Do energy retailers offer bundled services?

In deregulated markets like Alberta, switching between energy retailers is usually a straightforward process. However, consumers should be aware of any early termination fees or other conditions that may apply when switching.

An energy retailer and an energy distributor are two distinct entities involved in the delivery of energy to end-users, such as households and businesses.

An energy retailer is a company that buys energy from the wholesale market and sells it directly to consumers. They offer various plans, including fixed-rate and variable-rate pricing options.

In contrast, an energy distributor is responsible for transporting energy from the source, such as a power plant or natural gas pipeline, to consumers. They own and operate the infrastructure, like power lines and gas pipelines, that are required to maintain the energy grid. The government regulates energy distributors to ensure that they provide reliable service and maintain safety standards.

Peace Power is an energy retailer that buys electricity and natural gas wholesale from the competitive energy market in Alberta and sells it to customers. We provide retail services such as billing, usage reconciliation, and customer service. The delivery charge rates you see on your bill are set by energy distributors, like ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric, and are regulated and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). Energy distributors also respond to emergencies and outages to maintain the energy grid.

Many energy retailers aim for transparency by providing detailed billing statements that break down costs clearly. Some also offer online calculators, mobile apps, or web dashboards that allow consumers to track their usage patterns and understand how different behaviors impact their bills.

Energy retailers play a significant role in driving market competition by offering a range of energy plans, pricing options, and service packages. This diversity not only gives consumers more choices but also encourages other market players to innovate and improve their services to remain competitive. The competition can lead to better pricing, more efficient services, and the development of consumer-friendly features.

Energy retailers usually have dedicated customer service departments to handle billing disputes. They typically investigate any discrepancies and work with the consumer to resolve the issue, either by adjusting the bill or providing a detailed explanation of the charges.

While energy retailers don’t own the infrastructure for energy production and distribution, they usually have contracts with multiple suppliers to ensure a reliable flow of energy to their customers. They work closely with utility companies to manage demand and maintain service reliability.