Am I on the Rate of Last Resort? How to tell from your Alberta bill

Look at the electricity charge on your bill. Rate of Last Resort, RoLR or Regulated Rate means you are on it, says the UCA. Your provider is EPCOR, ENMAX or Direct Energy Regulated Services, based on where you live. You can stay or leave without a fee.

How do I know if I'm on the Rate of Last Resort?

You know you are on the Rate of Last Resort when your electricity bill names that rate. EPCOR says to look under your electricity charges. ENMAX says to check for Rate of Last Resort or RoLR. Check the plan line, not just the company name at the top.

The energy charge must be shown under the heading “Rate of Last Resort”. (read 30 October 2026) [source] The UCA lists these default-rate labels: Your bill shows you are on a default rate if it says Rate of Last Resort, RoLR, Regulated Rate, Default Rate, DRT or Default Rate Tariff. (read 5 October 2026) [source] Check which fuel the words belong to.

Sources: EPCOR, ENMAX and Direct Energy Regulated Services.

Use our electricity bill guide to find the plan line. Check bill words for unfamiliar labels.

This table is not a map for every home. EPCOR Energy Alberta provides the Rate of Last Resort in the EPCOR Distribution (Edmonton) and FortisAlberta areas, ENMAX Energy in the ENMAX Power area (Calgary), and Direct Energy Regulated Services in the ATCO Electric area. (from 1 January 2025) [source] Gas is separate: read the default gas rate tracker.

Why did I get a letter about the Rate of Last Resort?

A letter about the Rate of Last Resort helps you know which rate you are on and what choices you have. The Government of Alberta requires the UCA to contact customers on the rate. Providers send it customer details twice a year. You can choose to stay or leave.

Providers send current customer contact details to the UCA on or before March 15 and September 15 each year. The UCA contacts each customer to ask if they know they are on the Rate of Last Resort and tell them about their choices. (read 30 October 2026) [source]

The UCA contact is about your choices, rather than a charge for energy. A letter alone does not prove who sent it. Check payment requests with your provider using the number on your bill. Read how to check for utility scams. For help with a billing dispute, see who to call about energy complaints.

What is the price now, and what happens on 1 January 2027?

The price now depends on your provider, and the next price takes effect in January. The Alberta Utilities Commission approves the rate for each two-year term. Check the current energy prices below. These prices are for the power you use. Delivery, fees and tax add to your bill.

• EPCOR: 12.01¢ per kWh (1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026) [source].
• ENMAX: 12.06¢ per kWh (1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026) [source].
• Direct Energy Regulated Services: 12.02¢ per kWh (1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026) [source].

The current term ends on 31 December 2026. The default rate is fixed for two years starting 1 January 2025; changes between terms cannot normally exceed 10 per cent. (from 1 January 2025) [source]

The AUC approves the next price before 1 January 2027. The rates for 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028 must be filed with the Alberta Utilities Commission at least 30 days before 1 January 2027. (from 1 January 2025) [source] The providers said the valuation date for the 2027 to 2028 rates will be on or before 2 December 2026. (from 1 January 2025) [source]

The rate for 2027 to 2028 can be no more than 10 per cent higher or lower than the rate in effect at the end of 2026. (from 1 January 2025) [source] Read the dated Rate of Last Resort tracker for the published rate.

Is it bad to be on the Rate of Last Resort?

Being on the Rate of Last Resort is not bad in itself. EPCOR describes a stable price for a two-year term. The Alberta Utilities Commission approves that rate. Other plans may cost more or less for your use. Compare the rate, admin fees and terms before you choose a plan.

Delivery and distribution charges are set by your local distributor and are the same regardless of which energy retailer you choose. (read 30 October 2026) [source] Compare costs using your own use and billing period. A low energy rate alone does not tell you the whole cost.

How do I leave, and is there a fee?

You can leave the Rate of Last Resort by choosing a new retailer, without an exit fee. ENMAX confirms that customers can leave at any time without penalty. Ask your new retailer to confirm the start date and read the new plan terms before you sign.

A provider must not charge fees to enter or leave the Rate of Last Resort. It must not require more than 30 days of notice to enter or leave. (read 30 October 2026) [source] The notice rule is a limit on what the default provider can require. It does not promise a switch date.

Customers can buy electricity from a retailer of their choice. (read 30 October 2026) [source] Read the new plan terms and our guide to switching providers before signing.

Am I on the default rate for gas too?

Being on the default rate for electricity does not mean you are on the default rate for gas too. Direct Energy Regulated Services says the Rate of Last Resort covers only electricity. Look at the gas plan on its own bill line. Check both fuels before you choose a new plan.

The Rate of Last Resort applies only to regulated electricity. Gas and electricity prices are set independently. (read 30 October 2026) [source] Look for DRT or Default Rate Tariff on the gas line, as listed in the UCA bill labels above. Use the gas rate tracker to check the dated gas price.

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