Alberta

In 2018, Alberta generated 81 terawatt hours (TW.h) of electricity. About 91% of electricity in Alberta is produced from fossil fuels – approximately 43% from coal and 49% from natural gas. The remaining 8% is produced from renewables, such as wind, hydro, and biomass (Figure 9).

In 2017, annual electricity consumption per capita in Alberta was 18.7  megawatt hours (MW.h).

Figure 9: Electricity Generation by Fuel Type, 2018

Source: CER - Canada’s Energy Future 2019

Description:

This pie chart shows electricity generation by source in Alberta. A total of 81.0 TW.h of electricity was generated in 2018.

Electricity Provider

There are six regulated retailers in Alberta, with most of the electricity service provided by two of them: Enmax Power Corp., and EPCOR Energy Alberta GP Inc. There are four different types of electricity rates: regulated, fixed, variable, and microgeneration. The regulated rates fluctuate each month, and are regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The cost of electricity is determined through the electric wholesale market and each month the rates are filed with the AUC and posted on its website.

There are also 33 competitive retailers in Alberta. Residential consumers can enter into a contract with a competitive retailer for a fixed rate which will not fluctuate or change for a specified time period. These rates are not regulated by the AUC. Customers who do not sign a contract with a competitive retailer are served by their local regulated retailer.

Energy Cost

The regulated rate in Alberta changes each month and is different depending on the electricity distributors. This report uses Enmax rates and costs. The Enmax regulated rate plan is 7.431 ¢/kW.h.

Administration Fee

Enmax includes an administration fee which is a flat charge of $6.190 per month. EPCOR’s administration charge is $5.36 per month.

Other variable and fixed costs

Variable Distribution
The variable distribution charge is 1.08 cents per kilowatt hour (¢/kW.h) and is based on how much electricity a customer uses.

Fixed Distribution
The fixed distribution charge is $0.53/day or $15.91 per month. It is typically higher in rural areas because of low population density and longer distances between customers.

Variable Transmission
The variable transmission charge is 1.95 ¢/kW.h and is based on how much electricity a customer uses.

Other fees
In Alberta, there are also rate riders. A rate rider is a temporary credit or charge that may appear on utility bills in some communities. Rate riders allow companies to recover or refund operational costs that were not included in the approved rates. Some companies in Alberta charge: a balancing pool rider of 0.26 ¢/kW.h; a per kW.h rate rider of 2.2.18 ¢/kW.h; a distribution rate rider of -0.02; and a local access fee of $7.32/month.

Figure 10: Alberta Monthly Electricity Bill Break-down and Appliance Costs

Source: Utilities Consumer Advocate – Enmax rate

Description:

This interactive dashboard shows Alberta residents what it costs to run various appliances based on the different lengths of time they are operated. The data for these graphs is available.