Alberta Record

· Order in Council / Proclamation of Utilities Affordability Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 sections · enacted

Utilities affordability statutes amendment act 2024 proclamation

Proclaims sections 1, 2(2) to (7) and (9), 4, and 6 of the Utilities Affordability Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, bringing new legislative provisions related to utilities affordability into force.

Moderate impactInstitutional independenceEducationThe public, directlyIndependent watchdogs

What changed

  • Sections 1, 2(2) to (7) and (9), 4, and 6 of the Utilities Affordability Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 are brought into force.
  • This action formally activates new legislative provisions related to utilities affordability within Alberta.
  • The Utilities Consumer Advocate Regulation (AR 183/2018) is amended.
  • Definitions for "electricity services," "Market Surveillance Administrator," "regulated rate customer," and "Schedule" are added or updated within the Regulation.
  • Section 2 of the Regulation is amended to expand the scope of referenced functions from "section 3(e) and (f)" to "section 3(c) to (f)".
  • The Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate is mandated to contact each regulated rate customer at least once every 90 days.
  • These mandated contacts must inquire whether the customer is aware of receiving electricity services from a rate of last resort provider.
  • The contacts must also educate the regulated rate customer about the option to receive electricity services from a retailer of their choice.

Why it matters

  • The proclamation establishes the legal effect of specific amendments introduced by the Utilities Affordability Statutes Amendment Act, 2024.
  • These newly enacted sections will govern aspects of utilities regulation and affordability within Alberta.
  • The full scope of impact requires review of the specific provisions within the Act itself.
  • Expands the operational mandate of the Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate by adding new direct customer outreach responsibilities.
  • Increases the frequency and specificity of communication required between the UCA and regulated rate customers regarding their electricity services.
  • Aims to enhance customer awareness regarding their electricity service provider status and available market options.
  • The change in referenced sections (from 3(e) and (f) to 3(c) to (f)) suggests a broader scope of UCA functions, though the specific impact requires review of the original regulation.
  • Introduces a new administrative duty for the UCA to proactively engage with a specific segment of the public.

Other governance concerns

  • Implementation of new legislative provisions affecting utilities regulation.
  • Increased administrative burden on the Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate due to new contact requirements.
  • Potential for increased public interaction with a government-mandated entity regarding utility choices.
  • The full impact of expanding referenced sections (3(c) to (f)) is not immediately clear without the original regulation text.

Primary sources (2)

Secondary sources (3)