Follow these steps to switch electricity or natural gas retailers:
Compare electricity and natural gas options
Alberta's electricity and natural gas consumers can choose whether to receive services from a default or competitive retailer.
Before switching retailers, consumers should ensure they know the difference between retailer types and the different rates they offer.
Check out the Cost Comparison Tool for a snapshot of the available plans in specific areas, along with a breakdown of the rates, fees, terms and conditions, and other charges.
Consumers choosing to switch because of a special offer by a retailer (free months, special rates, physical rewards) should ensure they understand the specifics of the offer and the associated charges.
Contact the chosen electricity or natural gas retailer
To sign up for utility services, consumers must contact the retailer directly to sign up.
Before signing any contract, it is important to fully read and understand the terms and conditions. Retailers may have different requirements for signing up, including credit checks, email accounts, or direct withdrawals.
Ending current electricity or natural gas services
Before switching services, consumers can check with their current retailer to confirm if they are required to give notice or if there are any exit fees associated with the contract.
Make sure to pay the final bill from the retailer to clear up any amounts owing. If consumers do not receive a final bill within a month of the account switching over, contact the previous retailer. If the account closes with a credit balance, the retailer will refund the balance. Payments and credits cannot be transferred between retailers. If consumers are moving and were receiving paper bills, it is important to provide a forwarding address.
Remember the final bill may be higher or lower than a typical bill due to:
- Exit fees
- Changes in billing cycle
- Catch-up from Budget Payment Plans
- Using actual readings instead of estimated readings
Starting services with a new retailer
After signing up for services, retailers may send a confirmation notice. This could be through email, phone, or regular mail. It is important for consumers to confirm that the details of the contract are correct, including account holder’s name, address, rate, and terms.
If consumers change their mind, every competitive retailer has a ‘cooling-off period’ of ten calendar days where the contract can be cancelled for any reason without penalty. The consumers’ last/current retailer will continue providing service.
It can take 10 to 90 calendar days for a retailer switch to be completed. Consumers are responsible for paying the previous retailer until the date the retailer switch occurs. However, the utility distribution company will continue to supply energy.
If consumers do not receive a bill from their new retailer within a month of switching, contact the retailer and ensure the account has been set up accurately, including the billing address. Failure to maintain an active account may result in large catch-up bills or service disconnection.
