton, AB
T5J2Z1

Opening Hours

Monday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:15am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17803104822

Website

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