fbpx

What does it mean when a utility is 'public' vs 'private'?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when a utility is 'public' vs 'private'?

A public utility is one that is regulated by a government entity and typically operates as a monopoly within a certain area. They provide essential services to the public like electricity, gas, water, and sewer services. A private utility, on the other hand, is owned by private investors or shareholders and operates in a competitive market where consumers can choose their provider. Private utilities might still be subject to some regulation to protect consumers, but they typically have more flexibility in their pricing and service offerings.

What-does-it-mean-when-a-utility-is-public-vs-private-scaled.jpeg peace power

Related FAQ

The simple answer is ‘Yes’ but you must check the terms of your agreement as they may have a penalty or early exit fee if you cancel before your agreement expiry date. If you are not in a contract though, or if your contract has expired, then you can feel free to switch at any time. If you have a long-term fixed agreement, we encourage you to honor the agreement commitments. When your agreement expires, however, we hope you will consider switching. Some of our customers have found it economically profitable to pay the penalty though, as they saved more in a short period of time based on our lower rates.

No, Peace Power does not have a monthly or yearly contract. We believe that our customers should be able to cancel their service at any time without penalty*

In case of a utility emergency, Peace Power plays a crucial role in restoring essential services. For instance, during a power outage, Peace Power is responsible for identifying the problem and fixing it to restore power. If there’s a gas leak, the gas company should be called to identify the leak and make the necessary repairs. Similarly, in the event of a water main break, the water company would repair the break and restore water service. Many utility providers have dedicated emergency response teams and hotlines for such situations.

In Alberta, if you decide to switch energy retailers, you typically do not need to contact your current provider to cancel. Once you’ve signed a contract with a new retailer, the new retailer will notify your current provider of the change on your behalf. The change in billing should be seamless from your perspective, as your current provider will simply replace your existing rate with the regulated rate until the switch to your new retailer is complete. However, before switching, it’s crucial to check your current contract’s terms to avoid any early termination fees.

At Peace Power, we do conduct a credit check on all new applicants. The results of the credit check may require you to pay a security deposit, depending on your credit score. This is to ensure that we can provide reliable service to all of our customers while minimizing the risk of non-payment. Rest assured, our credit check process is quick, secure, and non-invasive, and we’re committed to finding solutions that work for everyone.

You will need your account number to pay your bill or to contact support about your bill. You can find your account number on the first page of your bill. Your Site ID number is also listed on your bill. If you need to look up your Site ID number, you can find it here, through the Utility Network, using your service address.

  • Site ID Number
  • Meter Number
  • Account Number

To learn more visit our blog on what fees are included in my power bill?

Get A Free Live Quote
In Just A Few Minutes

Peace Power Now Offers Fixed Rate Natural Gas Plans! Lock in Your Rate Today.