Edmonton, like the entire province of Alberta, has a unique deregulated utility market system that gives consumers unprecedented freedom to choose their energy suppliers. Since 2001 for electricity and 2004 for natural gas, Edmonton residents have been able to choose not only their rate plans but also their energy retailers. This system differs from most other Canadian provinces and creates a competitive environment that should, in theory, lead to lower prices and better customer service.
Deregulation in Alberta means that the physical infrastructure for energy delivery (power lines, gas pipelines) remains in the hands of regulated distributors such as ATCO Gas, AltaGas, EPCOR Distribution & Transmission, and FortisAlberta, while the sale of electricity and gas itself is carried out by competing retailers. In other words, regardless of which supplier you choose, the physical delivery of electricity and gas to your home remains unchanged and reliable. Your choice only affects the price you pay for energy and the terms of your contract.
Parallel to the energy market in Edmonton, there is a competitive market for internet services, where consumers can choose between large telecommunications companies and local providers. However, unlike electricity and gas, water supply remains a natural monopoly of EPCOR Water Services with no alternative providers.
Electricity and natural gas suppliers in Edmonton
Rate plan options: fixed, variable, and Rate of Last Resort
Before considering specific providers, it is important to understand the main types of rate plans available in the Alberta market. Consumers in Edmonton can choose between three main categories of rates.
Fixed rates allow you to lock in a specific price per kilowatt-hour of electricity or gigajoule of natural gas for a set period, typically one to five years. As of early 2026, fixed electricity rates in Edmonton range from 7.47 to 8.99 cents per kWh, depending on the provider and contract term. For natural gas, fixed rates range from $3.68 to $4.99 per gigajoule. The main advantage of a fixed rate is the predictability of costs and protection against sudden price spikes in the energy market, which is especially relevant during the harsh winter months when energy demand rises sharply.
Variable/floating rates are tied to the Alberta Power Pool wholesale electricity market or the AECO-C market price for gas. These plans are typically structured as a wholesale price plus a fixed retailer markup, which ranges from 0.65 to 1.5 cents per kWh for electricity. Historically, variable rates have shown a lower average cost over several years compared to fixed rates, especially during mild winters or periods of low demand. Olympus Energy, for example, reports an average of 4.99 cents per kWh over a five-year period for its floating rate. However, variable rates carry the risk of significant bill fluctuations from month to month, requiring greater financial flexibility from consumers.
The Rate of Last Resort (RoLR), which replaced the former Regulated Rate Option (RRO) in January 2025, is the government-regulated default rate for consumers who have not chosen a competitive retailer. For EPCOR's service area in Edmonton, the RoLR rate is 12.01 cents per kWh for the 2025-2026 period. This rate is fixed for a two-year term and is approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission, but it is typically significantly higher than competitive offers from private retailers. RoLR is designed as a safety net for consumers who, for whatever reason, cannot or do not wish to contract with a competitive provider, but it is not the best choice for most households from a financial standpoint.
Major energy retailers in Edmonton
EPCOR and Encor by EPCOR occupy a special place in the Edmonton energy market. EPCOR Energy Alberta acts as the RoLR provider in Edmonton, while Encor by EPCOR is the company's competitive division offering alternative rate plans. Encor offers both fixed and floating rates with the option to combine electricity and gas on a single bill, simplifying utility bill management. As of 2026, Encor's base fixed rate is approximately 8.63 cents per kWh for a two-year contract. An important advantage of Encor is that there are no penalties for early termination of the contract, which gives consumers flexibility. The company is also based in Edmonton, which means local customer support and an understanding of regional energy consumption patterns, especially during Alberta's harsh winters.
ATCO Energy is one of the largest and most well-known energy retailers in Alberta with a long history of operating in the province. ATCO offers a wide range of electricity and gas plans with terms ranging from one to five years. As of the end of 2025, ATCO was actively promoting promotional packages with attractive terms: electricity at 7.68 cents per kWh and natural gas at $4.38 per gigajoule on a two-year term when combining both services. A special feature of ATCO's offer is a bonus program for new customers, which includes a $100 welcome bonus when combining electricity and gas, plus the opportunity to earn up to $200 per year in account credits for using the company's related home services. Some ATCO packages also include a free year of home appliance insurance worth $29.99 per month. According to Reddit user reviews, ATCO's rates are often competitive, especially for natural gas.
