How to find a reliable utility provider for your home?

The utility market in Calgary is deregulated, which means that consumers have the right to choose their electricity and natural gas suppliers. Most utility customers in Alberta are served by AltaGas Utility, Direct Energy Regulated Services, ENMAX Power Corporation, and EPCOR Energy Alberta. Since deregulation in the 1990s, residents have had several retail providers to choose from, making electricity rates in Calgary very competitive.

ENMAX Energy is the Rate of Last Resort (ROLR) provider for electricity in Calgary, while Direct Energy Regulated Services is the retail natural gas provider in the region. Regardless of which company provides your electricity or natural gas, you will receive a bill from ENMAX for the following City of Calgary services:

  • wastewater collection and treatment,

  • water treatment and supply,

  • stormwater management,

  • garbage collection and recycling.

The average Alberta home uses approximately 7,200 kWh of electricity per year, which is 600 kWh per month. The average ENMAX RRO (now called Rate of Last Resort – RoLR) in Calgary for 2023 was 19.597 ¢/kWh. This means that the average household electricity bill was $114 per month, not including associated distribution, transmission, and administrative fees.

Major electricity and natural gas suppliers

ENMAX — the dominant player

ENMAX remains the largest supplier in the Calgary market, serving 27% of households by default, plus an additional 57% who have signed up for EasyMax by ENMAX. ENMAX was formerly a division of the City of Calgary and still pays dividends to the city. The company offers both fixed and floating rates through its EasyMax product:

Electricity

  • Fixed: 8.99¢/kWh (guaranteed for 1 year)
  • Floating: floating rate + 1.99¢/kWh transaction fee

Natural gas

  • Fixed: $4.59/GJ (guaranteed for 1 year)
  • Floating: floating rate + $1.23/GJ transaction fee

ATCO Energy — a strong competitor

ATCO Energy is one of the largest competitors in the market, offering flexible rate plans and special offers for Calgary residents.

ATCO Energy, Direct Energy, and other suppliers in Calgary

ATCO Energy — a competitive choice

ATCO has 5% of the market and offers rates that are almost identical to EasyMax. ATCO Energy offers 1-, 2-, 3-, or 5-year plans with fixed or variable rates.

A Reddit user reports that ATCO's current offer for new customers on a three-year fixed rate is:

  • Electricity: 8.88 ¢/kWh
  • Natural gas: $3.88/GJ

ATCO Energy benefits

  • Competitive rates with no hidden fees
  • Switch in 10 minutes or less
  • Up to $200 per year in savings on home services
  • Local customer support

Direct Energy — with additional benefits

Direct Energy has 6.5% of the market and offers:

  • A $25 annual cashback option
  • Free Google Nest Hub on a five-year electricity contract

However, CBC analysis showed that due to higher administrative fees, you lose $5 per month, so even with the cashback, you pay approximately $3.80 more each month.

Current offer: “2 FREE months of electricity” on a two-year fixed plan, where you pay no electricity in November and December.

Smaller suppliers — specialized offers

Peace Power

Peace Power positions itself as an Albertan company with a focus on local community support. They offer:

  • Competitive rates
  • Transparent billing
  • No hidden fees
  • A 1-year fixed natural gas plan at a rate of $3.49/kWh

Other retail sellers

  • AltaGas

  • Burst Energy

  • Encor by EPCOR

  • Hudson Energy

  • Just Energy

  • TransAlta

  • Spot Power

Utility connection process

For new homeowners

To set up a new utility account, you will need to:

  1. **Call the ENMAX Contact Center at 310-2010 If you are calling from outside Alberta, use the toll-free number: 1-877-571-7111.
  2. Call your utility company at least two weeks before you take ownership of the home.

Information required from new customers

  • Full name and contact information (phone number, email)
  • Service address
  • Desired start date for service
  • You may be asked for identification (e.g., driver's license number)

Setting up electricity and utilities in Calgary

Setting up electricity for new connections

Obtaining a Site Identification number (Site ID) is a common first step in setting up a new electrical connection or updating an existing service. The process involves five basic steps:

  1. Plan your work or project — make sure you have an electrician.
  2. Obtain permits — your electrician can help you obtain the correct electrical permits.
  3. Obtain a Site ID — submit a request with your contact information, address, type of service, and electrical characteristics.
  4. Select your retailer — contact your chosen retailer to register.
  5. Make sure your property is ready for connection.

