An Independent Voice for Utility Consumers
The Role of the Consumer Advocate
The Consumer Advocate represents the interests of everyday electricity customers and general users in proceedings before the Public Utilities Board (PUB).
Our goal is to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador has a fair and balanced regulatory environment that serves consumers and respects legislation, provincial policy, and sound utility practices.
Our ongoing priority is to work with consumers, utilities, industrial customers, the Public Utilities Board, and the Government to keep electricity rates affordable for ratepayers while supporting a reliable power grid.
More information on the Consumer Advocate and our governing legislation can be found on the Department of Justice and Public Safety website and the PUB website.
The Work of the Consumer Advocate
This work involves a variety of activities, such as assessing utility applications, reviewing the supporting evidence, preparing questions, hiring and guiding experts, participating in pre-hearing procedures and public hearings, questioning witnesses, and making final submissions and recommendations.
Some examples of applications from Newfoundland Power and NL Hydro include:
General rate applications
Capital budget applications
Build applications
Advocacy in the PUB proceedings involves soliciting advice from experts and consultants with expertise in energy supply, regulatory practice and principles and cost of capital/finance. This ensures that consumers have the benefit of knowledgeable and informed representation .
You can read the Consumer Advocate’s submissions in all current and past proceedings on the PUB website.
If you are having issues with a public utility, please contact our office and tell us about your experience.
We cannot help resolve individual cases. However, by sharing your story you can help us establish patterns and trends across the Province, better informing the perspective of how utility costs and services affect the lives of every-day residents.
Contacting the Consumer Advocate
What we do
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Represent the interests of ratepayers and consumers
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Listen to consumer experiences and challenges with public utilities
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Identify shared or recurring challenges