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!
Choosing a Retailer
September 4 | 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Learn how to use the Cost Comparison Tool to choose a utility service provider and what to look for before signing a utility contract.
Understanding Alberta’s Utility Market
September 10 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Learn about your options, how to read your utility bill, ways to reduce your usage, and where to turn if you need help.
Interactive Utility Tools and Tips
September 16 | 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Learn about the free services and resources offered by the UCA, including printable tip sheets, downloadable videos, and information cards available for order.
Winter Utilities Reconnection Program
September 23 | 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Learn about the rules that protect Albertans from utility disconnection during the winter months, and how the UCA helps prevent disconnection and reconnect households in need.
The Rate of Last Resort
September 30 | 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Learn why the RoLR was created and what it means for you as a consumer.
Supports for Seniors
Seniors have unique considerations regarding utilities.
The UCA is hosting two webinars designed to help seniors, and those who support them, confidently manage utility decisions and make informed choices, especially during housing transitions.
Topics include:
- Tips for managing utilities while moving
- How to shop for utility services
- Understanding your utility bills
- Ways to save money on utilities
- The Winter Utilities Reconnection Program
Q&A: What is Micro-Generation?
Micro-generation is small-scale local electricity production, which uses renewable and alternative energy sources. In Alberta, the most common micro-generation type is solar power.
Through micro-generation, solar energy system owners can sell the electricity they are not using back into the grid through the billing process called net billing. However, if the system does not generate more power than consumed, you would also be responsible for any energy charges.
Remember, consumers with solar power still need to pay for transmission and distribution charges and any additional fees. Before going solar, it is important to compare your options along with the short and long term costs!
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
