Alberta Electricity 101: How To Choose A Retailer And Find Your Current Supplier
Moving homes or reassessing your power plan in Alberta does not have to be confusing. The market here is competitive, which is good news for your wallet, but only if you know how the pieces fit together. This guide walks you through who does what on your bill, how to find your current retailer, how to compare plans with a quick checklist, and how to switch without downtime. You will also see why many Albertans choose a flexible, no‑contract floater plan with historically low averages.
First, understand the two sides of your power bill
Electricity in Alberta has two parts that always show up on your bill:
- Transmission and distribution: This is the poles, wires, and maintenance that bring power to your home. Companies like FortisAlberta and ENMAX Power operate these networks in different areas. You cannot choose a different wires company, it depends on where you live. These charges are regulated and appear on every bill no matter which retailer you pick.
- Retail supply: This is the company that buys electricity on your behalf and bills you for the energy you use, measured in kWh. This part of the market is competitive. Retailers include Olympus Energy, ENMAX Energy, Direct Energy, EPCOR, ATCOenergy, and others. You are free to choose your retailer.
Put simply, your wires company keeps the lights on, and your retailer sets your energy rate and billing experience.
Who are the energy suppliers in Alberta?
In Alberta’s competitive market, several well known retailers supply electricity and natural gas. Common names include Olympus Energy, ENMAX Energy, Direct Energy, EPCOR, and ATCOenergy. There are also smaller local providers that focus on service and simple plans. The wires providers like FortisAlberta and ENMAX Power are not your retailer, they deliver the power to your home and maintain the infrastructure.
If you are comparing for a home in Calgary or Edmonton, you will see options from big brands and local providers. Olympus Energy is 100 percent Alberta owned, with a simple variable floater plan and no contracts or hidden fees.
How do I find my electricity supplier in my area?
You likely already have a retailer. To confirm who it is:
- Check your most recent bill. Look on the first page for “Retailer,” “Energy provider,” or the logo in the account summary. The wires company will also be listed, often as “Distribution company,” which is not the same as your retailer.
- Log in to your online utility account if you use one. The retailer name and contact details appear in the profile or billing section.
- If you do not have a bill yet, call the local distribution company for your address, such as FortisAlberta or ENMAX Power, and ask which retailer is active on your meter. They can verify the current retailer on file.
This answers both “how do I find my electricity supplier in my area” and “which electricity supplier is in my area.” The retailer is tied to your account, not your neighbourhood, so you can choose a different retailer at any time.
Who has the cheapest electricity per kWh?
The cheapest option changes with market conditions and plan type. Here is how to think about it:
- Variable, also called floating, rates move with the market. When prices trend lower, a floater can save you money. Olympus Energy’s floater has averaged 4.99 cents per kWh over five years, which historically beats many fixed offers, and there are no sign up or cancellation fees.
- Fixed rates lock a price for a term. You get predictable costs, but you may pay more during low price periods or face penalties if you cancel early.
The “cheapest” is not just the cents per kWh today. You should also consider monthly admin fees, transaction fees, and any early exit fees. A slightly lower energy rate can be wiped out by a high monthly fee or a costly contract clause.
If you are in Calgary and want a quick pulse on local pricing context, you can look at calgary electricity rates without letting headline numbers drive the whole decision.
A simple checklist to compare plans
Use this four step checklist when you compare offers:
- Rate type: Variable floater or fixed. Ask about historical averages for variable plans, and the exact fixed rate and term lengths available.
- Fees: Monthly admin fees, transaction fees, late fees, credit card fees, and any rider add ons. Transparent plans disclose fees clearly and keep them modest.
- Contract length: Month to month or multi year. If month to month, confirm there is no minimum term.
- Cancellation terms: Is there a fee to cancel. How much notice is required. Olympus Energy requires only 10 days’ notice with no cancellation fee.
Bonus tip, confirm billing options and tools. Paperless billing, usage history, and easy account changes save time and reduce surprises.
How to switch energy provider in Alberta without downtime
Good news, switching retailers does not interrupt your power. The wires company, such as FortisAlberta or ENMAX Power, continues to deliver electricity the entire time. Here is the process:
- Choose your new retailer and apply. This takes only a few minutes online. You provide your service address, account holder details, and a preferred start date.
- Your new retailer handles the changeover. They submit the enrollment to the market with your meter number. No technician visit is needed for a straightforward switch.
- Final and first bills. Your old retailer issues a final bill up to the switch date. Your new retailer bills from that date forward. You see a clean handoff on your statements.
- No downtime. Your lights stay on the whole time because delivery is independent from retail supply.
If you are comparing options in Edmonton, you can review electricity providers edmonton for context on plan styles before you decide.
Why many Albertans pick a no contract floater
A variable floater gives you flexibility. With Olympus Energy, you get:
- No long term contracts
- No sign up fees and no hidden fees
- A five year average of 4.99 cents per kWh on the floater
- Only 10 days’ notice to cancel if your plans change
This structure works well if you are moving, prefer flexibility, or simply want a fair plan that tends to track the market without locking you in.
Quick examples for common situations
- You just moved and need power fast: Sign up online with your move in date. Service begins on that date, and you receive your first bill after your first full billing cycle.
- You are on a fixed plan with a high rate: Check your contract end date and any exit fees. If fees are high, you might set a switch for your renewal date. If there are no fees, consider moving to a lower cost floater now.
- You manage a rental: Month to month service with no penalties makes tenant changes easier, and paperless billing keeps records tidy.
Summary and next steps
You now know the difference between delivery and retail supply, how to find your current retailer on your bill, what to look for when comparing plans, and how to switch without downtime. If you want a simple plan with flexibility and a strong track record, Olympus Energy’s no contract floater is built for Alberta homes and businesses. Sign up online in minutes, choose paperless billing, and let us handle the rest so you can get back to your day.
Ready to get started. Apply now with our simple online application, choose paperless billing at checkout, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden fees. If you are comparing in Calgary, you can also review electricity rates calgary to see how our flexible floater stacks up.