ATCO vs Direct Energy: Plans and Price Ranges
Neither is cheaper for every home.
ATCO: Electricity 7.68 to 9.95 ¢/kWh. Natural gas 3.68 to 4.55 $/GJ.
Direct Energy lists electricity and natural gas plans.
Directory snapshot, as published on October 9, 2026.
The cost for your home depends on your usage, your area's delivery charges and plan fees.
Check my bills, freePlans and price ranges
| Published plans | ATCO | Direct Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity fixed terms | 12, 24, 36 and 60 months | 24 and 36 months |
| Electricity price range | 7.68 to 9.95 ¢/kWh | Each plan's price is in your free check. |
| Electricity: plans that say they have no exit fee | None say so | None say so |
| Natural gas fixed terms | 12, 24, 36 and 60 months | 24 and 36 months |
| Natural gas price range | 3.68 to 4.55 $/GJ | Each plan's price is in your free check. |
| Natural gas: plans that say they have no exit fee | None say so | None say so |
Ranges cover plans with one stated energy price. Introductory prices and solar export prices are left out. Energy prices leave out delivery and fees.
Prices as published on October 9, 2026. They may have changed. Your check uses current prices.
Which names mean what
ATCO
ATCO Energy is the competitive retailer you can choose; ATCO Electric owns power lines and ATCO Gas owns gas pipes. Direct Energy Regulated Services is the default electricity supplier in ATCO Electric areas and the default gas supplier in ATCO Gas areas.
ATCO Energy is a competitive retailer offering electricity and natural gas services for residential, small, business, farm consumers across Alberta.
Direct Energy
Direct Energy is the competitive retailer you can choose, separate from the companies that own the wires and pipes. Direct Energy Regulated Services is the default electricity supplier in ATCO Electric areas and the default gas supplier in ATCO Gas areas.
Direct Energy says there are no service territory restrictions and you can sign up with it almost anywhere in Alberta.
Delivery follows your address, whichever retailer you choose. The wires or pipes company stays the same.
Questions people ask
Is ATCO cheaper than Direct Energy?
Neither is cheaper for every home. The table shows the range of their energy prices where the published prices support one. Your total depends on your usage, delivery charges and fees. A free bill check compares costs for your home.
Which is better, ATCO or Direct Energy?
We do not rate companies. Neither company is better in every home. What decides the cost for your home is your electricity and gas use, delivery charges for your address, monthly or daily fees, and contract terms. Compare those details against your bills before you choose a plan.
Can I switch from ATCO to Direct Energy?
You can choose a competitive retailer if you control the energy account and the plan is available at your address. Check your current contract for notice periods and any exit fee. Confirm the new service start date and the old service end date with the retailers before making a change.
Does switching change who delivers my power?
No. Your address sets the company that owns and maintains the wires or gas pipes. That delivery company stays the same when you choose a different competitive retailer. Your energy price, administration fees and contract terms may change. Delivery still follows your address, whichever retailer you choose.