by Malcolm Setter | May 31, 2026 | Energy Education
The Default Rate Most Albertans Don’t Know They’re On
If you’ve never actively chosen an energy provider in Alberta, you’re almost certainly on the Regulated Rate Option — commonly called the RRO. It’s the default electricity and natural gas rate set by your local utility, and it’s designed as a safety net. But for most households, it’s also the most expensive option.
How the RRO Works
The RRO is a variable rate that changes every month. It’s set by your local regulated rate provider — typically your distribution utility:
- ENMAX — Calgary area
- EPCOR — Edmonton area
- ATCO — rural and smaller communities
Each month, these providers calculate the RRO based on wholesale market prices, plus a margin to cover their costs and risk. The rate is approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
Why Is the RRO Usually More Expensive?
The RRO includes a built-in risk premium. Because the utility has to offer this rate to anyone who wants it — without a contract — they price in the risk of market volatility. Competitive retailers, on the other hand, can offer lower rates because they manage their energy purchasing differently and because you’re actively choosing them.
Over the past several years, the RRO has consistently averaged higher than competitive fixed rates available on the open market.
Who Should Use the RRO?
The RRO exists as a consumer protection measure — if competitive retailers went out of business or if you moved to a new home, you’d still have electricity. It’s a reasonable short-term option while you shop for a competitive plan.
But staying on the RRO long-term is like renting a car at the airport without checking prices — you’ll always pay more than you need to.
How to Check If You’re on the RRO
Look at your electricity bill. If your retailer is listed as ENMAX, EPCOR, or ATCO (rather than a competitive retailer), you’re on the RRO. You can also check by looking for “Regulated Rate Option” in the charges section.
How to Switch Off the RRO
Switching is free and easy. You can move to a competitive fixed or variable rate in under 5 minutes — no need to call your current utility. Your new provider handles the transfer automatically.
View Get Energy’s current rates and compare them to your RRO rate. Most households save immediately.
The Bottom Line
The RRO is a safety net, not a savings plan. If you’ve been on it for more than a month or two, you’re almost certainly paying more than you need to. Take 5 minutes to compare rates and switch — your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
by Malcolm Setter | May 31, 2026 | Energy Education
Why Is My Electricity Bill So Confusing?
Alberta electricity bills are notoriously complex. Between energy charges, delivery fees, transmission costs, rate riders, and admin charges, it can feel like you need an accounting degree just to understand what you’re paying for.
Here’s a plain-language breakdown of every charge on your bill.
The Two Halves of Your Bill
Your electricity bill is split into two main sections:
- Energy charges — the cost of the electricity itself (this is the part you can change by switching providers)
- Delivery and regulated charges — the cost of getting electricity to your home (same regardless of who your provider is)
Energy Charges (You Control This)
Supply/Energy Rate
This is the rate you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the actual electricity. If you’re with a competitive retailer like Get Energy, this is your contracted rate. If you’re on the RRO (Regulated Rate Option), this rate changes monthly.
This is the only line item you can directly reduce by switching providers. Even a small difference — say 2¢/kWh — saves a family using 600 kWh/month about $144 per year.
Delivery Charges (Regulated — Same for Everyone)
Distribution (Local Delivery)
This covers the cost of delivering electricity from the transmission system to your home through local power lines. Your distribution company (ATCO, ENMAX, EPCOR, FortisAlberta) charges this. It includes a fixed daily charge plus a per-kWh rate.
Transmission
This pays for the high-voltage transmission lines that carry electricity across the province from generators to local distribution systems. It’s set by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and is the same regardless of your retailer.
Other Charges
Rate Riders
Rate riders are temporary charges (or credits) added to your bill to account for differences between forecast and actual costs from previous periods. They can be positive (you owe more) or negative (a credit). These are regulated and apply to everyone.
Local Access Fee
A fee charged by your municipality for the utility’s use of municipal land and infrastructure. Typically around 10-25% of your distribution charges. This goes to your city, not your energy provider.
Admin Fee
A monthly flat fee from your retailer for account administration. Some providers charge $5-$10/month; others include it in their rate.
GST
The federal 5% GST applies to your total electricity charges. Alberta has no provincial sales tax.
Sample Bill Breakdown
Here’s what a typical monthly bill might look like for a household using 600 kWh:
| Charge |
Amount |
Can You Change It? |
| Energy (600 kWh × 7.25¢) |
$43.50 |
✅ Yes — switch providers |
| Distribution |
$28.00 |
❌ Regulated |
| Transmission |
$18.00 |
❌ Regulated |
| Rate Riders |
$4.00 |
❌ Regulated |
| Local Access Fee |
$5.50 |
❌ Municipal |
| Admin Fee |
$0.00 |
Varies by provider |
| GST (5%) |
$4.95 |
❌ Federal tax |
| Total |
$103.95 |
|
Note: Actual amounts vary by distributor area and usage.
