The delivery charge that you see on your bill covers the upkeep cost of the infrastructure that is used to deliver the energy to your home. The delivery charge is regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). For electricity, this includes power lines and transformers, and for natural gas, this includes pipelines and compressor stations. Visit our blog to learn more about what fees are included in your power bill.
Fixed rates are rates that remain constant for the term of your contract, offering predictability. Floating rates, on the other hand, can vary from month to month based on market conditions.
Several programs in Alberta, such as Energy Efficiency Alberta, offer rebates and incentives for energy-efficient appliances, home improvements, and renewable energy installations.
The AESO is a not-for-profit entity responsible for the safe, reliable, and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System.
If you’re having difficulty paying your energy bills, you can contact your energy provider to discuss payment arrangements or inquire about available financial assistance programs, such as the Alberta government’s Energy Rebate Program or the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.
In Alberta, you don’t necessarily have to sign a contract with an energy retailer, but it often depends on the specific circumstances. As a consumer, you have the option to choose between a regulated rate provider or a competitive retailer for your electricity and natural gas supply. The regulated rate is a variable rate that changes month to month based on market conditions. Competitive retailers, on the other hand, offer a variety of fixed-rate contracts which could potentially save money if market prices rise. So, while signing a contract isn’t strictly necessary, it could provide price stability over the contract term. Remember to carefully read the terms and conditions before entering into any agreement. View our affordable rates, to get Alberta’s best utility rates and plans.
Alberta’s carbon pricing policy, known as the TIER system, can affect energy rates in the province. The policy adds a cost to carbon emissions from certain industries. This cost can be passed on to consumers, potentially making energy rates go up. The aim of the policy is to encourage the use of cleaner energy sources and reduce pollution. Since Alberta relies on fossil fuels for electricity, the policy may increase costs for generating electricity from sources that produce more pollution. However, the impact on energy rates depends on factors like how much of the cost gets passed on and other factors like fuel prices.
