Moving?
Read your meter before moving in/out
Most energy providers do not make a special trip to a property to read the meter when account holders change. This is because it is accepted industry practice to estimate electricity and natural gas meter readings when opening or closing accounts.
Natural Gas Estimates
Natural gas usage over the total period (from meter reading to meter reading) is allocated using “degree days”.
Degree Day
A degree day is a measure of how cold it has been over a 24-hour period. It is determined by calculating the mean daily temperature for the day and subtracting it from a base temperature.
Mean daily temperature
The mean daily temperature is calculated by taking the average of the daily maximum and minimum temperatures. The base temperature for northern Alberta is 14.5 degrees Celsius, and 15.5 degrees Celsius for southern Alberta.
Electricity Estimates
Electricity usage is allocated using several factors, including the average daily usage over the last 12-month period.
While this method of allocating usage is highly accurate for most customers, there are always exceptions. To avoid paying energy consumption you did not use, always read your own meter(s) on the day you move out and the day you take possession of the property, and call in your meter readings to the appropriate energy provider.
Visit Reading Your Meters for meter reading instructions.
Regulated Rate or Competitive Service?
It can take 30 to 90 days for competitive service to begin or to switch energy services from one retailer to another. If you are a new utility customer (new to Alberta or moving into your first home) this means you will have to initially connect your electricity and natural gas services with the regulated providers before going on a competitive energy contract.
Expiring Contracts
If you have an existing contract and do not renew or enter into another contract when it expires, your energy service will return to your area's regulated rate provider. You must contact your regulated rate provider to indicate your decision to return to the regulated rate otherwise your home’s energy may get disconnected due to no billing information. There is no penalty for leaving or returning to the regulated rate; however, some regulated energy providers may charge an administration fee to transfer your account back to the regulated rate.
For more information about contracts read our Energy Contracts page.
