How to register with ENMAX

ENMAX Corporation is a vertically integrated company owned by the City of Calgary that provides electricity, natural gas, renewable energy, and related services to Albertans.

In Calgary, ENMAX serves a dual role:

  • ENMAX Power Corporation manages distribution networks and provides regulated rates (RRO).
  • ENMAX Energy Corporation offers competitive retail contracts.

Features of the ENMAX system in Calgary

ENMAX also bills municipal services on behalf of the city, including:

  • water
  • sewer
  • stormwater management
  • garbage collection and recycling

Important: Even if you choose a different electricity or gas supplier, your municipal services bill will still come from ENMAX.

ENMAX operations as of 2025

  • Provides regulated electric services in: Calgary, Red Deer, Cardston, and Ponoka.
  • Offers competitive retail contracts in other regions of Alberta.
  • A new franchise agreement between the City of Calgary and ENMAX was approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission on December 17, 2024 and became effective on January 1, 2025.

Types of ENMAX services

1. Regulated rate (Rate of Last Resort)

Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) is a rate that replaces the previous Regulated Rate Option (RRO). It is the standard rate for customers who do not choose a competitive supplier.

  • The rate is set by the Alberta Utilities Commission.
  • It changes monthly depending on market conditions.

Advantages of RoLR:

  • No penalties for terminating the contract.
  • You can switch to another rate at any time.

Disadvantages: The rate depends on market price fluctuations, which can be significant.

2. Easymax (fixed and variable rates)

Easymax is a retail product from ENMAX Energy that offers:

  • Fixed rates (for up to 5 years) — provide price stability and protection against market fluctuations.
  • Variable rates — offer flexibility depending on market prices.

Easymax features:

  • Cancellation of service within 30 days — no penalty.
  • Ability to switch between fixed and variable rates at any time.
  • Payment is possible via bank account or credit card using automatic payments.

New account registration process

Online registration

The most convenient way to register is to fill out an online application on the ENMAX website. To register, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Service address (exact address where the connection is required)
  • Your name and contact information (phone number, email address)
  • Move-in date (when you want service to start)
  • Information about your type of residence (renting or owning property)
  • Previous address and information about your previous energy provider

For regulated rates, you can open an account 60 days before arrival or within 30 days after arrival. For Easymax retail contracts, the process can take up to 30 days, so it is recommended to apply in advance.

Phone registration

You can also register by calling ENMAX Customer Care at:

  • 310-2010 (from Alberta)
  • 1-877-571-7111 (from outside Alberta)

Customer service hours:

  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Benefits of registering by phone:

  • Get immediate answers to your questions
  • Help choosing the best rate plan
  • Support in difficult situations: transferring existing deposits, setting up special payment plans, and more.

Credit check requirements and deposits

Credit check

All new ENMAX customers are subject to a credit check. If you pass the check and register for the Easymax retail product, no deposit is required.

Customers with insufficient credit history may be transferred to a regulated tariff if they are located in the RRO service area.

Deposit requirements

ENMAX may require a deposit in the following cases:

  • Lack of satisfactory credit rating or credit history.
  • Two consecutive late payments within any 12-month period.
  • Payment of three non-consecutive bills late within any 12-month period.
  • Issuance of more than one payment that was returned due to insufficient funds within any 6-month period.
  • Increase in average monthly electricity consumption by more than 50% compared to the previous 6-month period.

Maximum deposit

  • The maximum deposit cannot exceed 30% of the annual total bill calculated by ENMAX.
  • The deposit earns interest at a rate equivalent to the one-year non-redeemable Royal Bank GIC (for investments between $500 and $99,999.99).

Deposit refund

The deposit will be credited to your account after you have demonstrated a satisfactory payment history for 12 consecutive months. Upon termination of service, the deposit will be applied as a credit against any outstanding charges.

Special requirements for different types of property

Residential properties

For standard residential properties, the registration process is relatively simple. All new residential properties in areas with an R2 density rating or higher must have a separate meter for each apartment, or electrical services may be billed at the applicable commercial rate.

Important:

  • No more than one additional residential unit in a single-family home (e.g., a basement apartment with kitchen facilities) may receive electric service through a single meter at the residential rate.

  • If a house contains more than one additional unit, a commercial rate applies unless a separate meter is installed for each unit.

Commercial property

For commercial properties, the process is more complex and may require additional documentation:

  • Customers who have not had an account for 24 months or more may be required to provide a deposit.

  • Commercial customers are subject to different tariff structures depending on the size and type of business.

  • Easymax offers special plans for small and medium-sized companies with consumption of less than 250 MWh per year.

