How To Choose A Retailer

Alberta electricity and natural gas consumers have a choice between a regulated rate or a competitive rate for their services. 

Regulated Retailers

Regulated retailers in your area bill for electricity and natural gas on a month-to-month basis.  

For electricity, the regulated rate is known as the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR), this is set every two years and remains stable. For Natural Gas, the rate is known as the Default Rate Tariff, and this may change monthly. The regulated rates are reviewed and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).  

Check out the regulated retailers for electricity and natural gas in your area.

Customers who don't sign a contract for a competitive retailer for natural gas or electricity are defaulted to a regulated retailer. 

Competitive Retailers

You can choose a Competitive Retailer and sign their contract to receive services for electricity and/or natural gas for a set period of time. Depending on what was agreed to in your contract, your rates could be fixed, variable, or a combination of both.  If you are a new utilities customer, you may have to first connect your electricity and natural gas services with a regulated retailer.

It typically takes 10 to 15 days to set-up energy services. However, it can take up to 90 days depending on the specific situation. Check with your retailer of choice and confirm the date of when your new service will start.

Find competitive retailers in your area.

Things to Consider

While you can choose your retailer, your distributor is determined by where you are located in the province.

Rural Electrification Associations

Alberta Federation of Rural Electrification Associations (AFREA) (external link) provides support to their member REA's, please contact the AFREA directly if you have questions.

Some REAs offer electricity contracts for members in their territory. Contact your REA for more information. Learn more...

Natural Gas Co-ops

The Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops provides support to their members, please contact the Federation directly if you have questions. Learn more...

Managing Monthly Payments

Many retailers offer different payment arrangements such as budget/equalized payment plans or average billing plans. To learn more, contact your utility retailer.