Office of Consumer Advocate (Utilities)
About the Iowa Office of Consumer Advocate
The mission of the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) is to represent Iowa consumers and the public interest in all forums with the goal of maintaining safe, reliable, reasonably-priced, and nondiscriminatory utility services for all consumers in all market settings while informing and educating the public on utility related issues.
OCA accomplishes its mission by advocating in all proceedings before the Iowa Utilities Commission. OCA is statutorily mandated to investigate the legality of all rate-regulated utilities’ rates, charges, and practices to ensure those utilities provide safe, reliable, and adequate service. OCA’s primary mission is related to matters involving rate-regulated utilities and those utilities’ costs to consumers.
We recognize our responsibilities to consumers and the public and commit to working on their behalf. We will comply with our statutory charter, and our duties will be carried out in a fiscally responsible manner.
Current Proceedings
The time and dates for public Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) meetings and hearings are found at the IUC Calendar. The IUC maintains the Electronic Filing System (EFS) which houses all the IUC’s dockets and all filings. Consumers can file comments or objections in any IUC docket on this system.
To utilize the EFS, you are required to have an account and log in to the EFS system. The IUC Customer Service Desk can be reached at 515-725-7300 or 877-565-4450 and will assist you with any issues accessing the website or filing documents.
Utilities-Related Consumer Complaints
If you are unable to resolve an issue with your utility service provider, you can file an online complaint about a utility company at the Iowa Utilities Commission’s website.
Federal Energy Regulation and Data
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) also has a role in energy matters that impact the cost of your electricity and natural gas bills. FERC’s website provides more information on these matters.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration provides a variety of energy related data, analysis, and projections including state average costs of electricity per kilowatt hour.
The National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates’ website offers a variety of resources providing consumers more information related to utility ratemaking procedures and current issues.
Contacts
To reach the OCA, call 515-725-7200 or email IowaOCA@oca.iowa.gov