Direct Energy is one of the oldest players in Alberta's deregulated market and acts as a regulated service provider (Direct Energy Regulated Services) for natural gas in many regions, as well as a competitive retailer. Direct Energy offers a wide range of fixed rates for terms of one to three years. As of 2026, the two-year fixed rate for electricity is approximately 8.77 cents per kWh. The company encourages consumers to bundle electricity and gas by offering a 20% discount on administrative fees when signing up for both services. Direct Energy also offers additional protection programs for electronics and appliances, including a surge protection plan with coverage of up to $2,000 per year. It is worth noting that the company has mixed customer reviews regarding service quality, although their rates remain competitive.
ENMAX Energy, although based in Calgary, also serves customers in Edmonton through its Easymax program. A unique feature of Easymax is its exceptional flexibility: customers can change their rate type (from fixed to variable and vice versa) every month without penalty. This allows consumers to adapt to seasonal price fluctuations, for example, switching to a variable rate in the summer when prices are typically lower and locking in a rate for the winter. As of early 2026, ENMAX's two-year fixed rate is 8.79 cents per kWh for electricity and $4.59 per gigajoule for natural gas. ENMAX also offers the Easymax Evolve program for environmentally conscious consumers, allowing them to invest in renewable energy certificates and emissions offsets.
Alternative and local energy providers
Alongside the big players, the Edmonton market offers a number of smaller, often local providers that position themselves as an alternative to corporate giants with a focus on personalized service and competitive prices.
Rewards Power positions itself as a customer-focused provider with an emphasis on transparency and no long-term commitments. The company offers both fixed and market-based (floating) plans with no penalties for leaving the contract. Rewards Power emphasizes its local presence in Alberta and its understanding of the specifics of energy consumption in the region, especially during cold winters when demand for heating rises sharply. The company also offers detailed billing with no hidden fees, which is appreciated by consumers who want to have complete control over their energy costs.
Park Power is a local provider based in Sherwood Park near Edmonton, serving most of Alberta. In addition to electricity and natural gas, Park Power also offers internet services, making it one of the few providers capable of offering a true “three-in-one” package. As of 2020, Park Power offered a competitive fixed electricity rate of 6.3 cents per kWh, although actual prices for 2026 may vary. The company actively promotes a local approach and the ability to combine all utilities on one bill with a discount of up to $90 when signing up for electricity, gas, and internet together. Park Power also offers a Solar Club program for homeowners with solar panels, allowing them to get additional value from their own generating capacity.
Burst Energy is an Alberta-based boutique retailer headquartered in Calgary, serving Edmonton and other regions of the province. The company offers both fixed and variable rates with no sign-up or exit fees. As of 2026, Burst Energy offers a variable electricity rate based on a “wholesale price plus 0.65 cents per kWh” formula with a six-month rolling average of approximately 5.00 cents per kWh. The fixed rate is 8.23 cents per kWh per year. For natural gas, the company offers a fixed rate of $3.99 per gigajoule, which is one of the lowest on the market. Burst Energy positions itself as one of the cheapest providers in Edmonton with transparent prices and local support. Customer reviews on Google (based on 111 reviews) confirm overall satisfaction with the company's service.
Spot Power is part of the UTILITYnet (Utility Network & Partners Inc.) network, which brings together several local Alberta energy companies. Founded in Calgary in 2008, Spot Power serves almost all communities in Alberta, including Edmonton. The company offers both guaranteed (fixed) and variable rates for electricity and gas, with the option of combining them into a single bill. A unique feature of Spot Power is special discounts for people aged 60 and older. In addition to energy supply, Spot Power also offers high-speed internet in partnership with Q Wave, allowing customers to create comprehensive utility packages. The company requires a prudential charge, which is fully refundable upon termination of service and accrues 5% per annum as a credit on monthly bills.
