The Alberta electric industry changed to a less regulated and more competitive operating environment in January 2001. To find out more about electricity deregulation, visit the Government of Alberta website, the Utilities Consumer Advocate website or call Alberta Government Services at 1-877-427-4088.
How has the electrical industry changed?
Like the telephone industry and the natural gas industry, the provincial government has deregulated the electric industry and opened it up to competition. That means you can choose your electricity supplier just as you choose your long-distance telephone service company.
Are transmission and distribution wires also deregulated?
No. The transmission and distribution wires remain regulated. The provincial transmission system is regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission. Red Deer's local distribution system is regulated by its City Council.
Why isn't The City selling power?
In a competitive marketplace, every supplier would be forced to compete with other companies of bigger size. The City's utility simply isn't large enough to compete in such an uncertain and risky market. The City of Red Deer does not want to gamble with taxpayers' money.
What happens if I don't make a choice?
If you are a residential customer and you do not choose a retail supplier, you will receive your electricity from ENMAX Energy - the electricity supplier designated by The City of Red Deer to ensure customers continue to receive a reliable power supply. This rate is called Regulated Rate Option, which is regulated by Red Deer City Council.
ENMAX Energy provides the Regulated Rate Tariff on The City's behalf. This means that if you do not choose a supplier, or if you simply want more time to see how the retail market works, you will automatically receive your electricity from ENMAX Energy at a regulated rate.
If you are a small commercial or industrial customer who consumes less than 250,000 kWh of energy per year, you are also eligible to receive electricity from ENMAX Energy at the Regulated Rate Tariff, if you haven't chosen another retail supplier.
If you are a large customer who consumes more than 250,000 kWh per year and you haven't chosen another supplier, you will also receive your electricity from ENMAX Energy. However, your electricity rate will be a competitive rate called Default Rate, rather than the Regulated Rate Tariff. To know whether you are eligible for the Regulated Rate Tariff or not, you can contact us at 403-342-8274, or e-mail us at elecutil@reddeer.ca. You can also visit our office. We are located at 300 - 7721 40 Ave, near Three Mile Bend.
Will I pay more for electricity in the deregulated system?
It is extremely hard to predict the electricity price in a competitive and uncertain marketplace. The provincial government feels that electrical deregulation will put downward pressure on electricity rates.
Who are the retailers currently operating in Red Deer?
The following retailers are currently permitted to offer retail services in the Red Deer area.
Alberta Energy Savings LP
Altagas Energy Limited Partnership
Capital Power GP Holdings Incorporated
CP Energy Marketing LP
Direct Energy Partnership
ENMAX Commercial Energy Marketing Inc.
ENMAX Energy Corporation
Imperial Oil
Just Energy Alberta LP
Nexen Incorporated
Shell Canada Limited
TransAlta Energy Marketing Corporation
Trans Canada Energy
Valeo Power Corporation