Water and municipal services

Water service is fully regulated in Calgary, and consumers cannot choose their provider as they can with natural gas and electricity. The City of Calgary manages the water system, but ENMAX coordinates:

  • Customer service
  • Water account setup
  • Billing and payment processes
  • Water meter support
  • Customer inquiries

For residents or businesses, setting up water service starts with the City of Calgary. If you have purchased or are moving into a new home, setting up your water service is even easier—your home is already connected to the system, so all you need to do is contact ENMAX.

Comparing rates and choosing the best provider

Using comparison tools

  • UCA Cost Comparison Tool — https://ucahelps.alberta.ca/cost-comparison-tool The official resource of the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA), which also offers free mediation services and advice on comparing rates.
  • EnergyRates.ca — Another resource for analyzing fixed and variable rates for both electricity and gas. Particularly useful because ATCO, ENMAX, and EPCOR do not charge fees for changing rates.

Understanding the fee structure

It is important to know that only the retail seller changes. Transmission, distribution, and other regulated fees remain the same for all companies.

  • The differences relate to the cost of the energy itself and administrative fees.
  • Reddit users note that the impact of energy prices on their bills is small:

“If my electricity price doubled, my bill would only go up by $30 because electricity is the smallest part of my bill.”

Fixed vs variable rates

Rate type Advantages Disadvantages Recommendations
Fixed Stability, protection against fluctuations, can change plan monthly May be more expensive when the market is cheaper Best for most households
Variable Opportunity to save when prices are low Risk of high bills, instability Suitable for those who are prepared for rate fluctuations

Tip: Even with a fixed rate, you can switch to another one every month if you find a better deal.

Customer service quality and reliability

Factors to consider

When choosing an energy supplier, important factors include price, customer service, and support. When you go with the “big guys,” you don't always get the best customer service. It's important to research your options and compare different energy suppliers before making a decision.

Local benefits

Peace Power emphasizes its support for the local community, stating: "We love supporting our local community. Efficient operations result in lower administrative fees." The company donates 20% of its annual profits to local causes, helping to make a positive impact in Calgary.

ENMAX, as a former city department, has deep roots in the community and continues to pay dividends to the city. This may be considered an advantage for those who wish to support local interests.

Special considerations for different types of property

Residential vs. commercial property

The type of meter on your property determines the rates charged by your retail supplier.

A private home may have a residential or commercial meter. The distribution company may install a commercial meter on a residential property if the owners have a home-based business and require a reliable energy supply at all times.

If you have a commercial meter on your property, your utility bill will be higher due to additional distribution charges. It is your responsibility to ask your retail seller about the type of meter installed on your property and request a change.

New construction and renovations

Special procedures are required for new electrical connections or upgrades to existing services. The Site ID form is used to set up a new electrical connection or upgrade a current connection, as well as for “new” temporary construction services to become permanent services.

Practical tips for choosing a supplier

Research and compare

  • Use official resources such as ucahelps.alberta.ca to compare rates and terms.
  • Contact several suppliers to ask about sign-up bonuses that may help you decide.
  • Most utility companies offer similar services, so it may be helpful to call around.

Avoiding fees and deposits

A retailer or distributor may require a deposit (also known as a prudential) or connection fee to set up your utility services.

When setting up your services, ask:

  • whether you need to pay these fees before the service is provided,
  • whether they will be charged on your first bill.

Be sure to check with your retailer to see if these fees can be avoided.

One bill vs. multiple bills

  • Enmax offers a single bill that consolidates all your municipal utilities: electricity, gas, water, sewer, and waste management.
  • If you choose another provider for gas or electricity, you will still receive a separate bill from Enmax for the remaining services.

Regulatory changes and future developments

Transition from RRO to RoLR

As of January 1, 2025, the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) has become the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR).

The Rate of Last Resort is a fixed rate that began on January 1, 2025 and is expected to remain in effect until December 31, 2026. This transition may affect prices for consumers who have not chosen a competitive retail seller.

Mediation and consumer protection

The Utilities Consumer Advocate provides mediation services to resolve disputes with suppliers. Mediation staff can:

  • share advice on comparing utility rates,
  • provide information about utility issues.

You can contact them free of charge:

  • within Alberta: 310-4822
  • outside Alberta: 1-888-644-6608

Conclusion

Finding a reliable utility provider in Calgary requires:

  • careful research of rates,
  • review of terms of service,
  • evaluation of customer support quality.

Although ENMAX remains the dominant player with the advantage of integrated billing, competitors such as ATCO and Peace Power offer:

  • competitive rates,
  • specialized service.

The key to success:

  • use official comparison tools,
  • understand fee structures,
  • choose between fixed and variable rates based on your needs.

💡 Remember: regardless of your choice of electricity and gas supplier, you will still receive a bill from ENMAX for water and municipal services. This factor should be taken into account in your decision.