The AUC’s electronic filing tool used to manage, search and upload application documents
Rules that set out requirements and processes for all entities under the AUC’s jurisdiction
Full list of all recently issued regulatory documents
Legislation regulating the energy and utilities sector
Current electricity and gas rates in Alberta
How the AUC reviews and determines utility rates
Resources for questions and general concerns involving regulated utilities
Answers to common utility related questions
Highlighting a few projects and applications currently being reviewed and considered
General information about creating an account and using the eFiling System
A list of active registered applications being considered
What is involved in reviewing power generation facilities in Alberta
Established process to review applications
Livestream broadcast of AUC hearings
Engage in a consultation
Resources for participating in an AUC hearing process
A trusted leader that delivers innovative and efficient regulatory solutions for Alberta
Your source for AUC news, bulletins and announcements
Electric, gas, water utilities and renewable power generation
Stories of innovative regulatory solutions for Albertans and happenings at the AUC
The AUC operates on the basis that there is ample opportunity to do things better and to reduce regulatory burden. The issue of timeliness or regulatory lag in rates cases (proceedings in which utility rates are determined) is of primary importance. However, the AUC’s commitment to improvement applies to all aspects of our work.
We are mindful that we serve the public interest. An important consideration of efficiency improvements in the regulation of monopoly electricity and natural gas infrastructure, and the adjudication of market cases is that efficiency must not come at the expense of stakeholder and investor confidence in a fair process, market integrity, or reliably independent and consistent regulation. All are critical to a properly functioning utilities sector.
Since November 2019 the AUC has achieved a number of material improvements in its regulatory performance. These include:
As a result, the AUC now ranks in the top two quartiles of peer North American utility regulators when measuring the time it takes to review an application.
The AUC’s annual business plans since 2008 have consistently committed it to initiatives that improve process efficiency and enhance our regulatory approaches. The AUC’s current three-year strategic plan includes efficiency as a major theme, with input from senior utility-sector executives ensuring industry priorities are reflected in AUC initiatives and its day-to-day operational plan. The government’s red tape reduction efforts are also strongly incorporated.
This is a grassroots initiative that encourages staff to challenge the way operate and regulate by developing innovative ideas to improve or streamline processes and enhance efficiency. It simplifies and supports the way forward for staff at any level to implement good ideas following a rapid approval process. So far, six projects have been approved and they may be found in the monthly report to the Department of Energy.
Listening directly to where stakeholders think the AUC should focus attention on reducing regulatory burden is critical to the AUC. Over the course of three roundtables in late 2019, the AUC took immediate action. It became clear that the number one priority for AUC stakeholders is improvements in the AUC process in determining major rate cases.
Led by the AUC’s vice-chair and its general counsel, this highly placed group reviews active proceedings to ensure they stay on track. The group also serves as a forum for the exchange and development of ideas to make the Commission’s adjudicative work more efficient, timely, focused and productive.
Reflecting stakeholder’s number one priority, the AUC established a third-party expert panel to provide independent recommendations on how the AUC can improve and implement changes to make its rates processes more streamlined and timely. Their report is complete and virtually all recommendations are being adopted.
The AUC monitors and reports to the Department of Energy the progress of efficiency initiatives and the required one-third reduction in regulatory requirements on a monthly basis. This important reporting is overseen by the AUC’s chief executive and its general counsel. The AUC received an encouraging letter from Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity Dale Nally and is moving forward with a series of initiatives to improve the efficiency of its processes and procedures, and reduce regulatory burden.
Alberta’s utilities are critical to industry in the province and to Albertans’ high quality of living.
Alberta’s utilities sector is a natural monopoly environment where privately owned utilities operate a network of wires and pipelines. They are profit-driven while operating in exclusive service territories, and are not subject to competition. Recognizing the critical importance of utilities, part of the AUC’s public interest mandate is to ensure there is adequate regulatory oversight of Alberta’s utilities and utilities sector in this monopoly environment.
The AUC works continually to reduce the level and impact of regulatory burden to what is required for ratepayers to receive safe and reliable utility service at just and reasonable rates – while allowing utility shareholders a reasonable opportunity to earn a fair return, and attract adequate investment.
The AUC works to adapt and modernize its regulatory practices to ensure its regulation is ready to meet the challenges of an evolving regulatory environment. The AUC’s three-year strategic plan includes a major commitment to efficiency and reducing regulatory burden. This efficiency theme was developed, shaped and confirmed through stakeholder conversations with executives at the most senior level within the utilities sector. Industry priorities were incorporated and are driving our specific activities for the next three years, as well as forming the basis to track and measure our success.
The AUC continues to focus on streamlining its processes and reducing regulatory burden. The five principles of the Red Tape Reduction Act are incorporated within the AUC’s plan for efficient, innovative regulation. The AUC is pleased its detailed, results-driven efficiency and red tape reduction efforts are part of the government’s plan to support jobs and boost productivity.
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