The UCA is here to help Alberta's electricity, natural gas, and water consumers. Here are some answers to common questions the UCA receives.
Are all electricity and natural gas retailers available to all Albertans?No. Electricity and natural gas retailer availability will depend on the consumers location in the province. Those living in larger centres typically have more retailer choices available to them. Some Albertans in rural communities are served by a Rural Electrification Association or Natural Gas Co-Op. To see available retailers, check out the UCA’s Cost Comparison Tool and view the available plans, with a breakdown of rates and additional fees that may be included. Please note that some utility companies will have a town or city in the name, but they serve areas outside of that region. What is the best utility company to choose?Everyone’s needs are different, and a lot of factors determine the full billing cost besides just the rate. The UCA’s Cost Comparison Tool allows consumers to compare the available rates, additional fees (such as admin fees, over usage charges, exit fees), contract lengths, and the various terms and conditions that may be included. Why are there so many options?The Alberta utilities market is unique in that Albertan's have both competitive and default options to be their electricity and natural gas retailer. Use the Cost Comparison Tool to learn about the various available options. How many retailers are there in Alberta?The number of electricity and natural gas retailers varies, but there are competitive retailers and marketers and default rate retailers available for consumers to choose from. What is the average usage per month for Albertans?An average typical Alberta household uses around 600 kWh of electricity, 10 GJ of natural gas, and around 20 cubic metres of water. These numbers do vary based upon usage, with higher usage of electricity in the Winter and Summer, higher usage of natural gas during the Winter, and higher usage of water during the Spring and Summer. Other factors include the number of people in a home, specific living situations (such as medical equipment), holidays, and emergencies (such a water leak). Learn how to reduce utility usage and conduct a DIY home energy audit. Can Albertans choose their water provider?No. Water retailers are determined by where consumers are located in the province. |
What’s the difference between the default rate, a fixed rate, and a variable rate for electricity and natural gas?Albertan’s have a choice between a default rate, a fixed rate, and a variable rate. The default rate for electricity is known as the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR). The RoLR is approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and will remain stable until December 31, 2026. The default rate for natural gas is known as the Default Rate Tariff (DRT). The rate fluctuates and is approved monthly by the AUC. A fixed rate is a set rate for the length of the electricity or natural gas contract. The rate will not change month-to-month; however, the utility bill may be different each month due to fluctuations in usage. A variable rate (also sometimes referred to as a floating rate) is electricity or natural gas being sold at wholesale market prices plus a transaction fee (per kWh or GJ). What is the current default rate?Check out the current default rates. How can consumers tell if they are on the default rate?The easiest way for consumers to tell if they are on the default rate is by checking their utility bill. The bill will be labelled with one of the following words: Rate of Last Resort, RoLR, Regulated Rate, Default Rate, DRT or Default Rate Tariff. Consumers can also compare the rate by looking at the rate on the utility bill versus the current default rate. Who approves the rates?The default rates, and distribution and transmission charges are approved by the AUC. Competitive retailers do not need approval for their rates. Where can consumers view the historic rates?Historic rates are available here. |
What is the difference between distribution and transmission?Distribution and transmission can be compared to a road system. Transmission would be the highways getting drivers to different centers, while distribution is the local roads, getting drivers to different locations within the centre. In more technical terms, transmission refers to the delivery of electricity from the sources of generation to distribution companies. While distribution refers to the delivery of electricity from the grid to consumers. Can consumers choose their electricity or natural gas distributor?No. While utility consumers can choose their retailer, distributors are determined based upon location in the province. Transmission and distribution charges in the same area will not vary regardless of retailer. |
Where do bill payments go?There are a few companies involved in ensuring consumer get their utilities. First, there are the companies who create the energy consumers need (producers/generators). Then there are the companies that move that energy from the generating station to homes (transmission/distribution). Then there are the companies that track that delivery, pull together the charges from the involved parties, and produce the bills that come to homes (retailer). Bill payments can be compared to going out to eat at a restaurant: the kitchen gets all the ingredients in bulk from their supplier (producers/generators). The ingredients are then prepped and cooked to meet the demands of the customers in the dining area (transmission). The server then delivers the meal (distribution) and when the customer is done, they make a single payment that helps cover all the costs it took to make the meal (retailer). What should consumers do if their bill isn’t what they expect?If consumers believe they were billed incorrectly for their utilities, there are a few steps they can take. First, consumers should check to make sure that the bill belongs to them. Check the account name, billing address, and site ID. Next, check the usage and make sure it seems accurate. Consumers can also check to see if this was an estimated or an actual reading (this bill could include catch up charges from previous estimated readings) and the billing dates. Sometimes the billing period may be longer than expected, resulting in larger bills. If all of these are what was expected, consumers should contact their retailer. What should consumers do if they don’t receive their bill?If utility consumers don't receive a bill they should contact their utility provider immediately. Consumers are responsible for utility charges regardless of whether they receive a bill. If it has been several months without a bill or if consumers are having trouble getting caught up on payments, they can contact the UCA. How can consumers save money on their utility bills?Utility consumers can take steps to reduce their bill by reducing their usage, choosing a better plan, or modifying their payment arrangements. |
What should consumers do if they receive a utility disconnection notice?If consumers have an overdue balance on their utilities account(s) and received a Pending Disconnection Notice from their utility provider, they should immediately contact their retailer. To prevent disconnection, they can make a payment, request a payment arrangement, or report any payments they have made. While the UCA cannot offer financial assistance, there are local organizations who may be able to help. |
What kind of issues can the Mediation and Information Team help consumers with?The UCA Mediation and Information Team can help with a variety of issues including: -Billing/payment issues -Setting up payment arrangements -Looking for financial assistance -Understanding utility bills -Utility disconnection -Finding a retailer/rate -Switching retailers -If consumers need help, they can contact the UCA What can consumers do if they have an issue with their utility provider?If consumers need help resolving an issue with their utility company or have questions about their electricity and natural gas choices, contact the UCA. |
What does the UCA do?As a part of the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities, the UCA was established in October 2003 to help consumers navigate Alberta's electricity and natural gas markets. The UCA’s mission is to educate and mediate for Alberta’s small business, farm, and residential electricity, natural gas, and water consumers, and advocate for energy consumers. Whether consumers have questions about utilities, need help understanding their bill, or find themselves in a dispute with their provider, the UCA is here to help. The UCA is working to empower consumers and ensure fair, transparent utilities markets for Albertans. |
The Alberta Government is announcing changes to the electricity and natural gas markets, how can consumers stay up to date?Alberta utility consumers can stay up to date through a variety of means! The UCA website and social media are updated as new legislation and regulations are passed. Consumers can also stay up-to-date through the Affordability and Utilities webpage. |
Does the UCA have any social media?Yes! Like the UCA on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, and LinkedIn. Consumers can also get Plugged In with the UCA's monthly newsletter. Can consumers or organizations book/attend a presentation?Yes! Check out upcoming presentation and events, and learn about to how to book one! Do you have resources available for downloading, printing, or ordering?Yes! Get resources today! |
