By rdnewsNOW Staff

Utility Costs

Province aiming to help Alberta’s energy consumers prepare for winter

Sep 22, 2022 | 2:15 PM

The provincial government says an ad campaign by the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) will remind Albertans of their options for purchasing energy for their homes.

During the winter of 2021-22, the government acknowledges that many Albertans experienced price spikes for electricity and natural gas due to seasonal and market factors. This fall, the UCA is expected to conduct a public communications campaign to inform Alberta consumers of the competitive retail products that offer the lowest and most stable prices.

Alberta’s government says it recognizes that the cost of living continues to pose challenges for Albertans, which is why the electricity rebate program is said to be currently providing more than 1.9 million homes, farms and small businesses monthly credits on their electricity bills until the end of December, for a total of $300 in rebates. Along with the rebates, Albertans wishing to protect themselves from price volatility may also enter into a competitive fixed-rate contract, say government officials.

“Albertans are already looking for ways they can save money on their electricity and natural gas bills. We want this campaign to let them know that the UCA is their best place to go for tips and advice on energy choices to find the right plan for their family,” said Nate Glubish, Minister of Service Alberta, in a press release Thursday.

“Right now, the default regulated rates for electricity and natural gas are more expensive than those offered through fixed-rate contracts. Combined with energy rebates from Alberta’s government, a fixed-rate contract and smart energy use can help keep bills lower for Albertans. We’re doing the long-term work to tackle the root cause of high energy costs – but in the short term, competitive retail products can shield you from high energy prices,” added Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

The government says the UCA helps Albertans make informed choices for electricity and natural gas. Consumers can call the UCA’s Contact Centre at 310-4UCA (310-4822) and speak with an information officer to get advice on how to purchase energy based on their unique needs.

The UCA’s website, ucahelps.alberta.ca, contains tips and information on energy choices, including a Cost Comparison Tool consumers can use to compare energy rates between companies in Alberta.

In Alberta, energy consumers can purchase electricity and natural gas on fixed-rate contracts from a competitive retailer or choose the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) for electricity and a default plan for natural gas. Competitive retail contracts are described as easy to enter and are easy to cancel should regulated rates drop below contract rates in the future. Albertans who choose fixed-rate contracts will still be eligible for the electricity and natural gas rebates, say government officials.

The campaign, which is aimed at residential, agricultural and small business energy consumers, will begin this fall, at a cost of $1.1 million. Advertising will be conducted on TV, radio and social media.

Alberta government quick facts

• The Utilities Consumer Advocate also serves as a mediator between consumers and their service provider.
• Customers who have concerns about their bills, or who are unable to resolve an issue with their energy provider, can contact the UCA toll-free at 310-4UCA for assistance.
• The UCA also represents consumer interests for safe, reliable energy utility services at the lowest reasonable cost in regulated rates hearings held by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
• Currently, about 40 per cent of Alberta’s residential power and natural gas customers use the RRO for electricity and default rates for natural gas. The remainder are on fixed and variable rate contracts.
• Information about Alberta’s electricity rebate, which is currently providing $50 monthly rebates to more than 1.9 million consumers, and the coming natural gas rebate is available online. Additional information on the natural gas rebate will be released soon.