Utilities Consumer Advocate

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The Utilities Consumer Advocate was created in 2003 to represent the interests of Alberta consumers (residents, small businesses, & small farms) of electricity and natural gas. It provides information and educational resources about Alberta's electricity and gas markets, focussing on the retail sector. 

About the Utilities Consumer Advocate

The Utilities Consumer Advocate is guided by the Government Organization Act, Schedule 13.1 and the Utilities Consumer Advocate Regulation. There are nine members of the UCA Advisory Board, who are appointed by and accountable to the Minister of Service Alberta. The current head of the Utilities Consumer Advocate office is Rob Spragins, who has held office since November 2011.

Utilities Consumer Advocate Mandate

According to the Government Organization Act, the UCA has the following responsibilities:

  • to represent the interests of small energy consumers (residential, small business, and farms) before Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) proceedings and those of any other bodies whose decisions might affect their interest
  • to publish impartial information about electricity and natural gas regulatory processes, including to analyse the impact of decisions by the AUC and any other developments that affect small energy consumers
  • to educate and inform consumers about electricity and natural gas
  • to carry out any electricity/natural gas-related responsibilities as determined by the Minister of Service Alberta

Utilities Consumer Advocate Services

The Utilities Consumer Advocate works in primarily three areas: providing information, consumer representation, and consumer protection.

Utilities Consumer Advocate Information and Education

The UCA publishes information about current and historical rates for electricity and natural as distribution utilities and suppliers (both regulated rate providers and competitive retailers) on its website. It also provides educational information about how electricity and natural gas markets function in Alberta.

The UCA also makes presentations throughout Albertan communities to explain what it does and how it can help Albertans.

Utilities Consumer Advocate Customer Representation

The UCA represents Albertan consumers in Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) regulatory hearings regarding utility rates. The UCA's goal is for consumers to receive service and regulated rate supply at the lowest possible cost for reasonable service. The UCA also works to make sure that each class of consumer pays a rate that reflects the costs of serving them (so that no consumer class is subsidizing/being subsidized by another class).

Utilities Consumer Advocate Consumer Protection

Along with providing educational information to help consumers make the best possible choices for their energy supply, the UCA acts to protect consumers through its interventions in AUC regulatory proceedings, and also acts as a mediator when consumers have a serious concern against their utility.

Contact the Utilities Consumer Advocate

Email Utilities Consumer Advocate 

[email protected]

Make sure to provide your full name and contact information (phone number) in your email

Utilities Consumer Advocate Phone Numbers

In Alberta: 310-4-UCA (310-4822)

Outside Alberta: 780-644-5130

Fax: 780-644-5129

Utilities Consumer Advocate Mailing Addresses

Utilities Consumer Advocate (Edmonton)
TD Tower
Suite 1701
10088 - 102 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 2Z1

Utilities Consumer Advocate (Calgary)
9th floor, Century Park Place
855 - 8 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 3P1