How to Lower Your Electricity Bill in Alberta — 10 Practical Tips

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.

Fixed vs Variable Electricity Rates in Alberta — Which Saves You More?

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:

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.

How to Switch Energy Providers in Alberta — A Step-by-Step Guide

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.