Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is bringing back its seasonal utility protections to help residents maintain access to electricity and heating as winter approaches, with rules preventing full residential electricity disconnections taking effect on October 15.
The province’s Winter Rules for utilities will remain in place until April 15 for electricity services. Separate protections for natural gas will begin on November 1, preventing retailers from fully disconnecting residential gas service during the winter period.
The measures are intended to protect households from losing essential services during cold weather, particularly when reliable heating and electricity are critical for family safety and well-being.
RJ Sigurdson, Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities, said access to power and home heating becomes especially important during the province’s harsh winters. He described the protections as essential safeguards for residents facing freezing temperatures.
Additional safeguards apply throughout the year. Utility disconnections are prohibited when temperatures are forecast to fall below zero degrees Celsius within 24 hours of a planned disconnection, helping reduce the risk of households being left without essential services during freezing conditions.
The province is also working to help customers whose utilities have already been disconnected. The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) contacts affected customers and works with the Alberta Utilities Commission, utility retailers, distributors and government support services, including Alberta Supports, to assist with reconnection.
Residents struggling to pay their utility bills can also seek guidance on negotiating manageable payment arrangements or resolving disputes with service providers.
Albertans who need assistance can contact the Utilities Consumer Advocate at 310-4822 or email ucahelps@gov.ab.ca. Information and support options are also available through the UCA’s official website.
With winter approaching, the province is encouraging residents experiencing utility payment difficulties to seek assistance and explore available options before their situation becomes more difficult.
