The short answer
The Rate of Last Resort is Alberta’s default electricity energy rate. It applies when you buy default electricity rather than a competitive plan.
- EPCOR Energy Alberta Rate of Last Resort: 12.01¢ per kWh (1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026) [source]
- ENMAX Energy Rate of Last Resort: 12.06¢ per kWh (1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026) [source]
- Direct Energy Regulated Services Rate of Last Resort: 12.02¢ per kWh (1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026) [source]
The next rates start on 1 January 2027.
Rates by provider
| Provider | Area | Rate | Period | Source | Date read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPCOR Energy Alberta | EPCOR Distribution (Edmonton) and FortisAlberta | 12.01 ¢/kWh | 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026 | EPCOR: Rate of Last Resort | 5 October 2026 |
| ENMAX Energy | ENMAX Power (Calgary) | 12.06 ¢/kWh | 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026 | Alberta Utilities Commission: Decision 29204-D02-2025 | 5 October 2026 |
| Direct Energy Regulated Services | ATCO Electric | 12.02 ¢/kWh | 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026 | Alberta Utilities Commission: Decision 29204-D02-2025 | 5 October 2026 |
What changes on 1 January 2027
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 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]
- EPCOR Energy Alberta: the 10% rule allows 10.81 to 13.21 ¢/kWh. Sources: the current rate and the limit between terms.
- ENMAX Energy: the 10% rule allows 10.85 to 13.27 ¢/kWh. Sources: the current rate and the limit between terms.
- Direct Energy Regulated Services: the 10% rule allows 10.82 to 13.22 ¢/kWh. Sources: the current rate and the limit between terms.
What this could mean for a home using 600 kWh a month
| Provider | Today | Lowest allowed | Highest allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPCOR Energy Alberta | $72.06 | $64.86 | $79.26 |
| ENMAX Energy | $72.36 | $65.10 | $79.62 |
| Direct Energy Regulated Services | $72.12 | $64.92 | $79.32 |
Example only. Your bill also has delivery charges, fees and GST, which this does not include. The 2027 rates are not set yet.
These are allowed ranges, not the filed rates. We will update this page on the day the new rates are filed.
Each provider must post its rate on an easily accessible web page on the first day of the month in which the rate takes effect. (from 1 January 2025) [source]
What the rate pays for
The rate covers electricity energy. Delivery and administration charges are extra.
The energy rate includes a consumer awareness surcharge: 0.1¢ per kWh (from 1 January 2025) [source]. It funds Utilities Consumer Advocate work that tells default-rate customers about their options.
Is the default rate right for you?
Albertans can buy electricity and natural gas from a competitive retailer or stay on a default rate. Which retailers are available depends on where you live. (read 5 October 2026) [source]
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]
Read fixed versus floating plans, or check your bill.
Questions people ask
What is the Rate of Last Resort?
It is Alberta’s default electricity energy rate. Your distribution area determines which provider supplies it.
Who is on the Rate of Last Resort?
Households buying default electricity rather than a competitive plan use it. Look for Rate of Last Resort or RoLR on your bill.
When does the Rate of Last Resort change?
The current term ends on 31 December 2026. The next term starts on 1 January 2027 and ends on 31 December 2028.
Does it include delivery and administration charges?
No. The listed rate covers energy only. Delivery and administration charges are extra.
Sources
- Alberta King's Printer: Rate of Last Resort Regulation, Alberta Regulation 262/2005
- Alberta Utilities Commission: 2025 Rate of Last Resort rates
- Alberta Utilities Commission: Decision 29204-D02-2025
- Alberta Utilities Commission: What is the Rate of Last Resort?
- EPCOR: Rate of Last Resort
- Utilities Consumer Advocate: Frequently asked questions
https://billrobin.com/ca/en/alberta/energy/rate-of-last-resort?utm_medium=share&utm_source=page
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