Peace Power was founded in Grande Prairie in 2012 and has expanded its operations to Edmonton and Calgary. The company specializes in variable rates with no sign-up, cancellation, or deposit fees (subject to credit approval). The monthly administrative fee is $8 per meter. Peace Power recently added internet services to its portfolio, making it another provider capable of offering bundled solutions. By bundling electricity, gas, and internet, customers receive lower administrative fees and reduced transaction rates for natural gas. Peace Power emphasizes its commitment to transparent pricing and customer service with no hidden fees.
Just Energy is an international energy retailer operating in both Canada and the United States. In Alberta, Just Energy offers price protection programs (fixed rates) for 36 and 60 months. The company also offers indexed electricity plans with a fixed markup added to the floating “spot” market price. Just Energy has a Perks Rewards Program where customers can earn points for every dollar spent on Just Energy bills and redeem them for various rewards. The company also offers green options through its JustGreen program, which allows customers to offset their emissions or ensure that a portion or 100% of their electricity comes from renewable sources for an additional $9.99 per month.
TransAlta is one of Alberta's largest electricity producers and offers retail services to commercial and industrial customers. The company specializes in more complex energy products such as index plans, structured block plans, and load following plans. Although TransAlta is less focused on traditional residential customers compared to other providers, it remains an important player in the market, especially for large energy consumers.
Three-in-one package providers
One of the biggest advantages for consumers is the ability to bundle all utilities with a single provider, which simplifies bill management and often leads to savings through bundle discounts. However, there are relatively few providers in Edmonton that offer electricity, gas, and internet at the same time.
BigWiFi and Big Energy are trademarks registered under Sponsor Energy Inc., offering a comprehensive solution for Edmonton households. The company is based in Edmonton at 10060 Jasper Ave, Tower 1, Suite 2020. BigWiFi positions itself as a provider of “all-in-one” packages that include electricity, natural gas, internet, television, and mobile communications. As of 2026, the company offers five-year fixed energy rates with the possibility of discounts when combining services. Base rates are 7.99 cents per kWh for electricity and $3.29 per gigajoule for natural gas, but when bundled with other services (internet, TV, phone), these prices drop to 6.99 cents and $2.29, respectively, through a discount system. The company offers a discount of 0.5 cents per kWh and 25 cents per gigajoule for each additional product added to the package. BigWiFi also has a rate match guarantee: if an equivalent advertised rate is lower than your current rate, you can request a discount to exceed the advertised rate by 5%. BigWiFi's internet services include speeds ranging from basic to 1.5 Gbps with unlimited data usage and features such as automatic Wi-Fi optimization, a hardware firewall for privacy, and the ability to temporarily increase speeds to gigabit levels when needed.
Park Power, as mentioned, is another local provider offering a complete package of electricity, gas, and internet. When bundling all three services, Park Power offers a combined discount of up to $90. The company emphasizes the benefits of local service and the ease of managing all utilities through a single MyAccount portal. Park Power partners with Q Wave to provide internet services, which provides reliable cable and DSL infrastructure.
Spot Power, as part of the UTILITYnet network, also offers the option to bundle electricity, gas, and internet. Through UTILITYnet's partnership with Q Wave, Spot Power customers can add high-speed internet to their energy package. This is particularly attractive to consumers who want to deal with a single local Alberta provider for all their essential utilities.
Internet Service Providers in Edmonton
The internet service market in Edmonton is characterized by greater diversity of providers compared to the energy sector, including both large national telecommunications companies and local or regional alternative providers.
Major telecommunications companies
TELUS owns the largest fibre-to-the-home network in Western Canada, including extensive coverage in Edmonton. The TELUS PureFibre network is known for its speed and reliability, offering plans with speeds up to 1.5 Gbps, and in some areas even up to 3 Gbps. Prices, however, are at the higher end of the spectrum compared to local providers. The basic PureFibre Internet 250 plan costs around $75 per month. TELUS offers more affordable prices when signing a two-year contract or when bundling internet with other TELUS services, such as mobile, TV, or home security. According to Reddit users, actual prices can often be lowered by negotiating with customer loyalty departments or through dealers who offer additional account credits. For example, users report receiving 1 Gbps for $55-70 per month with additional account credits of up to $200-250. Additional internet discounts are available for TELUS Mobility or Koodo customers.