Process for connecting a new electricity service

Obtaining a Site ID

For new electrical connections or upgrades to existing services, you will need to obtain a Site Identification number (Site ID). The process involves several steps:

Step 1. Project planning

Make sure you have an electrician and that ENMAX can provide the required power.

Step 2. Obtain permits

Your electrician will help you obtain the appropriate electrical permits. Permit requirements may vary depending on the location of the facility.

Step 3. Submit a Site ID request

You will need to provide the following information:

  • Contact information
  • Address
  • Type of service (building or use)
  • Electrical characteristics (voltage, amperage, phases, number of wires)
  • Permit number

Step 4. Select a retailer

Customers are free to choose their gas or electricity supplier and register a new Site ID.

Energization process

The Calgary City Electrical Inspector or Declared Authority Person (DAP) must notify ENMAX Power that the property is safe and ready for connection. The new Site ID becomes available to all retailers within 48 hours.

Fees and charges

Connection fee

All new accounts are subject to a $10.00 fee for application. Applies to both residential and commercial customers.

Other possible fees

Additional fees may include:

  • Credit assessment fee
  • Meter installation fee
  • Network connection fee
  • Special service fee (e.g., rush connection)

Note: Reddit users report fees of up to $480 for disconnection and reconnection. Plan ahead for changes.

Payment options and account management

Pre-authorized payments

  • Easymax customers: can set up automatic payments via bank account or credit card (Visa / MasterCard).
  • Regulated rate customers: only bank account payments are available.

Other payment methods

ENMAX accepts payments:

  • Online or by phone
  • In person at a bank
  • By check in the mail (ENMAX Energy, PO Box 2900 STN M, Calgary, AB T2P 3A7)
  • Through Calgary City Cashier (Municipal Building, 800 MacLeod Trail S.E)

Note: Credit card payments are only accepted online or through ENMAX Virtual Assistant at 310-2010.

Planning equal payments

The Equalized Payment Plan helps you avoid sudden fluctuations in your bills, especially in winter.

Online account management

My Account Portal

The ENMAX My Account Portal allows you to:

  • View and pay bills
  • Set up automatic payments
  • Manage rate plans
  • Report a move
  • View usage history
  • Download previous bills

2025 Update: The portal has been made easier to use for updating Easymax accounts and managing services.

Mobile Access

ENMAX offers a 24/7 Virtual Assistant at 310-2010 for customers who need assistance.

Special Programs and Services

Meter Upgrades

ENMAX Power is upgrading meters as part of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).

Starting in July 2024, new AMI meters will be installed in the following areas:

  • Glendale
  • Rosscarrock
  • Spruce Cliff
  • Westgate
  • Wildwood

Benefits of AMI:

  • Increased reliability and efficiency
  • Automatic meter reading
  • Fast problem detection
  • Better energy consumption control

ENMAX Community Solar Fund

Although the ENMAX Community Solar Fund program is fully allocated through 2025, it demonstrates ENMAX's commitment to renewable energy. The fund has provided $5 million to install solar panels on public buildings throughout Calgary.

Energizing Spaces

Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX is a 100% reimbursement grant program to support community organizations in improving energy efficiency. Organizations can apply for up to 100% of the project cost, with a maximum of $10,000 per application.

Tips for successful registration

Preparing documentation

Before starting the registration process, prepare the following documents:

  • Photocopy of ID with photo
  • Proof of address (rental agreement or property documents)
  • Previous utility bills (if available)
  • Bank information for setting up pre-authorized payments

Choosing the best rate

In Reddit discussions, ENMAX customers often discuss the advantages of fixed rates over variable rates. Over the past few years, fixed rates have been the better option due to high market volatility.

Customers report the following average prices:

  • 0.34, 0.21, and 0.17 cents per kWh on a variable rate
  • Fixed rates can be around 0.09 cents per kWh

Timeframe planning

It is recommended to start the registration process at least one week before the desired connection date. For complex situations (new buildings, commercial premises), several weeks may be required.

Problem resolution and customer support

Contact options

  • Main customer service number:
  • 310-2010 (within Alberta)
  • 1-877-571-7111 (outside Alberta)
  • Municipal services business hours:

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Common issues

  • High bills This is the most common customer complaint. ENMAX provides resources to understand the reasons for high bills, including:

  • Seasonal fluctuations

  • Changes in consumption

  • Market conditions

  • Meter issues These can occur during the AMI upgrade process. Customers are notified in advance by mail of any scheduled work.

Conclusion

Signing up for ENMAX in Calgary is a relatively simple process that can be completed online or by phone. The key to success is:

  • preparing the necessary documentation,
  • understanding the different rate options,
  • allowing sufficient time for your application to be processed.

Given ENMAX's unique role as both an electricity supplier and municipal services administrator, it is important to understand all aspects of the service for effective management of your energy bill.