How Energy Retailers vs Distributors Work in Alberta — Who Does What (And Why It Matters)

What’s the Difference Between an Energy Retailer and a Distributor?

If you’ve ever looked at your Alberta electricity or natural gas bill and wondered who all these companies are — you’re not alone. Most Albertans see names like ATCO, ENMAX, FortisAlberta, or EPCOR alongside their chosen energy provider and think: wait, didn’t I sign up with one company?

The short answer: in Alberta’s deregulated energy market, retailers and distributors play completely different roles, and understanding the difference can save you real money on your energy bills.

Here’s how it all works — in plain language.

Alberta’s Energy System: The Three Key Players

Alberta’s energy market has three main layers. Each one handles a different piece of getting electricity or natural gas to your home:

1. Generators/Producers — The companies that produce electricity (power plants, wind farms, solar farms) or extract natural gas. They sell energy on the wholesale market.
2. Distributors (Wires/Pipes Companies) — The companies that own and maintain the physical infrastructure — the power lines, poles, gas pipelines, and meters that deliver energy to your home.
3. Retailers — The companies you actually choose to buy your energy from. They purchase energy from the wholesale market and sell it to you at a rate you agree to — either fixed or variable.

Think of it like groceries: the farmer grows the food (generator), the trucking company delivers it (distributor), and the grocery store sells it to you (retailer). You choose which store to shop at, but the truck route stays the same.

What Does an Energy Distributor Actually Do?

Distributors are the infrastructure companies. In Alberta, the main ones are:

• ATCO Electric — Serves rural and northern Alberta (about 265,000 customers)
• FortisAlberta — Covers central and southern Alberta (about 580,000+ customers)
• ENMAX (City of Calgary) — Serves Calgary and surrounding areas
• EPCOR (City of Edmonton) — Serves the Edmonton region
• ATCO Gas — Handles most natural gas distribution across Alberta

Here’s what distributors are responsible for:

• Maintaining power lines, gas pipelines, and meters — They keep the physical network running.
• Responding to outages and emergencies — If a storm knocks out power in Red Deer or a gas leak is reported in Edmonton, it’s the distributor who sends a crew.
• Connecting and disconnecting service — When you move to a new home, the distributor handles the physical hookup.
• Reading your meter — They measure how much electricity or gas you actually use each month.

The Key Point About Distributors

You don’t get to choose your distributor. It’s assigned based on where you live. If your home is in FortisAlberta’s service territory, that’s who maintains your lines — regardless of which retailer you pick. This is because it would be wildly impractical (and expensive) to have competing sets of power lines running down every street.

Distribution charges show up on your bill as “Transmission & Distribution” fees. These are regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and are the same no matter which retailer you’re with. For a deeper breakdown, see our guide on transmission and distribution charges in Alberta.

What Does an Energy Retailer Do?

Retailers are the companies you actually choose. In Alberta’s deregulated market, you have the freedom to pick your energy retailer — and that choice directly affects the rate you pay for electricity and natural gas.

Here’s what retailers handle:

• Purchasing energy on the wholesale market — Retailers buy electricity and natural gas from producers and generators.
• Setting your rate — They offer you a price plan (fixed rate, variable rate, or floating rate) for the energy you consume.
• Billing you — Most retailers handle the entire bill, including passing through the distribution and transmission charges on a single invoice.
• Customer service — Questions about your rate, your contract, or your payment? That’s your retailer.

At Get Energy, for example, we offer competitive fixed and variable rates for both electricity and natural gas across Alberta — from Calgary to Grande Prairie to Lethbridge and everywhere in between.

How Retailers and Distributors Work Together

Even though they’re separate companies, retailers and distributors coordinate closely:

1. The distributor reads your meter and reports your usage.
2. The retailer takes that usage data and multiplies it by your rate to calculate the energy portion of your bill.
3. The retailer also collects the distribution and transmission charges on behalf of the distributor and passes them through.
4. You get one bill from your retailer that includes everything.

This is why your bill shows charges from multiple entities even though you only deal with one company day to day.

