Fixed vs Variable Electricity Rates in Alberta — Which Actually Saves You More? (2026)

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 — with real Alberta rate data — 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 3 years. No matter what happens in the wholesale electricity market, your rate stays the same.

• Predictable bills — Your rate doesn't change month to month
• Protection from spikes — When wholesale prices surge (and they do in Alberta), you're shielded
• Easy budgeting — You know exactly what you'll pay per kWh for the duration of your term

What Is a Variable Electricity Rate?

A variable rate follows the wholesale electricity market. Your rate changes — typically month to month — based on what electricity actually costs on the Alberta power pool.

• Can be lower than fixed — When the market is soft, you pay less
• No commitment — You're not locked into a term (though most fixed plans from competitive retailers also have no cancellation fee)
• Risk of price spikes — When demand surges or supply tightens, your rate can jump significantly

Head-to-Head Comparison

What About the Regulated Rate Option (RRO)?

If you haven't actively chosen a retailer, you're on the Regulated Rate Option — the default rate set monthly by the Alberta Utilities Commission through your local utility (ENMAX, EPCOR, or ATCO).

When Does Fixed Make More Sense?

1. You want predictable bills. If you're on a fixed income, running a household budget, or just don't want surprises, fixed is the safer choice.
2. Market rates are trending up. If wholesale prices are climbing, locking in now protects you from future increases.
3. You don't want to think about it. Fixed means you sign up once and don't check rates again for 1-3 years.

When Does Variable Make More Sense?

1. Market rates are low and stable. Right now (mid-2026), the variable rate is significantly below fixed. If you believe the market will stay soft, variable saves money.
2. You watch the market. If you're comfortable checking rates periodically and switching if things change, variable can be a smart play.
3. You use a provider with no cancellation fees. With Get Energy, you can ride the variable rate while it's low and switch to fixed anytime — no penalty.

The Smart Strategy: Ride Variable, Lock In When It Rises

Here's what savvy Alberta energy consumers do:

1. Start on variable when the market is low (like now, at 3.17¢/kWh)
2. Monitor the market — watch for signs that wholesale prices are climbing
3. Lock into a fixed rate before prices surge, securing a low rate for 1-3 years

This strategy only works with a retailer that doesn't charge cancellation fees — which is exactly how Get Energy works. You can switch between fixed and variable at any time.

What About Natural Gas?

The same fixed vs. variable logic applies to natural gas, measured in gigajoules (GJ):

• Get Energy fixed gas rate: $3.77/GJ
• Get Energy variable gas rate: $3.07/GJ average (as of June 26, 2026), plus a $0.50/GJ transaction fee
• RRO gas rate: Set monthly by AUC — typically higher than competitive rates

Gas tends to be more seasonal than electricity, with prices rising in winter when heating demand increases. A fixed rate before winter can be a smart hedge.

The Bottom Line

There's no universally "better" option — it depends on your situation:

• Choose fixed if you value predictability and want to set it and forget it
• Choose variable if the market is low and you're comfortable with some fluctuation
• Avoid the RRO — it's almost always the most expensive option

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.