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!
Understanding Utilities in Alberta
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | Noon
The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA), Government of Alberta, is hosting a free public presentation about Alberta’s Electricity and Natural Gas markets. This session will cover a range of valuable topics, including:
• free services and resources provided by the UCA
• ways to lower your utility bills
• key factors to consider before signing a utility contract, and
• how to access free advice and support through the UCA’s mediation team if you have issues with your utility provider
DIY Home Energy Audit
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | Noon
Saving money on utility bills and making a home energy efficient doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A home energy audit can identify hidden leaks, reduce energy waste, and uncover safety hazards.
The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) a part of the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities at the Government of Alberta is offering a free public presentation to discuss ways you can complete an energy audit and evaluate the efficiency of your home.
Understanding Bills, Comparing Retailers
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | Noon
Have you ever looked at a utility bill and wondered what is going on? How do you know you are with the best utility retailer for you?
The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) a part of the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities at the Government of Alberta is offering a free presentation, open to the public, to help you understand the different parts of your bill and discuss utility retail options. Our mandate is to empower consumers and ensure fair, transparent utilities markets for Albertans.
Utility Tips for Landlords and Tenants
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | Noon
I’m moving…. now what?
The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA), part of the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities in the Government of Alberta, is offering a free presentation as part of our new Power Hour Webinar series. This session will help you understand utilities for tenants and landlords. It will cover what submetering is and how it works, important questions to ask before you move in, and what to do when moving out.
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