Why This Matters for Your Wallet

Here’s the critical takeaway: the only part of your bill you can actually control is the energy rate — and that’s set by your retailer.

Transmission and distribution charges are regulated and fixed. Administration fees are standard. But the cents-per-kilowatt-hour you pay for electricity, or the cents-per-gigajoule for natural gas? That comes down to which retailer you’re signed up with and what plan you chose.

Let’s look at real numbers. On a typical Alberta home using around 600 kWh of electricity per month:

• At the Regulated Rate Option (RRO), your energy charge fluctuates monthly. In 2025-2026, it ranged from roughly 8 to 18 cents/kWh depending on market conditions.
• With a competitive fixed-rate plan, you lock in a predictable rate — no surprises when the wholesale market spikes.
• The distribution and transmission charges remain roughly the same either way — typically $60-$90/month depending on your area and usage.

So switching retailers doesn’t change your wires or pipes, doesn’t interrupt your service, and doesn’t require any equipment changes. It simply changes who sets your energy rate. Learn more about how switching energy providers works in Alberta.

Common Misconceptions About Retailers vs. Distributors

“If I switch retailers, will my power go out?”

No. Switching retailers is a billing change, not a physical one. Your distributor (FortisAlberta, ATCO, ENMAX, EPCOR) continues maintaining your lines exactly as before. The electrons flowing into your home don’t know or care which retailer you’re with.

“My distributor is also my retailer — is that normal?”

Yes, in some cases. ENMAX and EPCOR operate as both distributors and retailers in Calgary and Edmonton respectively. But even if your distributor also offers retail services, you’re not locked in. You can still switch to an independent retailer like Get Energy for a potentially better rate.

“Can my retailer fix a power outage?”

No. Power outages, gas leaks, and infrastructure problems are handled by your distributor. If you lose power, call your distributor’s emergency line — not your retailer. Your retailer can help with billing questions, rate changes, and account management.

“Are all retailers basically the same?”

Definitely not. Retailers differ in the rates they offer, their contract terms, customer service quality, cancellation fees, and additional programs. Some retailers lock you into long contracts with hefty exit penalties. Others, like Get Energy, focus on straightforward pricing without hidden fees. It pays to compare — literally. Check out our Alberta energy providers comparison for a side-by-side look.

What About the Regulated Rate Option (RRO)?

If you haven’t actively chosen a retailer, you’re likely on the Regulated Rate Option. The RRO is a default rate set monthly based on wholesale market prices, offered by your local default supplier (often your distributor’s retail arm).

The RRO isn’t a “government rate” or a discounted rate — it’s simply the rate you get if you don’t shop around. In many months, competitive retailers offer rates below the RRO. For more details, read our full breakdown: Alberta’s Regulated Rate Option (RRO) Explained.

The Role of the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)

The AUC oversees the entire system to make sure it’s fair:

• They regulate distribution charges — distributors can’t just charge whatever they want.
• They license retailers — every retailer operating in Alberta must be AUC-licensed.
• They set rules for contracts — retailers must follow specific disclosure and cancellation rules.
• They handle complaints — if you have a dispute with your retailer or distributor, the AUC is the final authority.

This regulatory framework is what makes Alberta’s deregulated market work. “Deregulated” doesn’t mean unregulated — it means you have the freedom to choose your retailer while the infrastructure and rules are still overseen by the province.

How to Tell Which Is Which on Your Bill

Next time you look at your energy bill, here’s a quick guide to what comes from where:

For a complete walkthrough of every charge on your bill, see our guide: Your Alberta Electricity Bill Explained.

How to Choose the Right Retailer

Since your retailer is the one part of the equation you control, here’s what to look for:

1. Compare rates — Look at the actual cents/kWh or cents/GJ, not just marketing claims. Check current Get Energy rates here.
2. Understand the contract — How long is the term? Is there an early cancellation fee? What happens when the contract expires?
3. Check for hidden fees — Some retailers advertise low rates but add high administration fees, exit fees, or “security deposits.”
4. Look at customer reviews — Google Reviews, BBB ratings, and the AUC’s complaint records tell you a lot.
5. Consider additional benefits — Do they offer energy bundles with internet or other services? Special programs like Solar Club for solar homeowners?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch energy retailers if I’m renting?

