Can I disconnect natural gas in Alberta? Removing the meter and the costs

ATCO Gas can turn gas off, remove the meter or remove the whole service. Meter-only removal has no ATCO Gas charge. Full removal has a contract price. Returning costs a fee; after full removal, you need new service. Gas is not shut off from 1 November to 14 April.

What are my options for stopping natural gas?

ATCO Gas offers options for stopping natural gas: a short-term shut-off, meter-only removal or full removal. The meter-only option has no ATCO Gas charge. Full removal has a contract price. Choose based on what must stay at your site and whether you may want gas back later.

No ATCO Gas charge for meter-only removal. The underground line and riser remain; gas stays live up to the riser. (read 30 October 2026) [source]

ATCO Gas can temporarily turn gas off on request. After six months off it reserves the right to remove the meter. After more than twelve months off the service may be considered permanently off. (from 1 January 2025) [source]

Full removal uses an ATCO Quick Connect service removal request. Read the contract before agreeing to the work. The contract estimates the cost before tax. Actual costs apply, and another invoice may follow the work. (read 30 October 2026) [source]

ATCO Gas may charge the cost to remove its equipment, less its estimated value for reuse. Other unpaid amounts may also apply. (from 1 January 2025) [source]

ATCO Gas also describes a service cutback, where part of the line may stay live. ATCO Gas decides whether the site allows this. Ask ATCO Gas which work suits your property. Never work on the meter, riser or gas line yourself.

For meter-only removal, email the Calgary team or email the Edmonton team. In all other locations, contact the ATCO Gas call centre. ATCO Gas says this option needs no Quick Connect application.

How much do I pay for gas before I use any?

ATCO Gas rate schedules show a fixed delivery charge you pay before you use any gas. North and South areas have different daily rates. Your retailer may add its own daily charge. Check both lines on your bill, plus tax and other fees, before weighing the cost of keeping gas.

For Low Use delivery, ATCO Gas North includes Edmonton and Sherwood Park. Its fixed charge is C$0.997 per day (from 1 January 2026) [source]. ATCO Gas South includes the Calgary area. Its fixed charge is C$0.876 per day (from 1 January 2026) [source]. These rates took effect on January 1, 2026.

Apex Utilities is a gas distributor serving other parts of Alberta. Check the distributor name on your gas bill before using these rates or fees.

Ask your retailer whether daily charges continue while gas is off. The rate schedules do not settle that question for a meter left in place.

What does it cost to reconnect?

ATCO Gas and Apex Utilities charge fees to reconnect gas. The cost depends on the work and how soon you need it. Full removal means a new gas service, rather than a simple return visit. Ask about permits and checks before you book the work or plan a move back.

• ATCO Gas standard residential return: $141, typically within one to three business days; GST extra (from 1 January 2026) [source].
• ATCO Gas faster residential return: $328, before eight in the morning next business day, subject to availability; GST extra (from 1 January 2026) [source].
• Apex residential reconnection: $112 residential reconnection fee (from 1 January 2026) [source].
• Apex meter or regulator work: $144 residential meter or regulator reinstallation; other service at customer request is at actual cost (from 1 January 2026) [source].

The Utilities Consumer Advocate warns: A gas permit may be required before reconnection if gas has been off for more than six months. (read 30 October 2026) [source] Ask about any inspection cost too.

Full removal needs a Quick Connect service removal request. Returning after full removal requires a new gas service installation. (read 30 October 2026) [source]

After twelve months temporarily off, Apex may make the disconnection permanent. Restoring service after permanent disconnection is a new application for service. (from 1 January 2024) [source]

Can I turn gas off for the summer?

ATCO Gas customer terms let you ask to turn gas off for the summer. Plan the return before cold weather comes. A fee to restore service can offset savings from a short break. Ask your retailer about daily charges during the break and get the answer in writing.

Gas is not shut off from 1 November to 14 April. In any season, an owner’s shut-off needs a written request and acceptance of the risk of damage. Ask your retailer whether a winter request is possible. (read 30 October 2026) [source] Read our winter shut-off rules before planning a break in service.

Ask your retailer whether daily charges continue while gas is off. Compare any saving with the cost to restore service. Our energy bill fees guide covers other fees to check.

What must I do before removing gas?

Before removing gas, follow ATCO Gas service removal rules and make sure the home has safe heat and hot water. Plan replacements for gas appliances first. Full removal needs a vacant building. In winter, water must be shut off to protect pipes. Your retailer must also close the gas account.

No current occupants may remain when the service line is abandoned. In winter, the water must be shut off. Contact the energy provider to close the account. (read 30 October 2026) [source]

For a vacant or seasonal home, use our empty and seasonal homes guide to plan service dates and protect the property.

Tell ATCO Gas about access and hazards. Confirm the work date and keep the signed contract. Arrange replacement heat before gas service ends. Leave gas equipment work to the utility and the people qualified to do it.

Is there help to switch to a heat pump?

The Government of Canada has announced help to switch to a heat pump through the National Heat Pump Rebate. The rebate is not open at this check. Do not count it as money in hand. Read the current rules before buying equipment or making a plan to remove your gas service.

Announced, not open for applications at this check. (read 30 October 2026) [source] Checked on 30 October 2026. The announcement describes Up to $10,000 for households below median income; $2,000 for other eligible homeowners (from 8 October 2026) [source].

See our home energy rebates guide for other programme status checks. Compare heat and hot water needs, winter electricity use and the cost to remove gas before deciding.

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