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Province introduces legislation to levy fines to solve utility overcharges

Apr 20, 2018 | 4:59 PM

EDMONTON — The provincial government has announced legislation to protect electricity consumers in Alberta.

The government tabled the bill, An Act to Secure Alberta’s Electricty Future, on Thursday. If passed, the bill would give the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) the power to penalize electricity and natural gas service providers for breaches of customer service, such as sending out late bills or overcharging customers.

“This is about having the backs of everyday families,” said Energy Minister Marg McCuaig-Boyd in a news release. “Many consumers are frustrated and have asked us to address their concerns and we’re responding to give them higher quality service from their energy providers.”

Currently, a formal hearing is the only option Albertans have for breaches of customer service from electricity companies. The new legislation would allow the AUC to issue penalties similar to a traffic ticket to ensure service providers are following the rules. The commission would consult with stakeholders and service providers to create the penalties.

In addition, the bill would also enable the creation of a capacity market for electricity, which the province says will protect consumers from price volatility and provide a reliable supply of power at stable, affordable prices.

The capacity market would in place in 2021.