The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) encourages the public to get involved in the application process to assist the Commission in arriving at decisions that are in the best interest of Alberta.

There are various ways that the public is able to get involved in matters brought before the AUC.

Rate, Tariffs and Terms and Conditions of Service
Regulated retailers and transmission and distribution companies must apply to the AUC for approval of their rates and terms and conditions of service to ensure they are just and reasonable (Click here to view rates and terms and conditions of service). If an Albertan consumer is concerned about the rates or the terms and conditions of service that they are subject to, they are able to get directly involved in rate applications submitted to the AUC by becoming an intervener.

In order to obtain procedural rights and to actively participate in the proceeding, parties must submit a Statement of Intent to Participate (SIP) before the deadline indicated in the Notice of Application.

Because the costs of regulatory proceedings, including all approved legal and consulting fees for interveners, end up in consumers’ utility rates, the AUC recommends that concerned consumers contact the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA). The UCA was created by the Alberta Government in 2003 to represent Alberta residential, farm and small commercial utility consumers in regulatory hearings. This collaboration helps to reduce duplication of intervener efforts and regulatory hearing costs. Visit the Utilities Consumer Advocate's website for more information.

Construction of Facilities
Construction of the following facilities require AUC approval:

Prior to submitting an application to the AUC for a proposed facility development, the applicant is required to conduct effective public consultation with parties that may be directly and adversely affected by the proposed project. Additionally, applicants sometimes hold open houses to provide information to members of the public. Once the applicant has conducted its public consultation, it submits an application to the AUC through the Commission’s electronic filing system. The AUC then issues a Notice of Application to a broad list of interested parties. The Notice is also published in local newspapers with details about the application and how to get involved.

Any interested Albertan, as a member of the public, but who is not directly or adversely affected, can also observe the proceeding through the AUC's Proceeding Search service.

Utility Concerns
Albertans with questions or concerns regarding utility rates, tariffs, terms and conditions of service, or a facility development in their area can contact the AUC Complaints group for more information on how to get involved.

Documents relating to active applications submitted to the AUC can be found on the Current Applications page of the AUC website.

For more information:
How to Participate in Facility Applications
Brochure: Public Involvement in Facilities Application to the AUC 
AUC Rule 001 Rules of Practice
AUC Rule 009 Rules on Local Intervener Costs
AUC Rule 022 Rules on Intervener Costs