Albertans who do not have a contract with an electricity retailer are on the RRO. The RRO rate fluctuates each month based on market price for electricity in Alberta, which depends on supply and demand across the province. Customers on the RRO pay the electric energy charge, which is a monthly charge for costs related to the supply of electricity, and an Administration Charge for billing, customer care and administration.

To help avoid fluctuations in your utility bills, consider signing up for an Equalized Payment Plan. See the FAQ’s below for more information.

From January 1 to March 31, 2023, the Government of Alberta put in place a temporary regulated rate ceiling of 13.5¢/kWh. A repayment amount will be added to the RRO price on RRO customers’ bills between April 2023 and December 2024 as per the Regulated Rate Option Stability Regulation. Visit our information page for more details.

Customers are free to purchase natural gas services or electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310-4822 (toll free in Alberta).

Do you live in Cardston, Red Deer or Ponoka?

The RRO rates in Cardston, Red Deer and Ponoka are set by the applicable municipal government and the RRO service is provided by ENMAX Energy Corporation. If you live in one of these municipalities, please contact us to set up the RRO:

Contact: 310-2010 or
1-877-571-7111 (Outside Alberta)

Regulated Rate Option (RRO) in Calgary

The RRO rate changes each month

The RRO rate changes with the market cost of electricity. Even if your usage stays the same from month to month, your bill can go up or down as the market price of electricity changes.

The RRO rate changes due to market forces beyond a single energy provider’s control. Fluctuations in supply and demand, weather, electricity generation plant maintenance and the cost of fuel to operate generation plants are just some of the factors that can affect the market price of electricity.

Although fluctuations in electricity markets are normal, recently there has been a general trend of increasing electricity prices, and based on publicly available information record high RRO rates are expected to continue in the months ahead.

Frequently asked questions

What is Regulated Rate Option (RRO)?
The RRO, also known as the floating rate, can rise, fall or stay the same from month to month. The RRO rate fluctuates based on market price for electricity in Alberta, which depends on supply and demand across the province.
Does the RRO offer the best rate?
The RRO can rise and fall based on market conditions such as supply and demand. This means that, at times, it could be lower than other rates available or it could be higher.
From January 1 to March 31, 2023, the Government of Alberta put in place a temporary regulated rate ceiling of 13.5¢/kWh. A repayment amount will be added to the RRO price on RRO customers’ bills between April 2023 and December 2024 as per the Regulated Rate Option Stability Regulation. Visit our information page for more details.
Is there an alternative to the RRO?
Yes, you have the choice to sign up for an energy plan from any retailer.
What is the difference between a wire service provider and an energy provider/retailer?
A Wire Service Provider delivers energy to your home through a network or system of wires.
An Energy provider/retailer sells electricity services to you. These companies are licensed by the Government of Alberta, but are not affiliated with the government.
Is the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) the best option for me?
If you're comfortable with an electricity rate that can be less predictable, then the regulated rate option might be a good option for you.

From bill to bill, the regulated rate option can stay the same or it can rise or fall depending on market conditions such as supply and demand.

RRO customers have options. We can help.

We know customers on the RRO can be impacted when the price of electricity fluctuates. There are options available to help customers manage unpredictable energy bills, including:

Equalized Payment Plan

ENMAX Energy offers an Equalized Payment Plan (EPP) to customers on the RRO. The EPP levels your monthly payments by estimating the amount you pay over an entire year and averaging it per month. With this plan, you can avoid monthly changes in your bill caused by changes in your energy usage or fluctuating market prices for electricity. The Equalized Payment Plan applies to your entire utility bill, including water, waste-water and municipal services (if applicable). Call us at 310-2010 to sign up for the Equalized Payment Plan.

Energy efficiency tips

Visit our Energy Efficiency Tips for ways to reduce energy consumption and lessen the impact of rate increases on your bill. Even the smallest change can be a step towards using your energy more efficiently.

Fixed rate energy plans

Some energy retailers in the province offer fixed rate energy plans that lock you in to energy prices to help avoid price fluctuations. Note that some fixed rate energy plans have different terms and conditions which may include contract term length, breakage fees, and eligibility and credit requirements. You are free to purchase natural gas services or electricity services from a retailer of your choice. For a list of retailers, visit ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310-4822 (toll free in Alberta).

Customers are free to purchase natural gas services or electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310-4822 (toll free in Alberta).

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