A New Era
By: Darren Chu
We applaud the recent cabinet shuffle and the decision to consolidate the various government utility departments under one Ministry: the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities. Welcome to the new era.
The immediate challenge that Minister Matt Jones is facing is finding the low-hanging fruit and implementing policy changes quickly before winter sets in. Furthermore, to do so without draining the provincial treasury or causing intended consequences through government intervention. Alberta operates a strong deregulated market, and Albertans have benefitted from the competitive utility market structure.
The Solution is Simple
Did you know that 39% of residential electricity consumers in Alberta are still on the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) and paying more than the other 61% that have already found lower retail prices? For natural gas, 65% of consumers have switched from Direct Energy, the regulated rate supplier. The average consumer will save more than $50 a month by switching from the regulated rate to a deregulated contract. There’s nothing to fear in a switch; most contracts do not have early cancellation fees.
Typical government subsidies or changes to regulations are not required. The process is simple and only requires a phone call from the consumer. If a customer is satisfied with one of the ‘Big 3,’ then they should be encouraged to switch to a lower price under that same retailer. The Utilities Consumer Advocate’s (UCA) mandate is to “advocate for energy consumers;” we recommend that messaging come from them.
* Providing RRO services to consumers in the ATCO Wires territory.
** Best Price from ATCO.
Just call:
If customers had been encouraged to switch earlier this year, they would have saved hundreds of dollars. They just need to call ENMAX, EPCOR, or ATCO and ask to be enrolled at their best competitive rates.
It’s Not Too Late
If a residential homeowner wants an even lower rate – call Spot Power (403-450-3458) or log onto our automated enrollment website to sign up. We also offer discounted rates for seniors and an attractive retail program for Solar microgenerators called the Solar Club.
You can also check with the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA). Their website lists over 30 other retail options for consumers, all with lower utility rates than the prices posted by the traditional RRO providers.
Darren Chu
UTILITYnet.net
P.S. Minister Jones, please call us if you want other suggestions on cutting a consumer’s monthly utility invoice.