Rogers, which acquired Shaw in 2023, offers Rogers Xfinity Internet (formerly Shaw) services in Edmonton. Rogers uses a combination of fiber optic cables to the neighborhood and high-capacity coaxial cables to the home (fiber-to-the-node). In some new multi-unit buildings, Rogers has begun installing fiber directly to the home (FTTH) with speeds of up to 8 Gbps. Standard Rogers Xfinity plans offer download speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps. Prices vary depending on speed and region: the basic Starter 100 plan (100/100 Mbps) costs around $70 per month in Alberta, while higher-speed packages can cost between $105 and $120 per month. Rogers offers discounts for signing two-year contracts and for bundling internet with mobile or TV. Customer reviews of Rogers are mixed, with some complaints about customer service and long wait times for technical support.
Bell has traditionally had a limited presence in Alberta, focusing on Ontario and Quebec, but in late 2025, it began rolling out internet services in Alberta and British Columbia, using TELUS' infrastructure through a partnership agreement. If TELUS fibre internet is not available in your area, Bell is also unlikely to be available. Bell's prices for fibre plans in other provinces range from $50 to $130 per month depending on speed, but specific offers for Edmonton are still being finalized as of early 2026.
Alternative and local internet providers
Alternative internet providers (also known as resellers or third-party ISPs) use the infrastructure of larger companies but offer their own customer service, pricing, and contract terms, often without long-term commitments and at lower prices.
TekSavvy is one of Canada's best-known independent Internet service providers, operating in Alberta. TekSavvy uses cable, DSL, and in some locations limited fiber optic infrastructure from major companies such as Rogers and Bell. In Edmonton and other cities in Western Canada, TekSavvy offers plans with speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps. The basic 30 Mbps plan costs around $33.95 per month, while 100 Mbps is available for $48.95 per month. The gigabit plan costs around $74.95-77.95 per month. All TekSavvy plans include unlimited data with no caps or additional overage charges. The company is known for its commitment to no contracts, no hidden fees, and consumer protection. However, customer reviews are mixed, with some complaints about activation delays due to dependence on the technical specialists of large companies, who may prioritize their own customers.
Oxio is a relatively new player in the Edmonton market, but is quickly gaining popularity due to its simplicity, lack of contracts, and good customer service. Oxio offers plans with speeds of 75, 150, and above, starting at $49 per month for the basic 75/7 Mbps plan. The company uses cable infrastructure (coaxial connection required) and provides a free Amazon eero 6 router with no rental fee, which must be returned when service is terminated. Service activation typically occurs within a week of ordering, including a short visit from a technician to verify the coaxial connection. Oxio has a 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing consumers to try the service risk-free. User reviews in Edmonton are mostly positive, highlighting the reliability of the connection, good 4K streaming quality, and excellent customer service through online channels without the need for phone calls. A potential drawback may be slightly higher ping (latency) for gamers due to more complex traffic routing through servers in British Columbia and the US.
GETUS Communications offers competitive internet plans with a focus on affordability and unlimited data usage. The company offers plans with speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps), with prices ranging from $29 to $74-94 per month. Promotional offers often include significant discounts: for example, the Lightning 75 plan (75 Mbps) is $44 per month for 24 months instead of the usual $69. All GETUS plans include unlimited data with no slowdowns or restrictions. The company also offers flexible payment options and 24/7 customer support.
Comwave offers internet service in Edmonton through the Rogers network. Speeds range from 30 Mbps to 1 Gbps, with prices ranging from $29.95 to $89.95 per month. All plans include unlimited data usage. Comwave also offers internet bundles with TV and home phone for additional savings, with bundles starting at $59.90 per month. However, there are some caveats: Comwave charges a one-time activation fee plus a delivery fee for equipment, making it less attractive than providers that offer free installation. Contracts are typically month-to-month, but these upfront fees can be significant. Reviews of Comwave's customer service are mixed.
