Can your power or gas be shut off in winter in Alberta?

For unpaid residential bills, power protection runs 15 October to 15 April (from 17 December 2020) [source]; gas protection runs 1 November to 14 April (from 17 December 2020) [source]. A load limiter may be fitted instead of full power. The debt remains.

What are the winter dates for power and for gas?

These dates protect residential services from disconnection for unpaid bills. They do not cover commercial meters or water utilities.

Rule 003 defines when a retailer may request disconnection for arrears. Its permitted period leaves the winter windows shown above. Public summary pages give different gas dates; these dates come from the rule text.

Unpaid accounts may face disconnection once winter protection ends.

What is a load limiter, and what still works?

The distribution company may fit a load limiter to an electricity meter at the retailer’s request (read 15 October 2026) [source]. It restricts electricity rather than cutting it off completely.

A limiter allows a furnace, fridge, one stove element and a few light bulbs to run (read 15 October 2026) [source]. Check the limiter type with your distributor. Running too much at once can trip it and cut the power.

An electric furnace or other high-power appliance may exceed the limit. Limited service does not mean you can run all appliances together. If you use electric medical equipment, arrange backup power. A limiter does not assure continuous service.

How do I reset a limiter, and how do I get it removed?

First reduce your electricity use. Turn off high-power appliances and unplug unused devices and chargers. Identify the limiter type through your distributor.

EPCOR’s automatic limiter restores power after 15 minutes. Other types use a reset button, a pull-down then push-up knob, or an on switch (read 15 October 2026) [source]. These instructions are specific to EPCOR. Elsewhere in Alberta, follow your own distributor’s instructions for the installed device.

Use only the external reset control described by your distributor. Do not open the meter or tamper with the limiter.

Arrange payment with the retailer and ask it to have the limiter removed, even after paying in full (read 15 October 2026) [source]. Ask when full power will return and whether urgent service has an extra charge. Resetting a tripped limiter does not remove it.

Does the cold-weather rule apply all year?

Yes. A permitted arrears disconnection requires temperatures above 0°C throughout the next 24 hours (from 17 December 2020) [source]. This temperature test applies alongside the seasonal windows, including outside winter.

If you receive a notice during cold weather, ask your retailer about the temperature test and contact the UCA.

What is the Winter Utility Reconnection Program?

The UCA mediates between disconnected households and utilities to seek reconnection. Participating retailers supply disconnected customer lists as of mid-October (read 15 October 2026) [source]. The AUC says the first step is a payment arrangement with your utility.

The AUC says customers who cannot reach an arrangement can contact the UCA, which helps with disconnection issues and payment plans. If you are already disconnected, contact your retailer and the UCA.

What to do this week if you have a notice

1. Call the retailer using the number on your bill or notice. Say whether service is off, limited or scheduled for disconnection.
2. Ask for a payment arrangement you can manage. Confirm the amount owing, the payment dates and what is needed to keep or restore service.
3. Call the UCA if you cannot reach an arrangement: 310-4822 in Alberta; 1-888-644-6608 outside Alberta (read 15 October 2026) [source]. Ask about mediation and the Winter Utility Reconnection Program.
4. Ask your retailer about budget billing. Confirm how payments are set and how any balance is handled.
5. Ask about help programs if you cannot pay. Call Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992, or 211 for help finding local resources (read 15 October 2026) [source]. Tell them if you already have a disconnection notice.

Our help paying utility bills guide explains other support options. Keep your notice, recent bills and any payment arrangement together when you call.

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