Regulated Services vs. Competitive Contracts | Alberta Energy Rates Update (August 2026)
- 12 hours ago
- 6 min read
Electricity and natural gas costs continue to be a major concern for homeowners and small business owners across Alberta. Many Albertans still pay high prices because they remain on the Rate of Last Resort (ROLR), also known as Regulated Services. These default rates are fixed by regulators until the end of 2026 and often lead to inflated electric bills. Meanwhile, competitive contracts offer more options and can significantly reduce monthly utility expenses. Understanding the differences between regulated services and competitive electricity providers is key to making informed decisions about your energy plan.
This post explains how Alberta’s energy market works, compares regulated and competitive electricity rates, and highlights how switching to a competitive gas electricity provider can save you money. Whether you are looking for residential electricity rates in Calgary or business power rates in Edmonton, this guide will help you find the best power rates Alberta has to offer.
Understanding Regulated Services and Rate of Last Resort
Regulated Services, or the Rate of Last Resort, are default electricity and natural gas rates set by Alberta’s energy regulators. These rates apply to consumers who have not signed a contract with a competitive electricity provider or gas electricity provider. The ROLR prices are fixed until December 31, 2026, and currently range from 12.01 to 12.06 cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh) for electricity.
Because regulated providers cannot refuse customers—even those with poor credit or payment history—they face higher financial risks. To cover these risks, the baseline electricity rates Alberta consumers pay under ROLR tend to be higher than competitive rates. This means many Albertans are paying more than necessary for their electric bills.
Key points about Regulated Services
Rates are fixed and set by regulators until the end of 2026
Prices for electricity range from 12.01 to 12.06¢/kWh
Providers cannot decline customers based on credit or payment history
Higher risk leads to higher baseline rates for all consumers
Limited choice in terms, products, or pricing
For many homeowners and small business owners, staying on regulated services means missing out on better electricity options in my area.
What Competitive Contracts Offer
Competitive contracts allow consumers to choose from a variety of electricity companies and gas and electricity providers. These contracts offer more flexibility in terms of pricing, contract length, and product options. By switching to a competitive electricity provider, you can find a plan tailored to your specific needs, whether you want fixed electricity rates Alberta or variable plans.
Advantages of Competitive Electricity Providers
Lower electricity rates compared to regulated services
Flexible contract terms (1 year, 2 years, or more)
Access to special offers and bundled services
Options for renewable energy or green power plans
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Ability to shop around and compare business energy rates or residential electricity rates Calgary
For example, 8760’s Home Energy Program offers electricity starting from 7.38¢/kWh and natural gas at $3.68/GJ. Their Small Business Energy Program starts at 7.98¢/kWh for electricity and $4.18/GJ for natural gas. These rates are significantly lower than the ROLR default prices.
How Switching Can Lower Your Electric Bills
Switching from regulated services to a competitive electricity provider can lead to substantial savings on your monthly utility bills. Here’s how:
Lower rates reduce the cost per kilowatt-hour or gigajoule.
Customized plans match your consumption patterns and budget.
Fixed electricity rates Alberta protect you from market fluctuations.
Business energy savings help small businesses manage expenses better.
Access to business utility brokers who can negotiate better deals.
For instance, a small business in Calgary using the Small Business Energy Program could save hundreds annually compared to staying on the regulated rate. Similarly, homeowners using the Home Energy Program can enjoy some of the cheapest energy provider Alberta rates available.
Comparing Electricity Rates in Alberta’s Major Cities
Electricity rates Alberta vary depending on location and provider. Here’s a quick look at how rates compare in Edmonton and Calgary:
Location | Regulated Rate (¢/kWh) | 8760 Competitive Rate (¢/kWh) as of August 1, 2026* | Notes |
Edmonton | 12.01 - 12.06 | Business power rates Edmonton available | |
Calgary | 12.01 - 12.06 | Residential electricity rates Calgary |
*Rates subject to change without notice. Other fees apply. For full details, visit 8760.ca/energy-rates-alberta
Many electricity companies Calgary and power providers Edmonton offer competitive plans that beat the regulated rates by a wide margin. Whether you are a homeowner or a small business owner, exploring these options can lead to better control over your utilities Edmonton or Calgary.