The Takeaway
While you can’t control delivery and transmission costs, you can control your energy supply rate — and that’s the single biggest variable charge on your bill. Switching from the RRO to a competitive retailer like Get Energy is the fastest way to reduce your bill.
by Malcolm Setter | May 31, 2026 | Energy Tips
Why Your Alberta Electricity Bill Feels So High
If you’ve opened your electricity bill recently and felt a jolt, you’re not alone. Alberta’s electricity costs include not just the energy you use, but delivery charges, transmission fees, rate riders, and admin costs. While you can’t control all of those, there are real ways to bring your total bill down.
Here are 10 practical tips — starting with the one that has the biggest impact.
1. Switch to a Competitive Energy Provider
This is the single biggest lever you have. If you’re on the Regulated Rate Option (RRO), you’re paying a rate that changes monthly and is typically higher than what competitive retailers offer. Switching takes less than 5 minutes and can save you hundreds per year.
Compare Get Energy’s current rates to what you’re paying now.
2. Choose the Right Rate Plan
Fixed rates give you predictability. Variable rates can be cheaper in some months but riskier. If you want to set it and forget it, a competitive fixed rate is usually the safest bet for savings. Check out our guide on fixed vs variable rates for a detailed comparison.
3. Understand Your Bill
Your electricity bill has two main parts:
- Energy charges — the supply rate (what you can change by switching providers)
- Delivery & transmission — regulated charges (same regardless of provider)
Focus your attention on the energy charge — that’s where switching providers makes a difference.
4. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
If you heat with electricity or use air conditioning, a smart thermostat can cut heating/cooling costs by 10-15%. Set it to reduce heating when you’re asleep or away. Popular options like Ecobee and Nest pay for themselves within a year.
5. Switch to LED Lighting
If you haven’t already, replace incandescent and CFL bulbs with LEDs. They use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer. A household that replaces 20 bulbs can save $50-$100 per year on electricity alone.
6. Manage Phantom Power
Electronics plugged in but not in use still draw power — TVs, gaming consoles, phone chargers, coffee makers. Use power bars with switches for entertainment centres and home offices. Phantom power can account for 5-10% of your electricity bill.
7. Run Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
While Alberta doesn’t have formal time-of-use pricing for residential customers, running high-draw appliances (dishwasher, laundry, dryer) during off-peak hours can reduce strain and costs during peak demand periods.
8. Maintain Your Furnace and HVAC
A dirty furnace filter forces your system to work harder, using more electricity. Replace filters every 1-3 months. Annual furnace maintenance keeps everything running efficiently.
9. Seal Drafts and Insulate
Air leaks around windows, doors, and electrical outlets force your heating and cooling to work overtime. Weatherstripping and caulking are cheap fixes that can reduce heating costs by 10-20%.
10. Monitor Your Usage
What gets measured gets managed. Check your meter or utility’s online portal to see your daily and monthly usage patterns. You might be surprised where the energy goes — and small behaviour changes can add up.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Switching providers alone (tip #1) can save a typical household $70-$200 per year on electricity. Combine that with efficiency improvements and you could be looking at $200-$500 in annual savings — real money that adds up year after year.
Ready to start? Switch to Get Energy in under 5 minutes and lock in a competitive rate today.
by Malcolm Setter | May 31, 2026 | Energy Tips
The Big Question Every Albertan Faces
When you’re choosing an energy plan in Alberta, the first decision is usually: fixed rate or variable rate? Both have advantages, and the right choice depends on your risk tolerance, budget, and how closely you want to watch the energy market.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help you decide.
What Is a Fixed Electricity Rate?
A fixed rate locks in your price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for a set period — usually 1 to 5 years. No matter what happens in the wholesale electricity market, your rate stays the same.
Pros:
- Predictable bills — you know exactly what you’re paying per kWh
- Protection from price spikes (Alberta’s wholesale market can be volatile)
- Easier to budget, especially for families and fixed-income households
Cons:
- If wholesale prices drop, you’re still paying the locked-in rate
- Some contracts have early cancellation fees (though not all — Get Energy’s plans have no cancellation fees)
What Is a Variable Electricity Rate?
A variable rate changes monthly based on the wholesale market price. The most common variable option in Alberta is the Regulated Rate Option (RRO), set by your local utility. Competitive retailers also offer their own variable plans, often at a lower markup.
Pros:
- Can be cheaper than fixed during low-demand periods
- No long-term commitment — switch anytime
- You benefit when wholesale prices drop
Cons:
- Bills fluctuate month to month — harder to budget
- During cold snaps or high-demand periods, prices can spike significantly
- The RRO has historically averaged higher than competitive fixed rates over time
How Do They Compare in Real Numbers?