Q Wave is an Alberta-based internet provider that specializes in services for local energy retailers through partnerships. Q Wave offers both cable and DSL internet with speeds ranging from 6 Mbps to 300 Mbps. The company uses infrastructure installed across Canada by large companies, which guarantees reliability. Q Wave partners with companies such as Park Power, Spot Power, Bow Valley Power, and other members of the UTILITYnet network. This allows consumers to bundle internet with electricity and gas from these local providers. All Q Wave plans include unlimited data usage. Prices are competitive, although customers using DSL should expect an additional monthly ILEC Surcharge (depending on location). A Q Wave modem rental or purchase is also required, with an additional delivery fee.
Water and Sewer Services in Edmonton
Unlike electricity, gas, and internet, water services in Edmonton are a natural monopoly, meaning there is no choice of provider. EPCOR Water Services is the sole provider of water, sewer, and drainage services for the city of Edmonton.
According to EPCOR, most customers pay approximately $74 per month for water consumption in an average single-family home, although this amount does not include fixed fees and may vary from month to month depending on consumption. EPCOR's rate structure includes both variable costs based on consumption and fixed monthly fees.
Variable water charges are structured in three tiers to encourage water conservation: $2.42 per cubic meter for consumption between 0 and 10 m³, $2.65 per m³ for consumption between 10.1 and 35 m³, and $3. 34 per m³ for consumption over 35 m³ (as of April 2025). The fixed monthly service charge for a standard 15-millimeter meter is $16.19 plus $2.87 for fire protection.
Sewer services include a fee for wastewater collection and treatment. The variable rate is $1.27 per cubic meter for all consumption, plus a fixed monthly fee of $6.73. Wastewater treatment adds another $1.27 per cubic meter.
In total, a typical water bill includes approximately $4.97-5.89 per cubic meter of variable costs (depending on consumption) plus about $23-25 in fixed monthly fees for a standard single-family home. EPCOR also manages electricity distribution in Edmonton, allowing residents to bundle multiple services together, although this does not necessarily result in the lowest combined costs compared to using competitive retailers for energy.
Comparative Analysis and Recommendations
When choosing utility and internet providers in Edmonton, consumers are faced with numerous options and must consider several factors: price, rate stability, contract terms, customer service quality, and the convenience of bundling services.
Strategies for choosing energy providers
Consumers should start with a clear understanding of their energy consumption profile. According to EPCOR, the average household in Edmonton consumes about 600 kWh of electricity per month and 9 gigajoules of natural gas per month (primarily for heating). However, this varies significantly depending on the size of the home, the type of heating system, the number of occupants, and the season.
For households that prioritize budget stability and don't want to worry about market price fluctuations, fixed rates are the most appropriate. Among fixed offers as of 2026, the most competitive are those from ATCO Energy (7.68 cents per kWh when combining electricity and gas with a two-year term), Burst Energy (8.23 cents per kWh per year), and BigWiFi (6.99 cents when bundled with other services). It is worth noting that the lowest rate does not always mean the lowest total bill, as administrative fees ranging from $6.90 to $12.50 per month depending on the provider must be taken into account.
For consumers with a higher tolerance for risk and bill fluctuations, variable or floating rates have historically shown a lower average cost over several years. Burst Energy offers a variable rate of “wholesale price plus 0.65 cents per kWh” with a six-month rolling average of around 5.00 cents, which is significantly lower than any fixed rate or RoLR. However, consumers should be prepared for their bills to increase significantly during the harsh winter months when demand for heating increases due to spikes in wholesale prices.
Companies that offer flexibility to switch between fixed and variable rates, such as ENMAX Easymax, provide an interesting compromise by allowing consumers to lock in a rate for the winter and switch to a variable rate in the summer. This requires more attention and active management, but can result in optimal costs throughout the year.
It is also important to use the official Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) comparison tool, which allows you to compare all licensed retailers in Alberta based on your postal code and expected consumption. This free and unbiased tool shows a detailed breakdown of costs, including energy, delivery, and administrative fees, allowing you to make informed comparisons.
Strategies for choosing internet providers
Choosing an internet provider depends on the infrastructure available at your address, the speed you need, and your budget. Consumers should first determine whether fiber optic connectivity (FTTH or FTTN) is available at their address, as this provides the best performance, especially for symmetrical upload and download speeds.
