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.

RUSS BELL. CPA, CMA

Russ brings years of experience in delivering independent regulatory analysis and expert evidence for utility rate proceedings. His strategic guidance supports municipalities, advocates, and organizations, empowering them in complex, technical environments.

His approach blends meticulous financial assessment with a clear understanding of operational forecasts, helping clients build strong cases in regulatory settings.

Outside of his professional work, Russ remains deeply committed to fostering informed community participation in utility rate matters throughout Edmonton and beyond.

Selected Regulatory Engagements

Representative Regulatory Proceedings and Advisory Work

Russ Bell has participated in numerous regulatory proceedings involving electricity and natural gas utilities across Western Canada. These engagements have included the development of expert evidence, regulatory analysis, and participation in negotiations and hearings before utility commissions.

Representative areas of work have included the review and analysis of:

• General Rate Applications and General Tariff Applications
• Performance Based Regulation (PBR) frameworks and incentive regulation mechanisms
• Utility operating and capital cost forecasts
• Corporate cost allocations and affiliate transactions
• Regulatory accounting policies and financial reporting
• Capital project business cases and prudence reviews
• Customer care and billing costs
• Phase II rate design and tariff structures

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.

Regulatory Proceedings Experience

Russ Bell has participated in more than 85 regulatory proceedings and has appeared as an expert witness on approximately 30 occasions before Canadian regulatory tribunals.

These proceedings have addressed issues including:

• Utility cost forecasting
• Cost allocation methodologies
• Utility accounting and financial reporting
• Regulatory treatment of capital expenditures
• Incentive regulation frameworks
• Customer billing and retail energy costs

This experience provides clients with practical insight into how regulatory evidence is evaluated and how decisions are made within regulatory proceedings.

Consultant

Joanne Phillips

Phd., P.Eng

Dr. Joanne Phillips is a seasoned executive, 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 rare combination of deep technical expertise, regulatory judgment, and strategic foresight, with a particular focus on public-interest decision-making, infrastructure development, and the energy transition.

Dr. Phillips currently serves as Vice President of Engineering at Jay Gee Projects Ltd., where she is responsible for all aspects of business management and the delivery of complex, multidisciplinary engineering and regulatory initiatives. Her work spans project management of major regulatory proceedings, development of government funding applications, compliance consulting, and the advancement of renewable energy and clean technology projects. She is widely recognized for her ability to align technical rigor with regulatory requirements while building productive, trust-based relationships among diverse stakeholders.

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Experienced Regulatory Advisor

Russ Bell

CPA,CMA

Russ Bell has participated in more than 85 regulatory proceedings across Western Canada, is a carefully curated team of professionals ready to provide specialized consulting support for orgnaizations participating in utility regulatory porceedings.

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