Electricity and natural gas in Fort McMurray

Why your Fort McMurray bill is higher than your usage

These are estimates for one average month, with 5% GST, at the default rate. Your own bill will differ.

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Local to Fort McMurray

• The Wood Buffalo utility account: The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo bills residents for water, sewer and garbage collection every two months. Its bill includes garbage collection and recycling, fixed water and sewer charges, and consumption charges. Fixed fees apply even when a property is unoccupied. Electricity comes from independent utility companies; the RMWB does not supply it or set distribution and transmission costs. (read 30 October 2026) [source]
• Billing months depend on the neighbourhood: Waterways, Lower Thickwood, Upper Thickwood including Dickinsfield, and Timberlea are billed in January, March, May, July, September and November. Abasand, Beacon Hill, Downtown, Commercial and Confederation Way are on the February, April, June, August, October and December cycle. Wood Buffalo lists no cycle for other Fort McMurray neighbourhoods, so this row gives none. To ask, call Utilities Billing at 780-743-7000. (read 30 October 2026) [source]
• New accounts belong to property owners: Since January 1, 2021, the owner on title must apply for a new RMWB utility account. Tenants cannot open a new account, unless the lease was signed before January 1, 2021 and the move-in was before February 15, 2021. Existing tenant accounts in good standing can continue. When one closes, it transfers to the landowner and stays in that name unless the property changes ownership. A tenant account in default is terminated and transferred to the landowner, who receives notice. (read 30 October 2026) [source]
• An old tenant balance stays separate: When a tenant account closes, Wood Buffalo sends the owner notice that an account has been created for them. The owner must collect future utility payments from tenants. Arrears on the closed tenant account remain the tenant's responsibility and do not transfer to the owner's new account. (read 30 October 2026) [source]
• Closing or forwarding the municipal account: If you sell your home or move out of a rental, cancel the existing municipal service and have the last bill sent to your new address. If you move but remain the owner on title at the old address, Wood Buffalo provides a Change of Address Form to forward your mail. (read 30 October 2026) [source]
• The municipal bank payee: For online banking, Wood Buffalo lists the payee names "Wood Buffalo Water" and "Wood Buffalo Utilities". Its payment portal at pay.rmwb.ca also accepts credit cards. In-person payments are available at 9909 Franklin Avenue in Fort McMurray or at a rural office. (read 30 October 2026) [source]
• Automatic payments follow the bill due date: Wood Buffalo offers pre-authorized utility payments from a credit card or chequing account. The bill amount is taken on its due date. Registration and cancellation are available at pay.rmwb.ca. For help with the arrangement, email waterbilling@rmwb.ca or call Pulse at 780-743-7000. (read 30 October 2026) [source]
• Water use also sets the sewer charge: On the RMWB bill, both water and sewer consumption charges follow the water meter. An unmetered property instead pays a flat water rate under the Utility Rates Bylaw. Construction water and temporary bleeders used to prevent freezing can also attract flat rates. Once a meter is installed, billing switches from the flat rate to metered use. (read 30 October 2026) [source]
• Help with an overdue municipal balance: Wood Buffalo adds a 1.5% penalty to overdue balances. For property owners, balances unpaid after 90 days transfer to the property tax roll and can attract further penalties. For renters with existing accounts, non-payment can lead to service termination and collection action. Contact collections@rmwb.ca or Pulse at 780-743-7000 about an overdue municipal balance. (read 30 October 2026) [source]

Electricity: ATCO Electric

Natural gas: ATCO Gas (north)

Help with the cost

Help paying utility bills

310-4822 in Alberta or 1-888-644-6608 from outside Alberta, Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; email ucahelps@gov.ab.ca. (read 5 October 2026) [source]