What home energy plans are available?
Fixed Rate plans with various term lengths (term lengths will vary from time to time) and a Variable Rate Plan that floats with market rates. The best plan for you will be determined by your appetite for price fluctuations vs a desire for cost certainty through a fixed rate price.
Our Lowest Electricity Rates in Alberta*
1 Year Fixed Residential Electricity Rate — 7.38 ¢/kWh
3 Year Fixed Residential Electricity Rate — 8.68 ¢/kWh
5 Year Fixed Residential Electricity Rate — 9. 78 ¢/kWh
Our Lowest Natural Gas Rates in Alberta*
1 Year Fixed Residential Natural Gas Rate — $3.68 /GJ
3 Year Fixed Residential Natural Gas Rate — $3.78 /GJ
5 Year Fixed Residential Natural Gas Rate — $3.88 /GJ
*8760 rates effective August 1, 2026 and are subject to change at any time without notice. Other fees apply.
To switch to competitive rate please click here.
What Small Business energy plans are available?
Fixed Rate plans with various term lengths (term lengths will vary from time to time) and a Variable Rate Plan that floats with market rates. The best plan for you will be determined by your appetite for price fluctuations vs a desire for cost certainty through a fixed rate price.
Our Lowest Small Business Electricity Rates in Alberta*
1 Year Fixed Small Business Electricity Rate — 7.98 ¢/kWh
3 Year Fixed Small Business Electricity Rate — 9.38 ¢/kWh
5 Year Fixed Small Business Electricity Rate — 10.48 ¢/kWh
Our Lowest Small Business Natural Gas Rates in Alberta*
1 Year Fixed Small Business Natural Gas Rate — $4.18 /GJ
3 Year Fixed Small Business Natural Gas Rate — $4.28 /GJ
5 Year Fixed Small Business Natural Gas Rate — $4. 38 /GJ
8760 rates effective August 1, 2026 and are subject to change at any time without notice. Other fees apply.
To switch to competitive rate please click here
How to Choose the Best Electricity Provider for Your Needs
Choosing the right electricity provider involves more than just looking at rates. Consider these factors:
Contract length: Do you want a short-term or long-term fixed electricity rate?
Customer service: Is the provider responsive and helpful?
Additional fees: Are there any hidden charges or cancellation fees?
Energy source: Do you prefer renewable energy options?
Tools and resources: Does the provider offer cost comparison tools or energy savings calculators?
8760.ca offers a free Cost Comparison Tool and Energy Savings Calculator to help you compare plans easily and transparently. These tools update monthly to reflect the latest electricity rates Edmonton and Calgary.
Business Energy Plans and Utility Services
Small businesses in Alberta can benefit from specialized business energy plans designed to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Business utility brokers can assist in reviewing commercial utility bills and negotiating better rates.
Benefits for Small Businesses
Access to small business electricity rates Alberta tailored to your consumption
Business power rates Calgary and Edmonton options to fit your location
Business energy savings through fixed or variable plans
Support from business utility brokers for contract negotiation
Commercial utility bill review to identify cost-saving opportunities
Switching to a small business energy provider Alberta can improve your bottom line and free up resources for growth.
Final Thoughts on Alberta Energy Rates and Your Options
Many Albertans remain on the Rate of Last Resort, paying more than necessary for electricity and natural gas. Competitive contracts offer a clear path to lower electricity rates Alberta, better terms, and more control over your energy costs. Whether you are a homeowner looking for a home energy plan or a small business owner seeking business energy savings, exploring competitive electricity providers is a smart move.
Use tools like 8760’s Cost Comparison Tool to find the cheapest energy provider Alberta and lock in fixed electricity rates Alberta that suit your needs. Don’t settle for default rates when better options are available.
Take control of your electric bills today by switching to a competitive electricity provider and start saving on your utilities.
Disclaimer: This post provides informational content only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Rates and offers are subject to change without notice. Visit 8760.ca for full details.
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