Consumer group wants role in talks over probe into alleged ATCO illegalities

ATCO has acknowledged it made mistakes and said the overpriced contract was entered into to help the First Nation build capacity in a new area of business.

A group representing residential power consumers wants a seat at any discussions involving alleged illegal behaviour by one of Alberta’s main power providers and is asking the regulator to release all information involving ATCO‘s actions.

Jim Wachowich, lawyer for the Consumers’ Coalition of Alberta, said ATCO is trying to “deflect attention” by keeping the matter out of the public.

“This is a watershed event,” said Wachowich.

ATCO said it has already disclosed much information and is working with the commission to settle the matter.

In November, the Alberta Utilities Commission’s enforcement branch requested a hearing into its findings that ATCO Electric deliberately overpaid a British Columbia First Nation by millions for work on a new transmission line. It allegedly did so to secure lucrative contracts for another ATCO company to provide construction camps for the Trans Mountain Expansion oil pipeline project.

Investigators said the company then allegedly tried to pass the $12-million overpayment on to Alberta consumers, in violation of the law. They alleged company management was aware the arrangement was questionable and tried to cover its tracks.

In materials filed with the commission, the enforcement branch alleges that ATCO “violated (its) fundamental duty of honesty and candour … the duty upon which the entire regulatory system relies.”

ATCO has acknowledged it made mistakes and said the overpriced contract was entered into to help the First Nation build capacity in a new area of business.