Natural Gas burning, Wikimedia Commons CC License
EDMONTON — Alberta’s winter utility protection rules take effect Oct. 15, preventing residential electricity services from being fully disconnected during the coldest months of the year.
The rules remain in place until April 15. Natural gas retailers will also be prohibited from fully disconnecting residential service beginning Nov. 1.
The province says the protections are intended to ensure Albertans continue to have access to essential electricity and heating during winter.
“During Alberta’s harsh winters, having reliable home heating and power isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline,” Affordability and Utilities Minister RJ Sigurdson said. “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.”
Utility disconnections are also prohibited at any time of year when temperatures are forecast to fall below zero within 24 hours of a planned disconnection.
The Utilities Consumer Advocate will contact customers whose services have already been disconnected in an effort to help them reconnect before winter.
The advocate works with the Alberta Utilities Commission, utility retailers and distributors, Alberta Supports and other government agencies on reconnection efforts.
Albertans who need help paying utility bills, arranging payment plans or resolving disputes with their provider can contact the Utilities Consumer Advocate at 310-4822 or ucahelps@gov.ab.ca.
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