Understanding the Rate of Last Resort

Learn more information about the Rate of Last Resort, including how the rate is determined.

On January 1, 2025, the Government of Alberta changed the default electricity option from the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) to the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR).

About the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR)

Albertans can choose between a competitive energy retailer with a fixed or variable rate, or the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR). Here are the details you need to know:

Albertans who have not signed a contract with a retailer are on the Rate of Last Resort for electricity. In Edmonton, EPCOR provides the regulated services for electricty.
If you were on the Regulated Rate Option, you have been automatically transitioned to the Rate of Last Resort. You can stay on the RoLR or choose a competitive energy plan.
The Rate of Last Resort is approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission and is set for a two-year period. The current rate period is January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026.

For more information about the Rate of Last Resort, visit ucahelps.ca.

Current rates

Check out the current Rate of Last Resort for your:

There are other rate options available

Choose what's right for you

In Alberta, you have the opportunity to choose your utility rate option. You can choose a plan with a competitive energy retailer like Encor by EPCOR, with options for a fixed rate or floating rate plan, or remain on the Rate of Last Resort. See what EPCOR offers.

For more information on Alberta electricity rates and how electricity is governed in Alberta, please visit:

Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA)
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)

Frequently asked questions

The Rate of Last Resort is set for a two-year period while the previous default rate (the Regulated Rate Option) was a fluctuating rate that changed month to month based on market conditions. The Rate of Last Resort will not fluctuate.

To see what rate you're currently on, look for "Rate of Last Resort" on your monthly EPCOR electricity bill under the electricity charges or log into My Account using the button in the main menu.

Learn how to understand your bill.

Yes – there is one. The Government’s regulation applies a 0.1¢ per kWh surcharge to the RoLR rate for consumer awareness, which will go directly to the Government of Alberta’s Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA). RoLR providers must provide the UCA with basic contact information for RoLR customers every two months in order for the UCA to contact these customers about electricity plan options. This information will include customers’ full names, phone numbers, email addresses and mailing addresses. Aside from this surcharge, regular fees and charges will still apply.

For information about this surcharge, contact the UCA at ucahelps.ca or call 310-4822 (toll free in Alberta).

To be eligible for the Rate of Last Resort, you need to:

Be a residential or farm and irrigation customer
Be a small business or commercial operation that uses less than 250,000 kWh of electricity per year
Be 16 years of age or older

Based on a rate-setting plan approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission, we buy electricity two years in advance to help stabilize prices for our customers.

The Rate of Last Resort is a regulated rate that is set for a two-year period. The current rate period is January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026.

Each Rate of Last Resort provider is required to submit their rate to the Alberta Utilities Commission for approval.

Customers are free to purchase natural gas services or electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310-4822 (toll free in Alberta).