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
November 5 | Noon
Learn about rules surrounding utility disconnection during winter in Alberta and how the UCA helps to prevent disconnection and reconnect households.
Understanding Utilities in Alberta
November 12 | 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
November 7 | Noon
Learn why the RoLR was created and what it means for you as a consumer.
Utilities for Small Business
November 19 | Noon
Learn about rate classes, demand charges, consumer rights and responsibilities, and get practical tips to save money.
Understanding Bills, Comparing Retailers
November 25 | Noon
Learn about the different parts of your utility bills and discuss the various retail options.
Tips to Reduce Energy Usage in Winter
When the temperature dips, Albertan’s utility bills tend to go up.
Here are some tips to help reduce your usage!
Turn off lights in unused rooms and make use of timers, motion sensors, and programmable lights.
Use a programmable thermostat. Set the temperature to increase a little before you wake up in the morning, then decrease once you leave for the day. Also do this before you arrive home and go to bed. Keep the temperature fluctuations under 5 degrees for the best energy efficiency.
Check the insulation in both your walls and attic. If you notice icicles hanging from the roofline of your house in cold weather, you may be losing heat through your attic. Improving your insulation could improve heat retention in your house.
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