Alberta’s deregulated energy market means you get to choose your electricity and natural gas provider. That’s a real advantage — but only if you know what to look for. With dozens of retailers offering hundreds of rate plans, comparing energy plans can feel overwhelming.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ll walk through exactly what to compare, what the numbers actually mean, and the mistakes that cost Alberta households hundreds of dollars per year.
Why Comparing Energy Plans in Alberta Matters More Than You Think
Alberta is one of the few provinces in Canada with a fully deregulated energy market. That means you’re not locked into one provider — you can shop around for the best rate on both electricity and natural gas.
The difference between plans can be significant. According to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) — the default rate you pay if you don’t choose a provider — has fluctuated between 8 and 32 cents per kWh in recent years. A locked-in competitive rate can save you $300 to $800+ per year compared to riding the RRO during volatile months.
If you haven’t actively compared plans in the last 12 months, there’s a good chance you’re overpaying. Here’s how to fix that.
Step 1: Understand the Two Types of Rates
Every energy plan in Alberta falls into one of two categories:
Fixed-Rate Plans
You lock in a price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity or per gigajoule (GJ) for natural gas. That rate stays the same for the entire contract term — usually 1 to 5 years.
Best for: Households that want predictable monthly bills and protection from price spikes. If you budget tightly or hate surprises on your bill, fixed is usually the way to go.
For a deeper comparison of how these rate types work, see our guide to Alberta’s deregulated energy market.
Variable/Floating-Rate Plans
Your rate changes monthly based on wholesale market prices. When the market is low, you pay less. When it spikes, you pay more.
Best for: Risk-tolerant consumers who follow energy markets and can absorb occasional high bills. Variable rates tend to average out lower over multi-year periods, but the month-to-month swings can be significant.
The RRO — Alberta’s Default Rate
If you don’t choose a retailer, you’re automatically on the Regulated Rate Option (RRO). This is a variable rate set monthly by your default provider (ENMAX in Calgary, EPCOR in Edmonton, etc.). It’s not the worst option, but it’s rarely the cheapest — and you have zero price protection.
Step 2: Compare These 5 Things (Not Just the Rate)
Most people compare energy plans by looking at one number: the rate per kWh or per GJ. That’s important, but it’s not the whole picture. Here’s what actually determines your total cost:
1. The Energy Rate Itself
This is the per-unit price you pay for the electricity or gas you consume. For electricity, it’s quoted in cents per kWh. For natural gas, it’s dollars per GJ.
What to watch for: Some plans advertise a low introductory rate that jumps after 3-6 months. Always check if the rate is fixed for the full contract term.
2. Contract Length
Fixed-rate contracts typically range from 1 to 5 years. Shorter contracts give you flexibility to switch if rates drop. Longer contracts lock in your savings if rates are currently low.
Rule of thumb: If current rates are historically low, consider a longer lock-in (3-5 years). If rates are high, a shorter term (1 year) or variable plan lets you catch the downswing.
3. Cancellation Fees
Most fixed-rate contracts have an early termination fee — typically $50 to $150. Some retailers charge nothing. This matters if you might move or want flexibility.
Pro tip: Some retailers waive cancellation fees if you’re moving within Alberta and transfer your contract. Always ask.
4. Administration and Other Fees
Some plans include a monthly administration fee ($5-$10/month) on top of the energy rate. Others bundle it into the rate itself. A plan with a $0.069/kWh rate and a $9.95/month admin fee may actually cost more than a plan at $0.075/kWh with no fees — depending on your usage.
How to calculate: Multiply your monthly kWh usage by the rate, then add any monthly fees. The average Alberta home uses about 600-700 kWh per month of electricity and 10-12 GJ per month of natural gas (annualized).
5. Green Energy Options
Some retailers offer plans backed by renewable energy credits. If reducing your carbon footprint matters to you, look for plans that specify a percentage of green energy. These sometimes carry a small premium (1-2 cents/kWh) but not always.
If you’re a solar homeowner, you’ll want to look at plans specifically designed for micro-generation — like Get Energy’s Solar Club, which offers Alberta’s best rates for homes with solar panels.
Step 3: Know What’s on Your Bill (Beyond the Energy Rate)
Your energy rate is only one part of your total bill. In Alberta, your electricity bill includes several regulated charges that are the same regardless of which retailer you choose:
- Transmission charges — cost to move power from generators to your area
- Distribution charges — cost to deliver power from the local grid to your home
- Rate riders — temporary adjustments (up or down) applied by regulators
- Local access fee — a municipal franchise fee (like a tax)
These regulated charges typically make up 50-65% of your total bill. The energy rate — the part you can shop for — covers the remaining 35-50%. For a detailed breakdown, read our guide to understanding your Alberta electricity bill.
