Understanding the Rate of Last Resort

W​​​hat does the Rate of Last Resort mean?

As a retailer and wires company in Alberta, EPCOR buys energy from the competitive wholesale market and delivers it to your home or business.

Albertans can choose between a competitive energy retailer with a fixed or variable rate, or the Rate of Last Resort. 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 – December 31, 2026.

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 electricity.

How regulated rates are determined

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 – December 31, 2026. 

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

Rate of Last Resort ​eligibility

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​

If you're not sure which rate option you are currently on, learn more about how to understand your bill​​​.

Learn about your rate options

In Alberta, you have the opportunity to choose your utility rate option. You can choose a plan with a competitive energy retailer, with options for a fixed rate or floating rate plan, or remain on the Rate of Last Resort. For more information on Alberta electricity rates and how electricity is governed in Alberta, please visit:

• The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) or
• The Alberta Utilities Commission​ (AUC)​​​ ​​