October 2026 Business Update From 8760: Are You Prepared for the Changes Ahead?
Winter is approaching, and several important changes could affect your business operating costs. From Alberta energy delivery charges and electricity fees to payment processing and mobile technology, October brought developments worth keeping an eye on.
Here are five updates from 8760 to help you stay informed and protect your bottom line.
1. Alberta Transmission & Delivery Charges: Is Your Business Paying More Than It Should?
Transmission and distribution charges remain a significant part of Alberta electricity bills. Although these charges are regulated, businesses may still have opportunities to optimize their delivery costs through a detailed utility bill review.
8760's Delivery Charge Review helps businesses identify potential savings and billing inefficiencies, with clients saving an average of $12,000 annually in recurring costs.
Find out whether your business could be saving: Alberta Energy Delivery Charges: Is Your Business Paying More Than It Should?
2. Edmonton Electricity Franchise Fee Increasing in 2027. Lock in Savings with 8760!
Edmonton City Council has approved an increase to the electricity distribution franchise fee, raising it from 17.65% to 19.4%, effective January 1, 2027.
The fee is associated with electricity distribution charges and applies to EPCOR electricity customers in Edmonton, regardless of their electricity retailer or energy plan. While the impact will vary depending on consumption and distribution charges, the increase means additional costs for households and businesses.
With utility expenses continuing to rise, reviewing your energy costs and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency is becoming increasingly important.
Read more about the change and what it means for your electricity bill: Edmonton Raises Its Electricity Franchise Fee to 19.4%: What It Means for Your Power Bill
3. Alberta's Rate of Last Resort: What Happens in 2027?
Alberta's Rate of Last Resort (RoLR), formerly known as the Regulated Rate Option (RRO), currently ranges from 12.01¢ to 12.06¢/kWh, depending on the electricity provider. These rates remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
The next rate period will begin January 1, 2027. Any changes to the default rate could affect consumers who remain on the regulated option.
For businesses and homeowners looking for greater predictability, competitive fixed-rate electricity plans can provide an alternative to the default rate.
8760 offers electricity and natural gas options with 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year terms, helping customers choose a plan that fits their needs.
Compare current Alberta electricity and natural gas rates using our free calculator: 8760 Alberta Energy Rates Calculator
4. Visa Expands Its Small Merchant Program
Effective October 24, 2026, Visa expanded its Small Merchant Interchange Program, increasing the annual Visa transaction-volume eligibility threshold from $300,000 to $750,000.
Eligible businesses may now qualify for lower interchange rates on certain domestic consumer credit transactions. For example, the eligible in-store interchange rate for Classic, Gold and Platinum consumer credit cards has decreased from 0.77% to 0.70%.
However, interchange is only one component of the total payment processing cost. Other fees, including processor charges, network fees and service fees, can still affect the amount a business pays.
For businesses with high transaction volumes, even small differences in processing costs can add up over time.
8760 helps businesses review their merchant statements, understand their payment processing costs and identify potential savings.
Find out whether your business is paying more than it should: 8760 Card Acceptance Solutions
5. Apple's iPhone Duo Launch: A New Opportunity to Save More on Device Upgrade with 8760
Apple introduced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, with availability beginning October 23, 2026. The device starts at $2,999 CAD for the 256GB model, with higher-capacity versions priced above that.
For businesses managing multiple mobile lines, upgrading devices can quickly become a significant expense. Traditional carrier offers may also involve premium monthly plans or long-term device financing commitments.
Through the 8760 Device Upgrade Program, eligible customers can access the iPhone Duo 256GB starting at $2,015 CAD, without mandatory premium-plan lock-ins or ongoing monthly device financing.
It's another way businesses can manage mobile expenses while giving their teams access to the latest technology.
Explore iPhone Duo pricing: iPhone Duo 256GB – 8760 Device Upgrade Program
That's a Wrap for October!
As winter approaches, now is a good time to review your energy, payment processing and mobile expenses before the year ends.
At 8760, we help businesses navigate complex operating costs, identify savings opportunities and make more informed decisions.
8760: Navigate. Elevate. Optimize.
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Have a safe weekend and a happy Halloween! 🎃
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