For households with high demands (multiple devices simultaneously, 4K streaming, video conferencing, online gaming), TELUS PureFibre or Rogers Xfinity fiber optic plans with speeds of 500 Mbps to 1.5 Gbps are the best choice. However, these services cost $80-120 per month, which may be too expensive for many budgets. Consumers should actively negotiate with these companies, especially through customer loyalty departments or authorized dealers, to obtain account credits and price reductions.
For households with moderate requirements (HD streaming, web browsing, social networking, remote work), speeds of 75-150 Mbps are quite sufficient and available from alternative providers at significantly lower prices. Oxio at $49 per month for 75 Mbps, TekSavvy at $48.95 for 100 Mbps, or GETUS at $44-49 for 75-100 Mbps offer excellent value for money. These providers also do not require long-term contracts, giving consumers the flexibility to switch if better offers become available.
For consumers on a tight budget or with basic needs (email, web browsing, occasional streaming), entry-level plans from TekSavvy ($33.95 for 30 Mbps) or GETUS ($29 for 25 Mbps) provide basic functionality at an affordable price.
It's important to check customer reviews for a specific provider in your area, as service quality can vary significantly depending on local infrastructure and network load. For alternative providers that rely on the infrastructure of larger companies, activation times may be longer due to dependence on the network owners' technical specialists.
Advantages and disadvantages of bundled solutions
Bundling electricity, gas, and internet with a single provider offers obvious convenience benefits: a single bill, a single point of contact for customer support, and potential bundle discounts. However, this does not always result in the lowest overall costs.
As of 2026, only a few providers in Edmonton offer true “three-in-one” bundles: BigWiFi/Big Energy, Park Power, Spot Power (through a partnership with Q Wave), and Peace Power. Among them, BigWiFi offers the most aggressive bundle discounts, lowering electricity rates to 6.99 cents per kWh and gas to $2.29 per gigajoule when services are fully bundled. This makes their offer very competitive for consumers who want to consolidate everything in one place.
However, consumers should carefully calculate their total costs. Sometimes the lowest electricity rate from one provider plus the lowest gas rate from another plus the lowest internet from a third can result in lower total costs than a “three-in-one” package with slightly higher individual rates. Using the UCA comparison tool for electricity and gas, combined with comparing internet providers through sites such as PlanHub or NetSpeed Canada, will allow you to make the most informed decision.
Another important factor is flexibility. If you have bundled all your services with one provider and later find a significantly better offer on the market, breaking the bundle may be more difficult, especially if some of the services have early termination penalties. Conversely, if each service comes from a separate provider, you can switch one without affecting the others.
Conclusions and practical recommendations
Navigating Edmonton's deregulated utility market requires an active approach from consumers, but it also offers real opportunities to save money and find services that meet individual needs.
For electricity and natural gas, consumers should avoid staying on the Rate of Last Resort (12.01 cents per kWh), as it is almost always more expensive than competitive offers. Switching to a competitive retailer can save 20% to 40% on energy costs, depending on the plan chosen and seasonal consumption. The Utilities Consumer Advocate comparison tool is an indispensable resource for this process.
Consumers who value budget stability and predictability should consider fixed rates from ATCO Energy, Burst Energy, or BigWiFi (when bundling services). Those who are willing to accept monthly fluctuations for a potentially lower average cost should consider variable rates from Burst Energy or Spot Power.
For internet services, consumers have a choice between premium fiber optic offerings from TELUS or Rogers (with active negotiations for discounts) or more affordable alternatives from TekSavvy, Oxio, or GETUS, which provide excellent value for most households. The key is to determine the speed you need based on actual usage, rather than simply purchasing the fastest plan available.
For consumers who value convenience and want to minimize the number of bills, bundled solutions from BigWiFi, Park Power, or Spot Power are viable options. However, it is recommended to check the total cost of the bundle against individual services from specialized providers to ensure that convenience does not come with too high a price premium.
Finally, consumers should review their contracts regularly, especially as renewal dates approach. Alberta's energy market is dynamic, with new offers and providers emerging regularly. Setting a reminder to review your rates once a year and actively participating in comparison shopping can lead to significant savings over many years, giving Edmonton consumers complete control over their utility costs.