Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a long list of to-dos. One of the most important steps—especially here in Alberta—is setting up your utilities. Whether you’re relocating to Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, or smaller communities across the province, ensuring your electricity and natural gas are ready to go before move-in day will save you a lot of stress. Here’s everything you need to know to get started confidently.
Start Early Before You Move
When it comes to utilities, timing is everything. Waiting until the last minute can result in service delays, which can be frustrating—especially if your home depends on electricity or gas for heating, hot water, or appliances. We recommend setting up your account at least 5 to 10 business days before your move-in date. This gives enough time for processing and ensures your home is powered and ready when you arrive. At Peace Power, you can sign up online in minutes and get your utilities scheduled without the paperwork headache.
Know What Services You’ll Need
In Alberta’s deregulated market, you have the freedom to choose your energy provider, and it’s important to understand which services you’re responsible for. Most households will need:
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Electricity – to power lighting, appliances, electronics, and in some homes, heating
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Natural gas – often used for furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces
Peace Power offers both electricity and natural gas in many Alberta communities, making it easy to bundle your services under one account.
Gather What You’ll Need to Sign Up
To open a new utility account, you’ll want to have some information ready. Most providers—Peace Power included—make this a straightforward process, but you can save time by preparing ahead. Have the following on hand:
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Your full service address, including unit number (if applicable)
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Preferred start date for your utilities
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Your date of birth and optionally your SIN for a more accurate credit check
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Your email address and phone number
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Your banking or credit card details, since Peace Power requires pre-authorized payments
You can also use our Live Quote tool to check rates based on your location and preferred start date.
Choose the Right Plan: Fixed or Variable Rates
One unique feature of Alberta’s energy system is that customers can choose between fixed and variable rates. Each has its benefits, and your choice will depend on your budget and risk tolerance.
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Fixed-rate plans lock in your electricity or gas rate for 1 to 5 years. Peace Power currently offers plans up to 3 years in length, which protect you from seasonal price fluctuations.
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Variable-rate plans follow the market. Your rate will change each month based on wholesale energy prices. This can save you money in milder months but comes with price volatility.
To view your options, head to the Peace Power rates page. If you’re not sure which is best, our customer support team can walk you through the pros and cons.
Understand Your First Bill
Your first bill will arrive roughly 4 to 6 weeks after your service begins. It will include:
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Energy usage: kWh for electricity and GJ for natural gas
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An admin fee that covers billing, customer support, and account management
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Transmission and distribution charges, regulated by the province and applied consistently across providers
Peace Power bills are transparent and easy to read, with no hidden surprises.
Switching vs. Starting from Scratch
If your new home already has electricity or gas under a different provider, you can easily switch to Peace Power with no disruption in service. We handle the transfer on your behalf. If you’re moving from out of province or into a newly built home, starting fresh is just as simple—sign up, choose your plan, and we’ll take care of the rest.
What If You Need Help?
Moving is already stressful—we get it. That’s why our customer care team is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about your bill or want to compare plans, we’re just a call or email away. We proudly serve cities and towns across Alberta, including Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat.