Gas & Electricity Options in Calgary
Unlike Winnipeg’s centralized system, Calgary operates within Alberta’s deregulated energy market, meaning homeowners can choose their electricity and natural gas retailer while delivery infrastructure remains regulated.
⚡ Electricity (Power) in Calgary
Who provides electricity?
Electricity service involves two different roles:
1. Delivery Provider (Fixed — you cannot choose)
ENMAX Power delivers electricity within Calgary.
They maintain power lines, meters, and infrastructure.
Delivery rates are regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
2. Electricity Retailer (Your choice)
Homeowners choose who sells them electricity.
Common retailers include:
ENMAX Energy (default provider)
Other competitive retailers
Regardless of retailer:
ENMAX Power always delivers electricity.
How electricity billing works
Your bill typically includes:
Administration fee
Energy charge (per kWh)
Delivery charges (regulated)
Transmission charges
Local access fee (City of Calgary)
Federal carbon-related costs (embedded in pricing)
Electricity pricing options
Option A — Regulated Rate Option (RRO)
(Default service)
Floating monthly rate
Based on wholesale market prices
No contract required
Best for:
Flexibility
Short-term homeowners
Risk:
Prices can fluctuate significantly.
Option B — Fixed Rate Plan
Lock electricity price (usually 1–5 years)
Predictable monthly costs
Best for:
Budget stability
Long-term homeowners
Risk:
Market prices may drop below your contract rate.
Option C — Variable Competitive Rate
Market-based pricing through competitive retailers
Often bundled with gas plans
Homeowner options for electricity
You can choose:
Fixed vs floating rates
Contract length
Bundled gas + electricity plans
Paperless billing and equalized payments
🔥 Natural Gas in Calgary
Who delivers natural gas?
ATCO Gas delivers natural gas in Calgary.
Maintains pipelines and meters.
Delivery charges are regulated.
You cannot change the delivery provider.
The key difference: You choose your gas retailer
Gas supply can be purchased from:
Direct Energy Regulated Services (default)
Independent retailers
ATCO Gas still delivers the fuel regardless of supplier.
Gas pricing options
Option A — Regulated Rate (Default)
Monthly floating price
Reflects market conditions
No contract
Option B — Fixed Rate Contract
Lock price for 1–5 years
Protection from price spikes
Option C — Competitive Retail Plans
Bundled electricity + gas discounts
Promotional incentives
Typical natural gas bill components
Basic charge
Gas commodity cost
Delivery charges
Transmission charges
Carbon charge
Municipal franchise fee
What Happens When You Buy and Move Into a Home
Typical setup:
Choose a retailer before possession date.
Open electricity and gas accounts.
Select pricing plan (fixed or floating).
Provide move-in date and identification.
Submit meter readings if possible.
Service usually continues uninterrupted.
Relocation Info
Below are links to important information that every homebuyer will find useful when relocating to Calgary.