Who handles utilities & energy?
Utilities & Energy
Utility regulation varies by province. Federal handles nuclear safety and interprovincial pipelines, each province has its own utility regulator (e.g., Ontario Energy Board, BC Utilities Commission, Alberta Utilities Commission, Régie de l'énergie du Québec), and municipalities manage local water and sewage.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) oversees interprovincial and international energy pipelines and electricity transmission lines.
- ● Provincial utility boards regulate electricity, natural gas, and water rates for consumers within their jurisdictions.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Nuclear safety regulation (Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission)
- ● Interprovincial pipelines and energy corridors
- ● Radio spectrum allocation
- ● National energy policy
💡 Example: Contact the CNSC about nuclear safety, or your MP about energy policy.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial utility rate regulation
- ● Electricity grid management
- ● Natural gas distribution
- ● Renewable energy programs
💡 Example: Contact your provincial utility regulator about rates, or your MPP/MLA about energy programs.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Local water and sewage services
- ● Municipal utilities
- ● Storm water management
- ● Local energy conservation programs
💡 Example: Contact your municipal utility office about water bills, or 311 about sewage issues.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Contact your provincial utility board or MLA/MPP about rate adjustments and utility affordability programs.
- ● Participate in municipal consultations about local utility infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy transitions.
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Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Provincial utility boards regulate electricity, gas, and water rates within provinces. The National Energy Board (now NEB) regulates interprovincial and international energy projects.
In deregulated provinces (Ontario, Alberta, BC), you can choose your electricity retailer. In regulated provinces, you must use the provincial utility. Compare rates at your provincial energy regulator's website.
The CGG provided up to $5,000 for energy-efficient home improvements (now closed to new applications). The Canada Home Retrofit Loan program offers low-interest loans for retrofits.
Contact your utility provider directly. Most have 24/7 emergency lines and mobile apps for reporting outages. For gas leaks, evacuate and call 911.
Provincial programs offer utility assistance for low-income households. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit was replaced by the Canada Workers Benefit and other targeted programs.