Yes. If the energy account is in your name, you have full freedom to choose your retailer — whether you own or rent. Your landlord cannot force you to use a specific retailer if you’re the account holder.

How long does it take to switch retailers?

Switching typically takes effect within one billing cycle (about 30 days). There’s no physical work required — no one comes to your home, and your service is never interrupted.

Will switching retailers affect my gas AND electricity?

Not automatically. Electricity and natural gas are separate accounts, even if they appear on the same bill. You can switch one, both, or neither independently.

What happens if my retailer goes out of business?

You won’t lose power or gas. If a retailer ceases operations, your account is transferred to the default RRO supplier for your area. Your distributor keeps delivering energy regardless of what happens to your retailer.

Do I need to notify my distributor if I switch retailers?

No. Your new retailer handles the switch notification. The distributor updates their records automatically — you don’t need to make any calls or fill out any forms with them.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the difference between retailers and distributors is one of the most practical pieces of energy knowledge an Albertan can have. Your distributor keeps the lights on — literally — by maintaining the wires and pipes. Your retailer determines what you pay for the energy flowing through them.

Since you can’t change your distributor but you can change your retailer, that’s where your power (pun intended) lies. If you haven’t compared rates recently, it’s worth a five-minute look.

→ Compare Get Energy’s current electricity and natural gas rates

How Electricity Generation Works in Alberta — Where Your Power Actually Comes From (2026)

When you flip a light switch in Calgary or turn on the AC in Edmonton, electricity flows instantly. But where does that power actually come from? How does it get from a generation facility to your outlet? And why does the source of generation affect what you pay on your monthly electricity bill?

Alberta’s electricity system is unique in Canada — it’s a deregulated, competitive market where dozens of generators compete to supply power. Understanding how generation works gives you a real edge as a consumer, especially when choosing between fixed and variable rates.

Here’s a clear, plain-language breakdown of how Alberta generates electricity in 2026.

Alberta’s Electricity Generation Mix in 2026

Alberta’s power generation has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. Here’s what the current mix looks like:

• Natural gas: ~68% of total generation capacity. This is Alberta’s backbone fuel — reliable, dispatchable, and available 24/7.
• Wind: ~18% of installed capacity. Alberta has some of the best wind resources in Canada, especially in southern Alberta near Pincher Creek and around Drumheller.
• Solar: ~5% and growing fast. Alberta gets more sunshine than any other province — about 2,300 hours of bright sunshine annually in southern regions.
• Coal: ~3% and declining. Alberta was once heavily coal-dependent but has been phasing out coal generation since 2015. The last coal units are converting to natural gas or shutting down.
• Other (hydro, biomass, cogeneration): ~6%. Small hydro facilities on the Bow and North Saskatchewan rivers, plus industrial cogeneration at oil sands facilities.

For context: in 2015, coal accounted for over 55% of Alberta’s generation. The shift to natural gas and renewables has been one of the fastest energy transitions in North America.

How the Alberta Power Grid Works

Alberta’s electricity system has four main components, each handled by different organizations:

1. Generation — Where Power Is Made

Private companies own and operate power plants across the province. Major generators include TransAlta, Capital Power, ATCO, and Heartland Generation. They build and operate natural gas plants, wind farms, solar farms, and the remaining coal units.

Unlike some provinces (like BC or Manitoba) where a Crown corporation owns almost all generation, Alberta’s system is entirely competitive. Any company can build a power plant and sell electricity into the grid.

2. Transmission — The Highway System

High-voltage transmission lines carry electricity from power plants to local areas. Think of these as the highways of the electrical system — they move large amounts of power over long distances.

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) plans and oversees the transmission system, while companies like AltaLink and ATCO Electric own and maintain the actual lines. These transmission charges show up on your bill as a separate line item.

3. Distribution — The Local Roads

Distribution companies (like ENMAX in Calgary, EPCOR in Edmonton, and FortisAlberta in rural areas) take power from the transmission system and deliver it to individual homes and businesses through lower-voltage local lines.

