What is the Code of Conduct?
The Code of Conduct means the Electric Utilities Act Code of Conduct Regulation (Alberta Regulation 160/2003 the "Conduct Regulation"). The Conduct Regulation is aimed at facilitating the fair and orderly development of a competitive electricity market within the Province of Alberta.
Key requirements within the Code of Conduct:
- Equal treatment for Customers
EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (EDTI) and EPCOR Energy Alberta Inc. (EEAI) will not require or suggest that electricity services are determined by using goods or services from an Affiliated Retailer or will result in preferential treatment.
- Customer Privacy
EPCOR will treat Customer information properly, taking steps to maintain confidentiality while ensuring regulated customer information is not used for sales or marketing purposes.
Unless a customer gives permission, no personal information may be disclosed to another person by retailers, employees, contractors or agents.
- Equal treatment for Retailers
EDTI and EEAI will not create an unfair competitive advantage.
Regulated customers must be told that they are free to choose a retailer and be aware of the "Fair Competition Statement".
"Electricity products and services are competitive. You are free to choose a retailer. Regulated wires services are not dependent upon the retailer you choose. You can find a listing of licensed Alberta retailers on the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) website, or call 310-4-UCA (Toll free in Alberta)."
- Proper Business Practices of Owners and Retailers
An Owner (EDTI in Edmonton) and its affiliate retailer may make arrangements to create cost efficiencies in their operations, but must not create an unfair competitive advantage for the affiliated retailer by the arrangements.
A regulated rate provider (EEAI) must not create an unfair competitive advantage for itself as a retailer as a result of its capacity to act as a regulated rate provider.
EPCOR is committed to an exemplary high standard of professional conduct, and the Conduct Regulation is helpful for defining these requirements.