Utilities Consumer Advocate

Whether you are moving into a new home or a home new to you, there are a few things to know about setting up utilities. 🏡Make sure you find out what kind of meter is at your property. If the residence was previously used as a small business, they may have installed a commercial meter. This could result in higher charges. There are no regulations in place requiring the retailer to confirm what the property is being used for when the billing customer changes. It is your responsibility to ask your retailer about the type of meter is installed on your property and ask that it be changed. 🏡 If you need utilities right away or utilities are currently shut off at the property, you should contact your regulated rate provider. 🏡 Competitive retailers may take 10-90 days to set-up services in your name. It’s typically a good idea to call the utility companies about two weeks in advance to start services. 🏡 Make sure you plan for additional fees. Some companies may require a prudential (or deposit) before setting up services. If you need utilities reconnected, you may face additional fees from distributors as well. #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

The UCA Mediation Team is here to help. Some common issues we can help address include: 👉 Being over billed 👉 Not receiving bills 👉 Negotiating payment arrangements Give our team a call at 310-4822. You can also send us an email at [email protected] or check out our submission form on our website https://buff.ly/40S6h50. #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate 

Some retailers offer Green Energy Plans. These are long-term investments put towards creating more renewable energy and adding it to Alberta’s power grid. Signing up for a “Green Energy” plan does not guarantee that your business, farm, or home will immediately receive the energy from a renewable source. If you want to support renewable energy, it is a good idea to do your homework and understand what you are buying. Every plan is different, so it is important to learn more about what these plans actually offer. #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

Summer months may mean higher electricity and natural gas bills. This can be due to a few reasons: ⚡Frequent use of air conditioning systems or electric fans ⚡ More people home during the day (students' home from school) ⚡ Heating pools/hot tubs ⚡ Patio heaters ⚡ Electric grills or fireplaces #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

If you use a sprinkler system, there are steps you can take to maximize your water usage. Try: 🔧 Maintaining your sprinkler system and check for leaks or clogs. 💧 Water early in the morning and avoid watering at the hottest point of the day to limit evaporation. 🌻Understand your soil and plant needs, some plants don’t need to be watered as frequently. ☔ Install rain sensors that automatically turn off sprinklers when it has rained. 📈 Monitor your water usage. #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

Alberta has a unique utility market. There are over 50 retailers in Alberta (competitive or regulated). Retailer availability is dependent upon location in the province. To learn about what retailers are available to you, head to our website: https://buff.ly/3NAcbSU #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

The Utility Consumer Advocate is here to help Albertans who are having issues with their utility provider. If you think you were improperly billed, haven’t received a bill in several months, or need help making payment arrangements, contact us! Give us a call at 310-4822 or send us an email at [email protected]. #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

Everyday, Albertans turn on lights in their home. Many people credit Thomas Edison with the invention of the incandescent lightbulb. However, he was not the first to come up with the idea. Historians estimate about 20 inventors had ideas for similar lamps. And a couple of Canadians were crucial in developing incandescent lightbulbs. In 1874, a Canadian patent was filed by a Toronto medical electrician named Henry Woodward and a colleague Mathew Evans for a lamp using carbon rods held between electrodes in glass cylinders filled with nitrogen. The pair tried to commercialize their lamp but were unsuccessful. They eventually sold their patent to Edison in 1879. Edison went on to file his own patent, and discovered materials that were more durable. In 1880, his company began marketing the lightbulb. #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

The UCA Education Team offers free presentations to groups looking to learn more about the Alberta Utility Market. These presentations typically cover: ⚡How Alberta’s utility market works ⚡How electricity and natural gas are distributed ⚡Understanding utility bills ⚡Shopping for utilities ⚡Electricity and natural gas trends To learn more or to book a presentation, send an email to [email protected]. #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate

Are you curious about how electricity and natural gas rates have evolved? Check out the historic rates tool on the UCA website. It allows you to see rates for up to two years at a time with the option to export the data. https://buff.ly/3zzWGGa #UCAHelps #UtilitiesConsumerAdvocate