AAUBA Code of Professional Conduct for Certified Utility Bill Auditors (CUBA©)

1.1 Maintain Expertise

CUBA© holders shall maintain current knowledge of utility tariffs, regulatory changes, billing practices, and industry standards. Continuing education and professional development are expected throughout one's career.

1.2 Work Within Scope of Knowledge

Auditors shall only accept engagements in utility types, rate classes, and jurisdictions where they possess adequate knowledge and experience. When facing unfamiliar territory, auditors must conduct thorough research or consult with qualified experts.

1.3 Thorough and Accurate Analysis

All audits shall be conducted with diligence, accuracy, and attention to detail. Auditors must review billing records comprehensively and verify findings before presenting them to clients or utilities.

1.4 Honest Representation of Qualifications

CUBA© holders shall accurately represent their credentials, experience, and capabilities. Misrepresentation of qualifications or exaggeration of past results is strictly prohibited.

2.1 Act in Client's Best Interest

Auditors shall place the client's financial interest above their own in all professional matters. Recommendations and actions must be based solely on the client's benefit, not the auditor's potential compensation.

2.2 Transparent Fee Structures

All fee arrangements, including contingency percentages, hourly rates, or flat fees, must be clearly disclosed in writing before work begins. No hidden fees or undisclosed charges are permitted.

2.3 Confidentiality

Auditors shall protect all client information, including billing records, account numbers, usage data, and business information. Client data shall not be shared, sold, or used for any purpose other than the agreed-upon audit engagement without explicit written consent.

2.4 Avoid Conflicts of Interest

Auditors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including relationships with utility companies, competing service providers, or other parties that could compromise objectivity. When conflicts cannot be resolved, the auditor must decline the engagement.

2.5 No Guarantee of Results

Auditors shall not guarantee specific savings or refund amounts. While discussing potential savings ranges based on experience is acceptable, promises of specific outcomes are prohibited.

3.1 Honest Communication

All communications with utility companies, including error notifications, refund requests, and rate inquiries, must be truthful, accurate, and respectful. Misrepresentation or fraudulent claims are strictly forbidden.

3.2 Compliance with Utility Procedures

Auditors shall follow each utility's established procedures for filing complaints, requesting refunds, and appealing decisions. Attempts to circumvent proper channels or manipulate utility representatives are prohibited.

3.3 Respect Regulatory Authority

Auditors shall respect the authority of public utility commissions and regulatory bodies. When challenging tariff interpretations or rate applications, arguments must be based on factual analysis and legitimate regulatory grounds.

3.4 No Fraudulent Claims

Auditors shall never fabricate billing errors, alter documents, or submit false refund requests. All claims must be supported by verifiable documentation and legitimate tariff interpretations.

4.1 Honest Marketing and Advertising

All marketing materials, including websites, advertisements, and client proposals, must be truthful and not misleading. Testimonials and case studies must be genuine and accurately represent results.

4.2 Respect for Competitors

Auditors shall not engage in defamation, disparagement, or false statements about competitors. Professional disagreements should be addressed respectfully and factually.

4.3 Compliance with Laws

CUBA© holders must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including business licensing requirements, tax obligations, and consumer protection regulations.

4.4 Respect Intellectual Property

Auditors shall respect copyrights, trademarks, proprietary methodologies, and trade secrets of AAUBA, software providers, and other professionals. Unauthorized use or distribution of protected materials is prohibited.

4.5 Professional Collaboration

When appropriate, auditors should collaborate with other professionals (accountants, engineers, attorneys) to serve clients effectively. Credit should be given where due, and referral relationships should be transparent.

5.1 Responsible Use of AI Analysis Tools

AAUBA's proprietary AI-powered bill analysis agent is provided to enhance audit efficiency, not replace professional judgment. Auditors must verify AI-generated findings and apply professional expertise to all conclusions.

5.2 Protect Access Credentials

Login credentials, software licenses, and access to AAUBA platforms are personal and non-transferable. Sharing access with unauthorized individuals is prohibited.

5.3 Contribute to Professional Community

CUBA© holders are encouraged to participate in AAUBA forums, share non-proprietary insights, and contribute to the collective knowledge of the profession while respecting confidentiality obligations.

6.1 Reporting Violations

CUBA© holders who become aware of ethical violations by other certified auditors should report concerns to AAUBA leadership. All reports will be handled confidentially.

6.2 Cooperation with Investigations

Individuals under investigation for alleged violations must cooperate fully with AAUBA's ethics review process, including providing documentation and responding to inquiries in a timely manner.

6.3 Disciplinary Actions

Violations of this Code may result in sanctions including:

• Written warning
• Required remedial training
• Probationary status
• Suspension of CUBA© designation
• Permanent revocation of certification
• Removal from AAUBA membership

6.4 Right to Appeal

Individuals subject to disciplinary action have the right to appeal decisions through AAUBA's established appeals process.