What is the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) for electricity, and how is it determined?

As of January 1, 2025, Alberta’s Regulated Rate Option (RRO) has transitioned to the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) as the default electricity rate for customers who haven't chosen a competitive retailer. The RoLR will offer a fixed rate set every two years, with adjustments capped at a maximum of 10% per term. Here’s how the Rate of Last Resort fixed rate compares to competitive fixed rate plans: Rate determination: The RoLR fixed rate is a regulated fixed rate that is set every two years and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The RoLR can only go up or down by a maximum of 10% every two years. Whereas, competitive fixed rate plans are determined by individual retailers based on market conditions and business strategies, offering various term lengths and rates. Flexibility and choice: The RoLR fixed rate is automatically applied to customers without a competitive contract and doesn’t have any customization options. With a competitive fixed rate plan, you can select different term lengths, rates and additional features like green energy options as well as benefit from incentives and promotions. Pricing stability: While both rates provide price stability, competitive fixed rate plans allow you to select a term length that fits your preferences. Additional fees: The RoLR fixed rate includes a 0.1¢ per kWh surcharge for consumer awareness, which goes directly to the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA).

Frequently asked questions

Why is my energy bill higher than usual?

If your energy bill is higher than usual, and you're not on Average Billing, it is likely due to one or more of these reasons:��

1. Your billing period has changed.

If your bill is higher than usual, check the billing period dates for that cycle. We do our best to provide you with a consistent billing period of about 1-month. But, sometimes, there are delays in receiving consumption information from the distribution company. These delays can result in a longer billing period.��

More days in the billing period will show more consumption, increasing your energy, administration, distribution and government charges. Also, if this is a final bill or if there is a missing invoice, the billing period may be longer than usual.

2.��Extreme hot or cold weather

Exceptionally cold or hot periods during the year lead to more energy usage. A typical residential customer during January consumes 20 GJ per month. However, extraordinary cold spells coupled with more time spent at home could typically contribute to higher usage than that estimate.

We turn up our furnaces or air conditioning units to stay comfortable! Cold temperatures will have an impact on both electricity and natural gas bills. However, hot temperatures are likely only to impact electricity bills as the furnace doesn't run during these times.

3. Distribution charge increases

When you use more energy, not only will your energy charges increase, but your distributor charges will also increase. This increase is because transmission and distribution charges have a variable component. Therefore, the more energy you use, the higher they will be. For natural gas bills, higher usage will also result in a higher Federal Carbon Tax because the government charges it per GJ.

4.��Increased energy consumption

With colder weather, energy use generally increases. Your furnace must burn more natural gas to keep your home at the same temperature as on mild days. Electricity operates the furnace's fan, while electric heat and space heaters will also increase your electricity usage. Shorter days in the winter will also result in using the electric lights longer.

5.��Other changes that can increase energy consumption

Other changes in your home environment, like turning up the thermostat, running the AC more regularly, and adding or changing appliances (i.e. hot tub, electric fireplace, air conditioner), can increase consumption. In addition, having house guests or not keeping up with furnace maintenance and filter changes can result in higher energy bills.��

You can view our��energy-saving tips here.

6.��An increase in the price of natural gas or electricity

Even if your usage remains the same, regulated natural gas and electricity prices fluctuate monthly. Fluctuations can happen due to weather, increases or decreases in use, world events and supply and demand factors.��

If the commodity price increases while your usage remains constant, it will result in a higher bill. Remember that our rates are reviewed and approved by the ��to ensure they are fair and set using our approved method.

How do I transfer my ŷ��ɫ Energy Regulated Services’ to a new address?

You can easily transfer your services through your . Once you log in, you can either click the "Move or Transfer" button below your account overview. Or, you can click the menu and select "Move or Transfer Service" under "Manage Services" and follow the steps.��

Or, you can let us know you are moving by calling us at 1-866-420-3174. If you let us know about your move about one week before you move, we can transfer your account to your new address. Then it's one less thing you have to worry about!

Why am I getting a bill from ŷ��ɫ Energy Regulated Services?

If you haven't selected or are no longer receiving service from a different retailer or supplier for your natural gas or electricity services, ŷ��ɫ Energy Regulated Services automatically becomes your supplier.��

We purchase electricity and natural gas on your behalf in the competitive energy marketplace and supply it at a regulated rate that is reviewed and approved by the  As your supplier, we are also responsible for billing and customer service.

Where does ŷ��ɫ Energy Regulated Services provide natural gas services?

ŷ��ɫ Energy Regulated Services provides natural gas services to most of Alberta. View the areas in Alberta where ŷ��ɫ Energy Regulated Services offers services. We would love to serve you!

What is the difference between the Rate of Last Resort fixed rate and a competitive fixed rate plan?

As of January 1, 2025, Alberta’s Regulated Rate Option (RRO) has transitioned to the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) as the default electricity rate for customers who haven't chosen a competitive retailer. The RoLR will offer a fixed rate set every two years, with adjustments capped at a maximum of 10% per term.

Here’s how the Rate of Last Resort fixed rate compares to competitive fixed rate plans:

Rate determination: The RoLR fixed rate is a regulated fixed rate that is set every two years and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The RoLR can only go up or down by a maximum of 10% every two years. Whereas, competitive fixed rate plans are determined by individual retailers based on market conditions and business strategies, offering various term lengths and rates.
Flexibility and choice: The RoLR fixed rate is automatically applied to customers without a competitive contract and doesn’t have any customization options. With a competitive fixed rate plan, you can select different term lengths, rates and additional features like green energy options as well as benefit from incentives and promotions.
Pricing stability: While both rates provide price stability, competitive fixed rate plans allow you to select a term length that fits your preferences.
Additional fees: The RoLR fixed rate includes a 0.1¢ per kWh surcharge for consumer awareness, which goes directly to the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA).

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