Let’s look at a typical Alberta household using about 600 kWh per month:
| Rate Type |
Rate (¢/kWh) |
Monthly Cost |
Annual Cost |
| Fixed (competitive) |
7.25¢ |
$43.50 |
$522 |
| Variable (RRO avg) |
~9-12¢ |
$54-$72 |
$648-$864 |
| Variable (competitive) |
Market + small fee |
Varies |
Varies |
Note: These are supply charges only. Your total bill also includes delivery, transmission, and other regulated charges that are the same regardless of provider.
When Does Fixed Make Sense?
- You want predictable bills and easy budgeting
- You believe wholesale prices will rise (or you just don’t want to think about it)
- You’re on a fixed income or tight budget
- Current fixed rates are at a historical low point
When Does Variable Make Sense?
- You’re comfortable with fluctuating bills
- You actively monitor energy markets
- You believe wholesale prices will stay low or drop
- You want maximum flexibility to switch plans anytime
What Most Albertans Choose
The majority of Albertans who actively switch providers choose fixed rates. The peace of mind of knowing your rate won’t change is worth a lot — especially after experiencing the price volatility Alberta saw in recent years.
Get Energy currently offers a fixed electricity rate of 7.25¢/kWh with no cancellation fees. That means you get the stability of a fixed rate with the flexibility to leave anytime.
The Bottom Line
There’s no universally “better” option — it depends on your situation. But if you value predictability and protection from price spikes, a competitive fixed rate is hard to beat. And if you want flexibility, look for a variable plan from a competitive retailer rather than defaulting to the RRO.
Either way, the worst thing you can do is nothing. If you’re still on the default RRO, you’re almost certainly paying more than you need to.
by Malcolm Setter | May 31, 2026 | Energy Tips
Can You Really Switch Energy Providers in Alberta?
Yes — and it’s easier than most people think. Alberta has a deregulated energy market, which means you’re free to choose your electricity and natural gas provider. You’re not locked into whoever your utility company assigns you to.
Unlike other provinces where a single crown corporation controls energy, Alberta gives you the power to shop around for better rates. And switching doesn’t affect your service — your wires, meters, and delivery stay the same. Only the supply charge on your bill changes.
How Long Does It Take to Switch?
With most providers, including Get Energy, you can switch in under 5 minutes online. There’s no paperwork to mail, no technician visit, and — here’s the part most people don’t realize — you don’t need to call your current provider. Your new provider handles the transfer automatically.
Step-by-Step: How to Switch Energy Providers
Step 1: Find Your Current Rate
Check your most recent electricity or gas bill. Look for the “Energy Charges” or “Supply” line item — that’s the rate you’re paying per kWh (electricity) or per GJ (natural gas). If you’re on the Regulated Rate Option (RRO), your rate changes monthly and is typically higher than fixed-rate plans.
Step 2: Compare Rates
Visit the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) website or check provider websites directly. Look at both the rate and the contract terms. Some things to compare:
- Rate type: Fixed (locked in) vs. variable (fluctuates monthly)
- Contract length: Month-to-month vs. 1-5 year terms
- Cancellation fees: Some providers charge exit fees; others don’t
- Admin fees: Check for hidden monthly charges
Step 3: Sign Up Online
Once you’ve picked a provider, signing up usually takes just a few minutes. You’ll need:
- Your name and service address
- Your site ID number (found on your bill)
- A valid email address
With Get Energy, you can sign up online and be switched within one billing cycle — no phone calls required.
Step 4: Wait for the Switch
Your new rate kicks in at the start of your next billing cycle, usually within 30 days. You’ll receive a confirmation from your new provider. Your electricity and gas service continues uninterrupted — nothing changes except the rate on your bill.
What About Cancellation Fees?
This depends on your current contract. If you’re on the RRO (Regulated Rate Option) or a month-to-month plan, there’s no cancellation fee. If you’re on a fixed-term contract with another provider, check your agreement — some charge early exit fees.
Get Energy offers plans with no cancellation fees, so you’re never locked in.
Will My Service Be Interrupted?
No. Switching providers only changes who supplies your energy — not who delivers it. Your local utility (ATCO, ENMAX, EPCOR, FortisAlberta, etc.) still maintains the wires and pipes. There’s zero downtime during a switch.
How Much Can You Save?
Savings depend on your current rate and usage, but most Albertans on the RRO can save by switching to a competitive fixed or variable rate. Even a difference of 1-2¢/kWh adds up over a year — a typical household using 600 kWh/month could save $70-$140 annually just on electricity.
Ready to Switch?
Check Get Energy’s current rates and see how much you could save. Signing up takes less than 5 minutes, and you’ll never need to call your old provider.
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