Between Oct. 15 and April 15, Winter Rules for utilities ensure that residential electricity services cannot be fully disconnected. Starting Nov. 1, natural gas services cannot be fully disconnected by retailers either. These rules protect vulnerable Albertans from having critical utility services cut off when winter weather hits, ensuring they can continue to provide for their families.
“During Alberta’s harsh winters, having reliable home heating and power isn’t a luxury – it’s a lifeline. These protections help ensure that every Albertan has access to the vital utilities they need to keep them and their families safe and cozy, even on the coldest of nights.”
No matter the season, utility disconnections are prohibited if temperatures are forecasted to fall below zero degrees within 24 hours of a planned disconnection.
Customers with disconnected utilities will be contacted by the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) to help them reconnect before winter. The UCA partners with the Alberta Utilities Commission, utility retailers and distributors, and other government agencies – such as Alberta Supports – to help with reconnection.
Albertans looking for help with their utility bills, making manageable payment arrangements, or who need support resolving a dispute with their provider should contact the UCA at 310-4822 or [email protected], or by visiting the UCA website.
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