Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA)
The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) is a branch of the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities in the Government of Alberta. Its mission is to support residential, farm, and small business consumers by providing free, unbiased information about Alberta’s electricity and natural gas markets.
Whether you’re trying to lower your utility bills, understand your energy usage, or resolve a dispute with your provider, the UCA is here to help.
What the UCA Offers
- Cost Comparison Tool to compare electricity and natural gas rates
- Help understanding your utility bills and reading meters
- Support with disputes through the UCA’s Mediation Team
- Tips to reduce energy usage and avoid scams
- Educational resources including guides, posters, and games
- Interpreter services in over 240 languages
Contact Information
- Phone: 310-4822 (within Alberta), Outside Alberta, dial 1-888-644-6608
- Email: UC******@****ab.ca
UPCOMING POWER HOUR WEBINARS
Join the UCA at one of our upcoming free Power Hour webinars. These sessions cover various topics, provide resources, and allow consumers time to ask questions. Sign up today!
Winter Utilities Reconnection Program
October 9 | Noon
Learn more about WURP and the rules surrounding utility connection and disconnection during winter months.
Understanding Utilities in Alberta
October 14| Noon
Learn about your energy options, how to read your utility bill, how to reduce your usage, and where to go if you need help.
The Rate of Last Resort
October 22 | Noon
Learn why the RoLR was created and what it means for you as a consumer.
Utility Choices for Seniors in Alberta
October 28 | Noon
Join this session, designed to help seniors and those supporting them to confidently manage utility choices.
Choosing a Retailer
October 29 | Noon
Learn about how to use the Cost Comparison Tool to choose a utility service provider and what to look for before signing a utility contract.
Q&A: I received a pending disconnection notice, what should I do?
Facing a utility disconnection is stressful, but there are steps you can take to help prevent it.
If you have received a pending disconnection notice, it’s important to contact your utility company as soon as possible to report payments, make a payment if possible, or negotiate a payment arrangement
Remember: In Alberta, electricity services cannot be disconnected between October 15th and April 15th, and natural gas services cannot be disconnected between November 1st and April 14th. However, if your utilities are disconnected before these dates, they will remain disconnected.
As part of the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Winter Utilities Reconnection Program (WURP), the UCA will begin contacting Albertans with disconnected utilities starting November 1 to assist in reconnection where possible.
If you need financial assistance, the UCA may share your information with social agencies such as Alberta Works, AISH and seniors’ organizations, which may be able to help with payments.
Contact the UCA for help!
The UCA can share advice on how to compare utility rates, provide information on utility issues, and help settle disputes with your retailer.
The UCA offers interpreter services through CanTalk. When you are connected with a team member, identify your language of choice and we will bring an interpreter onto the call.
Please be patient as it may take time for the connection to be made.
Inside Alberta call: 310-4822
Outside Alberta call: 1-888-644-6608