Distribution charges also appear as a separate line on your bill. These cover the cost of maintaining the poles, wires, and transformers in your neighbourhood.

4. Retail — Who You Pay

Retailers like Get Energy buy electricity from the wholesale market (or lock in contract prices) and sell it to you at either fixed or variable rates. This is the part of the system where you have a choice — and where you can save money by shopping around.

The Merit Order — How Electricity Prices Are Set

Alberta uses something called the merit order to determine which power plants run at any given moment. Here’s how it works:

1. Every generator submits an “offer” — the price at which they’re willing to sell electricity into the grid.
2. The AESO stacks these offers from cheapest to most expensive.
3. As demand increases throughout the day, more expensive generators get called on.
4. The price everyone gets paid is set by the most expensive generator needed to meet demand at that moment.

This is called the pool price, and it changes every hour (sometimes every few minutes). It’s the wholesale price of electricity in Alberta.

Why This Matters for Your Bill

If you’re on the Regulated Rate Option (RRO), your rate closely tracks the pool price — so it fluctuates monthly. If you’re on a fixed-rate contract with a retailer like Get Energy, your rate is locked in regardless of what the pool price does.

On a hot summer afternoon when everyone’s running their air conditioning, the pool price might spike to $200/MWh or higher. On a mild spring night with strong winds, it might drop to $0 or even go negative (yes, generators sometimes pay to keep running rather than shut down and restart).

Natural Gas Generation — Alberta’s Workhorse

Natural gas plants dominate Alberta’s grid for good reason:

• Reliability: Gas plants can run 24/7 and adjust output quickly to match demand.
• Fuel availability: Alberta sits on massive natural gas reserves. The fuel is cheap and abundant.
• Lower emissions than coal: Natural gas produces about 50-60% less CO₂ per megawatt-hour than coal.
• Flexibility: Modern combined-cycle gas turbines can ramp up or down within minutes, making them ideal partners for variable wind and solar generation.

Most of Alberta’s recent generation growth has been in natural gas. The province has added several large combined-cycle plants in the past five years, and many former coal units have been converted to burn natural gas instead.

Wind Power in Alberta — A Growing Force

Alberta has become one of Canada’s wind energy leaders. The province has over 4,500 MW of installed wind capacity, with major wind farms located in:

• Southern Alberta: Near Lethbridge and Pincher Creek — some of the windiest spots in the country.
• Central Alberta: Around Red Deer and Drumheller.
• Eastern Alberta: Near Hanna, Oyen, and Medicine Hat.

Wind turbines generate electricity whenever the wind blows above about 12 km/h (the “cut-in speed”). Modern turbines can produce power in winds up to about 90 km/h before they shut down for safety.

The challenge with wind is intermittency — the wind doesn’t always blow when you need power most. That’s why natural gas plants serve as the essential backup, ramping up when wind output drops.

Solar Generation — Alberta’s Sunshine Advantage

Alberta might not seem like an obvious solar leader, but the numbers tell a different story. Southern Alberta receives about 2,300 hours of bright sunshine per year — more than most locations in Germany, which is one of the world’s largest solar markets.

Large-scale solar farms are increasingly common across the province, with projects ranging from 10 MW community installations to 400+ MW utility-scale facilities. And thousands of Alberta homeowners have installed rooftop solar panels through the micro-generation program.

If you’ve got solar panels on your roof, you’re actually a generator yourself. Through net metering, any excess electricity you produce gets credited on your bill. Get Energy’s Solar Club is designed specifically for solar homeowners who want the best possible rate on the electricity they still need from the grid.

Coal Phase-Out — The End of an Era

For decades, coal was king in Alberta. As recently as 2015, coal plants generated over 55% of the province’s electricity. But a combination of federal regulations, provincial policy, and market economics has driven coal’s rapid decline.

Key milestones in Alberta’s coal transition:

• 2015: Coal generates 55%+ of Alberta’s electricity.
• 2016: Alberta announces plan to phase out coal by 2030.
• 2018-2023: Major coal units begin converting to natural gas or retiring.
• 2024-2025: Only a handful of coal units remain operational.
• 2030 target: Complete phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation.

