Winter Rules are designed to keep Alberta residents’ power on during the cold winter months. The disconnection rules do not apply to commercial meters or for water utilities. While Winter Rules prevent disconnection during colder months, if utilities are already disconnected by the time Winter Rules begin, they will remain disconnected.
Winter Rules - electricity
The Winter Rules for electricity state that electricity services can't be fully disconnected between October 15th and April 15th; however, a load limiter may be installed.
Load limiters
If consumers have unpaid bills, a load limiter may be installed on their meter. This is a device a distribution company can install on electricity meters after receiving a request from the retailer.
If the account remains unpaid at the end of the winter rules period, the distribution company may remove the limiter and fully disconnect services in the spring.
Winter Rules - natural gas
The Winter Rules for natural gas state natural gas services can't be disconnected between November 1st and April 14th.
If the balance is still unpaid when Winter Rules end, services may be disconnected.
If consumers want to have natural gas services disconnected during the winter, they must provide a written request to their retailer.
