Aerial view of energy plant with steam
Engineers discussing plans at a construction site
Courtroom gavel on a table

NORTH AMERICAN UTILITY CONSULTANTS

MEET OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS 

 

At Russ Bell & Associates, we specialize in independent regulatory analysis, expert evidence, and strategic guidance for municipalities, advocates, and organizations involved in utility rate proceedings. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, our seasoned expertise helps you navigate complex financial models and technical filings confidently.

We understand the challenges faced by small businesses and community groups in responding to extensive, highly technical utility applications prepared by large utility companies. Let us provide the independent insight and professional support you need to succeed.

Mr. Bell and Dr. Phillips have combined experience of over 50 proceedings in which they have appeared. 

 

Man with glasses in a suit

RUSS BELL. CPA, CMA

Founder and Principal

Russ Bell, CPA, CMA, is the founder of Russ Bell & Associates Inc., a regulatory consulting firm based in Edmonton, Alberta. He is a graduate of the University of Alberta and has held senior financial roles within large organizations, with responsibility for business planning, budgeting, and financial oversight. His background combines practical operational experience with a strong foundation in financial management within regulated environments.

Mr. Bell provides advisory and analytical support in complex utility regulatory matters, drawing on a detailed understanding of utility operations, financial structures, and regulatory processes. His work is characterized by careful analysis, sound judgment, and a disciplined approach to evaluating evidence in proceedings where financial and operational issues are closely examined.

 

Selected Regulatory Engagements and Experience

Regulatory Proceedings Experience

Mr. Bell has participated in more than 100 regulatory proceedings and has appeared as an expert witness on over 45 occasions before Canadian utility regulatory tribunals, including:

• Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)
• British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC)
• Northwest Territories Public Utilities Board (NWTPUB)
• Yukon Utilities Board

Mr. Bell has also prepared evidence in over 35 proceedings where he was not required to appear as a witness. 

These proceedings have addressed issues including:

 

Selected Areas of Expertise

Mr. Bell’s work in regulatory proceedings has included analysis and expert evidence related to:

• Performance based regulation (PBR) and incentive regulation frameworks
• Corporate cost allocations and affiliate transactions
• Utility Forecasting methodologies and forecast accuracy
• Utility and regulatory accounting and financial reporting 

• Regulatory treatment of capital expenditures
• Automated meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)
• Business cases and capital project evaluation
• Customer care and billing and retail energy costs
• Phase II rate design

• Cost allocation methodologies

• Business risk analysis



Selected Regulatory Engagements

Mr. Bell has participated in regulatory proceedings involving a number of major Canadian utility organizations, including:

• ATCO Electric
• ATCO Gas
• EPCOR Distribution and Transmission
• ENMAX Power Corporation
• FortisAlberta
• Northwest Territories Power Corporation
• AltaLink Management Ltd.
• Northland Utilities

These engagements have included the preparation of expert evidence, participation in settlement negotiations, and appearances before regulatory tribunals.

Professional Background

Mr. Bell’s career includes senior financial and operational roles within large organizations, where he was responsible for:

• Business planning and strategic planning processes
• Budget development and financial forecasting
• Monthly financial reporting and variance analysis
• Financial management within regulated environments

This experience provides a practical understanding of how utility organizations operate and how financial decisions are reflected in regulatory applications.

Utilities and Regulatory Matters

Russ Bell has participated in regulatory proceedings involving several major Canadian utility organizations, including matters involving:

• ATCO Electric
• ATCO Gas
• EPCOR Distribution and Transmission
• ENMAX Power Corporation
• FortisAlberta
• Northwest Territories Power Corporation
• AltaLink Management Ltd.
• Northland Utilities

These proceedings have included the preparation of expert evidence, participation in settlement negotiations, and appearances before regulatory tribunals.

 

 

CONTACT US
Profile Photo of Dr. Joanne Phillips, utility consultant. Dr. Phillips is in a grey blazer and white shirt.

Joanne Phillips Phd., P.Eng

Consultant

Dr. Joanne Phillips is a professional engineer and former utility regulator with more than two decades of leadership experience across Canada’s energy, utilities, and regulatory sectors. Based in Calgary, Alberta, she brings a combination of technical expertise, regulatory judgment, and strategic insight to complex infrastructure and policy environments.

Dr. Phillips provides advisory support on regulatory, engineering, and infrastructure matters, with a focus on aligning technical analysis with regulatory requirements and public-interest considerations. Her work reflects a strong understanding of how regulatory decisions are made and how complex evidence is evaluated within formal proceedings.

CONTACT US

Selected Regulatory Engagements

Regulatory Leadership Experience

Dr. Phillips served as a Commission Member of the Alberta Utilities Commission from 2017 to 2020, where she rendered decisions on electricity matters in the public interest.

Her work involved evaluating complex applications and balancing:

• System reliability and safety
• Affordability for ratepayers
• Environmental and policy considerations
• Long-term infrastructure planning

This experience provides direct insight into regulatory governance, administrative law principles, and evidence-based decision-making.

Engineering and Infrastructure Experience

Dr. Phillips has led engineering and infrastructure initiatives across multiple energy systems, including:

• Hydro, diesel, natural gas, transmission, and distribution systems
• Design, construction, and commissioning of capital projects
• Management of multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Integration of technical, financial, and regulatory requirements

Regulatory Advisory and Project Experience

Dr. Phillips has contributed to complex regulatory and advisory engagements, including:

• Project management of major regulatory proceedings
• Development of regulatory strategies and submissions
• Compliance consulting
• Preparation of government funding applications
• Stakeholder engagement across technical and regulatory groups

Energy Transition and Policy

Dr. Phillips has experience in emerging energy systems and policy environments, including:

• Renewable energy development (wind and solar)
• Clean technology initiatives
• Energy system planning and modernization
• Infrastructure development aligned with regulatory frameworks

Executive Leadership

Dr. Phillips has held senior leadership roles across engineering, utilities, and manufacturing organizations, including:

• Vice President of Engineering
• Manager of Engineering, Northwest Territories Power Corporation
• Chief Executive Officer, manufacturing sector

These roles reflect strong operational, financial, and organizational leadership experience.

Academic and Professional Credentials

Dr. Phillips holds advanced academic qualifications in engineering and management:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Engineering Management), University of Alberta
• Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Engineering for the Environment)
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Her work includes research, publications, and presentations in energy systems, technology management, and sustainable innovation.

CONTACT US
CLOSE