About Us
The Industrial Power Consumers Association of Alberta (IPCAA) is an organization of large industrial customers, including such key sectors as oil & gas, forest products, petrochemicals and steel. Our members have an active interest in promoting a competitive electricity market in Alberta in taking a leadership role in the electricity marketplace.
Our mission is to take a leadership role in achieving a fair, open and efficient marketplace for electricity sales and service in Alberta. We will achieve this through a strategic planning process, an educated and informed membership, active lobbying with industry stakeholders and the provincial government, as well as by extensive and comprehensive interventions in relevant regulatory proceedings.
In recent years, Alberta’s electric industry has undergone significant restructuring leading to the deregulation of the power generation sector and major changes in transmission service. Although the major changes have been made, there is continuous evolution and fine-tuning, which can have significant impacts on electricity costs. IPCAA has been actively involved in all aspects of the restructuring process to achieve our mission. Our recent action includes influencing policy development, power pool operations and transmission issues. Membership in IPCAA enables each company to have input into the transformation and growth of the industry, to exchange views and information, and to take advantage of the combined strength provided by an organization speaking with a unified voice to government and key industry participants.
Executive Director
Sheldon Fulton
Sheldon Fulton was appointed Executive Director of IPCAA, effective September 1, 2008. Sheldon is pleased to take on this exciting challenge and continue to represent and promote active load-side participation in electricity markets. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge, in both market activity and the energy sector.
Prior to his involvement in IPCAA, Sheldon assisted the design and development market activities in the Alberta energy sector, including the Natural Gas Exchange (NGX) and the Alberta Watt Exchange and as an Independent Advisor on the Alberta Regulated Rate Option (RRO). This involvement was preceded by work on clearinghouses and exchanges in New York, London and Sydney, which traded in a diverse range of commodities including interest rate futures, stock indices, coffee/cocoa and sugar contracts, as well as oil & gas futures and options.
Most recently, Sheldon held the position of Director of Market Structure at the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). This role involved assessing various Ontario electricity programs and procurements in a market context, and he was able to provide his expertise to support numerous OPA initiatives, including demand response product design. Since 2006, the OPA Market Structure Group promoted the transparency of the Ontario Forward Price Curve by supporting dissemination of regular market information, facilitating forward energy auctions, and encouraging NGX to list, trade and clear Ontario-based electricity contracts.
Sheldon has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and an MBA in Operational Research from the University of Manitoba.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What do I gain as a member of IPCAA?
As an IPCAA member, you will have immediate access to critical market, regulatory and policy information, as well as a structure mechanism for providing feedback and influencing the development of the electricity sector. Through regular correspondence, meetings, workshops and conference calls you will be able to keep your company on top of the issues affecting one of the most dynamic sectors in our economy. You also receive access to IPCAA’s consultants for information and advice relevant to your specific questions and concerns.
How long has IPCAA been active?
IPCAA was established in 1980, and has been active in the Alberta electricity sector ever since.
How much are membership dues?
Each member’s dues are related to annual electricity consumption. The minimum annual dues amount is $5,000, and the maximum is $40,000. IPCAA is considering the development of a separate fee structure for financial entities and industry partners without physical load who are interested in participating to a lesser degree in our activities.
How can I get a list of IPCAA members?
Our membership list remains confidential, as we better represent our members as a single united voice.
How do I join IPCAA or get further information on IPCAA?
Please contact Vittoria Bellissimo by phone at 403-966-2700, or by email at Vittoria.Bellissimo@IPCAA.ca
Presentations & Speeches
- Sheldon Fulton’s Demand Response Presentation at Alberta Power Summit
- IPCAA Presentation to AESO Demand Response Working Group
- IPCAA Presentation to ADC Board of Directors [by log-in only]
- IPCAA Update to AESO DR Working Group December 9, 2008
Industry Links:
Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
Chase Energy Canada Limited