This is important context: even a great rate won’t eliminate your bill entirely, because half the charges are fixed by regulators. But optimizing the energy rate portion can still save you hundreds per year.
Step 4: Use the Right Comparison Tools
Alberta has some excellent resources for comparing energy plans:
EnergyRates.ca and Similar Aggregators
These sites compile current rates from multiple retailers into a single comparison table. They’re a good starting point, but remember to check for admin fees and contract terms that may not be shown in the headline rate.
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Rate Comparison Tool
The AUC maintains an official tool at ucahelps.alberta.ca that lets you compare all available plans in your area. It’s the most comprehensive and unbiased source.
Go Direct to Retailers
Sometimes the best deals aren’t listed on aggregators. Visit retailer websites directly — many offer online-exclusive rates or bundle discounts for electricity + natural gas together. Check Get Energy’s current rates for competitive fixed and variable plans in Alberta.
Step 5: Bundle or Separate? Electricity + Natural Gas Together
Many Alberta retailers — including Get Energy — offer both electricity and natural gas. Bundling both with one provider can simplify your bills and sometimes unlock a bundle discount.
When bundling makes sense:
- The combined rates are competitive (don’t bundle just for convenience if the rates are mediocre)
- You want one bill instead of two
- The retailer offers a bundle-specific discount or rate
When separating might be better:
- One retailer has a great electricity rate but a mediocre gas rate (or vice versa)
- You want the flexibility to switch one service without affecting the other
Check our energy bundle options to see if bundling saves you money.
Common Mistakes When Comparing Energy Plans
After helping thousands of Alberta households switch energy providers, here are the most common mistakes we see:
Mistake 1: Comparing Only the Rate, Not the Total Cost
A plan at 6.9¢/kWh with a $9.95 monthly fee costs more than a plan at 7.5¢/kWh with no fee if you use less than ~1,650 kWh/month (which is most homes). Always calculate total monthly cost.
Mistake 2: Staying on the RRO Out of Inertia
Many Albertans never switch because the process seems complicated. In reality, switching takes 5-10 minutes and your utility service is never interrupted. Your wires company stays the same — only your billing changes. Learn more in our how switching works guide.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Contract End Dates
When your fixed-rate contract expires, most retailers automatically roll you to a variable rate or the RRO. Set a calendar reminder 30-60 days before your contract ends to shop for a new rate.
Mistake 4: Not Checking Your Usage First
Before comparing plans, pull up your last 12 months of bills and calculate your average monthly usage. This is the single most useful number for accurate plan comparison. Without it, you’re guessing.
How to Switch Energy Providers in Alberta (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Switching energy providers in Alberta is straightforward:
- Compare plans using the steps above
- Sign up online with your chosen retailer (you’ll need your site ID from your bill)
- Your new retailer handles the rest — they notify your old provider and manage the transfer
- Your service is never interrupted — the physical delivery of electricity and gas doesn’t change
The whole process takes a few minutes online. The switch typically takes effect within 1-2 billing cycles.
Ready to see what you could save? Compare Get Energy’s current rates — we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees for homes across Alberta, from Calgary and Edmonton to Red Deer, Lethbridge, and everywhere in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I compare energy plans?
At minimum, review your plan every time your contract is about to expire. Ideally, check rates every 6-12 months — even if you’re mid-contract — so you’re ready to lock in a great rate when renewal time comes.
Will I lose power when I switch providers?
No. Your wires company (ENMAX, EPCOR, ATCO, FortisAlberta, etc.) delivers the actual electricity and gas regardless of which retailer you choose. Switching retailers only changes who bills you.
Is a fixed or variable rate better in Alberta?
It depends on your risk tolerance and the current market. Fixed rates offer predictability and protection from spikes. Variable rates can save more over time but come with monthly fluctuations. If you want peace of mind, fixed is usually the safer choice. Read our deregulated market guide for more detail.
What’s a good electricity rate in Alberta in 2026?
As of mid-2026, competitive fixed electricity rates in Alberta are in the range of 6.5 to 9.5 cents per kWh depending on contract length. Anything under 8 cents for a 1-year fixed contract is solid. Natural gas rates vary more by season, but competitive fixed rates are roughly $2.50 to $4.00 per GJ.
Can I switch if I’m renting?
Yes — if the energy account is in your name, you have full authority to choose your provider. If your landlord pays the energy bill directly, they would need to authorize the switch.
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