Most coal units haven’t simply shut down — they’ve been converted to burn natural gas instead, preserving the infrastructure and jobs while dramatically cutting emissions.

How Generation Affects What You Pay

The cost of generating electricity is just one piece of your total bill, but it’s the piece you have the most control over. Here’s a simplified breakdown of a typical Alberta electricity bill:

• Energy charges (generation): ~40-50% of your total bill. This is the commodity cost — the actual electricity you consume.
• Transmission charges: ~15-20%. Moving power from generators to your area.
• Distribution charges: ~25-30%. Delivering power from your local substation to your home.
• Other (admin fees, rate riders, local access fees): ~5-10%.

When generation costs spike (due to high demand, low wind, or plant outages), the energy charge portion of your bill is what moves. The transmission and distribution charges are regulated and don’t change with the pool price.

This is exactly why locking in a competitive fixed rate with Get Energy can protect your budget. You control the biggest variable on your bill.

Peak Demand — When the Grid Gets Stressed

Alberta’s electricity demand follows predictable daily and seasonal patterns:

• Daily peak: Typically between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM on weekdays, when people come home from work and start cooking, doing laundry, and running appliances.
• Summer peaks: Hot afternoons in July and August when air conditioning loads spike — this is when Alberta’s grid hits its highest annual demand.
• Winter peaks: Cold mornings in January and February when heating systems and lighting are running full tilt.
• Lowest demand: Overnight (2:00 AM to 5:00 AM) and on mild spring/fall days.

Peak demand matters because it determines whether enough generation capacity exists. When demand exceeds available supply, the AESO issues grid alerts — and in extreme cases, can order rolling brownouts (though this is very rare in Alberta).

Using energy during off-peak hours, running appliances overnight, and using a smart thermostat to shift heating/cooling loads can help reduce both your costs and stress on the grid.

The Future of Alberta Electricity Generation

Alberta’s generation mix will continue evolving. Key trends to watch:

• More renewables: Wind and solar capacity will keep growing, driven by falling costs and corporate demand for clean energy.
• Battery storage: Battery technology is advancing rapidly. Grid-scale batteries can store solar and wind energy for use during peak demand.
• Hydrogen: Alberta’s natural gas industry is exploring hydrogen production as a zero-emission fuel for power generation.
• Small modular reactors (SMRs): Nuclear is being studied as a future baseload option, though no Alberta projects are currently under construction.
• Capacity market: Alberta is evaluating changes to its electricity market structure that could affect how generators are paid and how prices are set.

Regardless of how the generation mix shifts, the fundamentals stay the same: choose a reliable energy retailer, lock in a rate that works for your budget, and make smart decisions about when and how you use electricity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main source of electricity in Alberta?

Natural gas is Alberta’s primary electricity source, accounting for roughly 68% of total generation capacity. Wind power is second at about 18%, followed by solar at around 5%. Coal has dropped to about 3% and is being phased out completely by 2030.

Is Alberta’s electricity clean?

Alberta’s grid is significantly cleaner than it was a decade ago. The shift from coal (55%+ in 2015) to natural gas and renewables has reduced carbon intensity substantially. However, compared to provinces like BC (hydro) or Quebec (hydro), Alberta’s grid still has higher emissions per kilowatt-hour.

Why does Alberta’s electricity price fluctuate so much?

Alberta uses a competitive wholesale market where the price changes hourly based on supply and demand. When demand is high (hot summer afternoons) or supply is constrained (low wind, plant outages), prices spike. Fixed-rate plans protect you from these fluctuations.

Can I choose where my electricity comes from?

In Alberta’s deregulated market, you can choose your retailer, but not the specific source of your electricity. All generated power flows into the same grid. However, some retailers offer green energy programs, and installing rooftop solar lets you generate your own clean electricity at home.

What is the AESO?

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is the independent, not-for-profit organization that operates Alberta’s electrical grid. It manages the wholesale electricity market, plans the transmission system, and ensures reliable electricity supply across the province.