Utilities Consumer Advocate

Are you looking for a utility retailer? Don’t know where to start? Head over to our Cost Comparison Tool, enter your location and you’ll receive a list of retailers available in your area. The tool breaks down the rates, fees, riders and other charges you may encounter, and it provides an estimate of your bill based upon the average Albertan’s usage. Try it out! https://buff.ly/3FgzEDk #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

On your utility bill, you may see a Municipal Franchise Fee or Local Access Fee. This occurs when a municipality grants the exclusive right to a utility distribution company to provide services to the municipality through a franchise agreement. The municipality then charges the distribution company a franchise fee for the exclusive right to serve utilities. To learn more about the charges on your bill, head to our website: https://buff.ly/3RSJe6V #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

Several factors determine where the rates are set. If it is a competitive rate, it is unregulated, meaning the retailer sets the rate. However, administration charges are still approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). If it is a regulated rate, retailers must have these approved monthly by the AUC. Rates are influenced by two main factors: supply and demand. #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

In one week, vampires will flood the streets to trick or treat, but did you know there are vampires in your home as well? Energy vampires! Energy vampires are appliances and electronics that use energy when off or in standby mode. Common examples include: 📺 Televisions 📱 Phone/laptop chargers ☕ Coffee makers/electric kettles 🔌 Gaming consoles To slay an energy vampire, a wooden stake isn’t effective. Instead, you can unplug devices, use a smart power strip and choose energy-efficient appliances. #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

The rate refers to the amount you pay your retailer for natural gas or electricity. Electricity is typically presented in cents/kWh while natural gas is in $/GJ. There are fixed, variable and regulated rates for consumers to choose from. To learn more about rates available in your area, check out our Cost Comparison Tool: https://buff.ly/3FgzEDk #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

Do you need help resolving an issue with a utility company? Want advice on how to reduce your usage? Need information about what rates are available to you? Give our mediation team a call at 310-4822. You can also send us an email at ucahelps@gov.ab.ca or check out our submission form on our website: https://buff.ly/40S6h50 #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

It’s Small Business Week! Small businesses have unique utility concerns, and the UCA offers a wealth of resources to help them manage their utility usage, find rates that works for them and understand the various charges they may face on their utility bills. Visit our website for more information: https://buff.ly/4efMm5P #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate #SmallBusinessWeek

If you have a seasonal property you are closing up for the winter, use these tips to prepare your home: 👉 Winterize your pipes to prevent freezing. 👉 Unplug appliances you won't need over the winter. 👉 Set your thermostat to a level that will maintain a safe temperature all season long. 👉 Turn off lights! You can also use motion sensors or timers if you are worried about security. 👉 Seal gaps around windows and doors. Learn more here: https://buff.ly/3zBknP1 #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

The UCA Mediation Team is made up of utility experts who are here to help Albertans. Our team can help you: 💡 Learn about the different charges on your utility bill 💡 Give tips to reduce your energy usage 💡 Help solve issues with your utility company Give us a call at 310-4822. You can also send us an email at ucahelps@gov.ab.ca or check out our submission form on our website: https://buff.ly/40S6h50 #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

Generation refers to the production of electricity. In Alberta, electricity is supplied by a variety of generators that are powered by natural gas, wind, hydro, and biomass, and the supply is supplemented by imported power from British Columbia, Montana, and Saskatchewan. Each generator sells the energy they produce into the wholesale electricity market. #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate