Alberta’s Regulated Rate Option (RRO) to change to the Rate of Last Resort

PublishedNovember 21, 2024

Earlier this year, the Government of Alberta announced they would make changes to the Regulated Rate Option (RRO). Effective January 1, 2025 the Government of Alberta will change the Regulated Rate Option to the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR). As a regulated electricity provider, EPCOR will provide the Rate of Last Resort as a set two-year rate to meet the Government of Alberta’s new legislation. The Alberta Utilities Commission has approved the EPCOR RoLR rate at 12.01/kWh.

Frequently asked questions

The Rate of Last Resort (RoLR ) will be the default electricity option in the province of Alberta (currently known as the Regulated Rate Option (RRO). The RoLR is a two-year electricity rate available to Albertans who are not enrolled on a competitive rate.

The Rate of Last Resort will be a fixed rate, from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026, while the current default rate called RRO is a fluctuating rate that changes month to month based on market conditions. The Rate of Last Resort will not fluctuate.

The Government of Alberta’s legislation implements this change on January 1, 2025.

To check if you are currently on the RRO, look for “RRO” 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 (Edmonton customers | customers in all Alberta locations except Edmonton).

Yes, if you are currently on the RRO you will be automatically switched to the Rate of Last Resort on January 1, 2025.

In Alberta, you have the choice to find a rate that fits. Customers who are currently on a default electricity rate are also welcome to explore a variety of available EPCOR rates.

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

The Rate of Last Resort will be decided through processes with the Alberta regulatory authorities, and the rates will be different in each area of the province. The Alberta Utilities Commission has approved the EPCOR RoLR rate effective January 1st to be 12.01 cents/kWh. This rate will be in effect from January 1st, 2025, to December 31, 2026.

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).

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