Why was there an increase to my utility bill this month?

The Alberta Utilities Commission takes its role of regulating transmission, distribution and regulated retail rates very seriously and ensures that it has the expertise to scrutinize and consider rate applications from regulated utilities.

The costs of building, maintaining and operating the transmission lines, substations, and distribution infrastructure throughout Alberta are significant, and the AUC reviews these costs in an open and transparent regulatory review process. Through this process, the Commission ensures that only prudent costs are approved and added to customer rates.

The AUC acts in the public interest and in accordance with the established legislative framework. This framework requires the Commission to approve rates that are just and reasonable, which must also permit the regulated utilities to recover the costs of providing safe and reliable service and a fair return on the investment. Generally, as the costs to provide these services increase, so do the rates on a customer’s bill.​

The Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate has a mandate to advocate for residential, farm and small business energy customers. The UCA often intervenes in rate applications to represent the interests of these customers in the regulatory review process. The UCA or your utility service provider can help you with understanding your bill and to consider a fixed or variable rate option for your energy. To consider your competitive deregulated retail options please visit Utilities Consumer Advocate – Retailers and Distributors.