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Which services offer the cheapest electricity and gas?

Edmonton, like all of Alberta, has a unique advantage—a deregulated energy market. This means you are not tied to a single supplier and are free to choose the company that offers the best rates. However, the large number of options often creates confusion: fixed rates, floating rates, administrative fees, and hidden charges.

As of the end of 2025, the market situation has changed significantly. Whereas fixed rates used to be a safeguard against price spikes, the most profitable strategy for most households now is to switch to market (floating) rates.

This article takes a detailed look at which services offer the cheapest energy in Edmonton, how to avoid overpaying, and what to look for when choosing a provider.

1. The main rule for saving money in 2025: Fixed or Floating?

Before naming specific companies, it is important to understand the mechanics of pricing. Your final bill amount depends on the type of rate you choose.

Floating Rate — Winner of the Season

This is currently the cheapest option in Edmonton.

How it works: The price changes monthly depending on the market value of energy.

Current situation: Market prices for electricity have fallen to historically low levels (around 4.5–5.5 cents per kWh). For comparison, the government-regulated rate (RRO]]) and older fixed contracts often exceed 12 cents per kWh.

Who it's for: Those who are willing to accept minor price fluctuations in exchange for significant long-term savings.

Fixed Rate — Stability for a premium

How it works: You “lock in” the price for 1, 3, or 5 years.

Current situation: Most fixed rates are currently offered in the range of 9–10 cents per kWh. This is almost twice the current market price.

Who it's for: Those who are terrified of price spikes and are willing to pay “insurance” for bill stability.

Regulated rate (RRO / Rate of Last Resort) — The most expensive option

If you have never signed a contract with a retailer, you are probably being served by EPCOR at the RRO]] rate. This is currently one of the most expensive options (about 12 cents per kWh). Recommendation: change this rate immediately.

2. Overview of the cheapest providers in Edmonton

Both large corporations and smaller “independent” retailers operate in Edmonton. Often, it is the smaller companies that offer better terms due to lower administrative costs.

Category: “Lowest price and flexibility” (Independent retailers)

These companies often offer the lowest markups on wholesale prices and lower administrative fees.

Park Power

This is a local provider (based in Sherwood Park) that positions itself as a cheaper alternative to large corporations.

Advantage: They offer a very competitive floating rate, which is often just the wholesale price + 1 cent/kWh.

Administrative fees: Usually lower than those of large players.

Special feature: Part of the profits are donated to local charitable initiatives. No penalties for terminating the contract (only 10 days' notice is required).

Peace Power

Another strong independent player specializing in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Advantage: Very low administrative costs. They offer some of the most competitive floating rates on the market.

Terms: Easy switch, no hidden fees or exit penalties. This is a great option for those who want a “clean” market price.

Olympus Energy

A lesser-known but very affordable provider.

Advantage: Their floating rate shows some of the lowest averages over the last 5 years (about 4.99 cents/kWh on average).

Flexibility: No long-term commitments, making it easy to switch providers if the market changes.

Reliability and Bundles Category (Large Corporations)

If you feel more comfortable working with a large brand, consider subsidiaries of major utilities, but only on competitive contracts, not RRO]].

Encor by EPCOR

This is a competitive division of EPCOR (not to be confused with the regulated EPCOR (RRO).

Offer: They often offer “bundles” (electricity + gas) that give a small discount or better terms.

Fixed rates: If you still want a fixed rate, Encor offers some of the most reliable terms with no hidden “surprises,” although their rates may be slightly higher than independent players.

Convenience: All services (water, garbage, electricity, gas) can be billed on a single EPCOR bill, which is very convenient for administration.

ENMAX Energy

Based in Calgary, but very popular in Edmonton.

Offer: Known for their “EasyMax” program. It allows you to easily switch between fixed and floating rates once a month without penalties.

Why it's beneficial: You can stay on a cheap floating rate in the summer, and if prices jump in the winter, switch to a fixed rate.

Bonus: They often offer one-time credits to your account (e.g., $50-$100) when you sign up new customers.

Direct Energy

Important: Be sure to choose contract offers, not “Direct Energy Regulated Services.”

Offer: They often have promotional offers for new customers, but it is worth reading the terms and conditions carefully regarding penalties for terminating the contract.

3. Comparison of gas prices

The situation is similar with gas. The market price for natural gas is currently very low.

Floating gas rate: Currently fluctuates between $1.50 and $2.70 per gigajoule (GJ]]). This is very cheap.

Fixed gas rate: Usually offered in the range of $3.99 to $4.59 per gigajoule (GJ]).

Verdict: By choosing a floating gas rate from providers such as Spot Power, Park Power, or Direct Energy (contract), you can save up to 40-50% on the cost of fuel itself during the winter months.

4. Hidden fees: What to look out for

Even if the price per kilowatt seems low, your bill may be high due to additional fees. When choosing the cheapest service, check:

Admin Fee (Administrative fee]]): This is a fixed fee for account maintenance.

  • For large companies, this is usually $7-$9 per month for each service (gas/electricity).
  • For independent companies (Park Power, Peace Power), this can be $5-$7 or even less under certain conditions.

Transaction Fee: Some independent retailers add a small markup (e.g., 0.75–1 cent) to each kWh sold. This is their earnings on floating rates. Make sure this markup is not too high.

Distribution & Transmission Charges: Important! These charges make up 40-60% of your bill, and they are the same for everyone. It doesn't matter if you're with EPCOR or Park Power — the fee for delivering energy (wires, pipes) is set by the government and depends on your consumption, not your provider. You cannot reduce these costs by changing companies.

5. Final recommendation: Who to choose?

If you want absolute savings (the cheapest option):

Choose an independent retailer with a floating rate.

Best options: Park Power or Peace Power.

Why: Minimal markups, low admin fees, support for local businesses. You pay the real market price (currently ~5 cents) plus a small commission.

If you want a balance of price and convenience (the golden mean):

Choose ENMAX (EasyMax).

Why: The ability to “jump” between fixed and floating rates gives you control. You can take advantage of cheap market rates now, but have a “plan B” in the form of a fixed price if the market becomes unstable. Plus, their bills are clear and transparent.

If you want simplicity (one bill for everything):

Choose Encor by EPCOR.

Why: If you live in Edmonton, you already receive a bill from EPCOR for water and garbage. By adding gas and electricity from Encor, you will only have one bill per month. It's not always 100% the cheapest, but it saves time and hassle.

How to switch?

The process takes 5-10 minutes online. You don't need to call your old provider (the new one will do it for you) and no one will come to your home to cut the wires. Just go to the website of the company you choose, enter your address and current account information (Site ID), and the switch will happen automatically.