To compare electricity rates in Alberta, line up the energy charge in cents per kWh, the monthly admin fee, the term, any cancellation fee and the deposit policy, then measure them against the regulated Rate of Last Resort (12.01¢ to 12.06¢/kWh through December 31, 2026). Delivery, transmission, local access fees and riders are the same with every retailer, so leave them out of the comparison.
| Differs by retailer (compare these) | Same with every retailer (do not compare these) |
|---|---|
| Energy charge, in cents per kWh | Distribution charges (your wires company) |
| Monthly admin or fixed fee | Transmission charges |
| Term length and what happens at renewal | Local access fees |
| Cancellation or early exit fees | Delivery-side rate riders |
| Deposit policy | GST |
| Fixed or variable pricing | Your meter, your outage line, your power reliability |
Delivery charges include per-kWh components, so they move with your usage, but the rates are the same whichever retailer you choose.
Fixed: the energy rate is locked for the term. Bright Fire's 1-year fixed electricity rate is 8.29¢/kWh. Your bill still moves with how much power you use, but the rate does not.
Variable: the rate follows the Alberta market price, which changes every month, plus the retailer's adder. Bright Fire's variable rate is Market + 0.85¢/kWh. Big-name retailers typically add 1.5 to 2¢/kWh on top of the market price; Bright Fire adds 0.85¢. Because a variable rate moves month to month, it is not compared with the fixed regulated rate in dollar terms on this site.
More detail in Fixed vs Variable Electricity Rates in Alberta.
Retailers' rates change, but the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) is regulated and published, so it is the one price everyone can check. It is what you pay if you have never chosen a retailer. The current term runs to December 31, 2026, and a new rate is set for 2027 to 2028.
| Area | Wires company | Rate of Last Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Edmonton | EPCOR Distribution & Metering | 12.01¢/kWh |
| FortisAlberta areas (for example Whitecourt, Edson, Spruce Grove) | FortisAlberta | 12.01¢/kWh |
| ATCO Electric areas (for example Grande Prairie, Fox Creek) | ATCO Electric | 12.02¢/kWh |
| Calgary | ENMAX Power | 12.06¢/kWh |
| Red Deer | City of Red Deer Electric Light & Power | 12.06¢/kWh |
Not sure what you are on? See the Regulated Rate Option explained, or the Rate of Last Resort comparison.
The formula is kWh used × rate. At 600 kWh in a month, a typical home, the energy charge on the regulated rate in Edmonton and FortisAlberta areas is 600 × 12.01¢ = $72.06. On Bright Fire's 1-year fixed rate it is 600 × 8.29¢ = $49.74. The difference in the energy charge is $22.32 a month.
| Area | Rate of Last Resort, 600 kWh | Bright Fire 1-year fixed (8.29¢), 600 kWh | Difference per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton (EPCOR) | $72.06 | $49.74 | $22.32 |
| FortisAlberta areas | $72.06 | $49.74 | $22.32 |
| ATCO Electric areas | $72.12 | $49.74 | $22.38 |
| Calgary | $72.36 | $49.74 | $22.62 |
| Red Deer | $72.36 | $49.74 | $22.62 |
Energy charge only. Delivery charges, local access fees, GST and the $9.99 per month Bright Fire admin fee are not included; regulated providers charge their own admin fees. Delivery charges, local access fees and GST are the same with every retailer. This compares published rates at 600 kWh; it is not a guarantee of savings, and your own bill depends on how much power you use. The Bright Fire fixed rate is for a 1-year term. Rates as of October 2026.
For reference, Bright Fire Energy is a trade name of Sponsor Energy Inc., Electricity Licence #343969 and Natural Gas Licence #343970. Bright Fire's admin fee is $9.99 per month. There is no cancellation fee on residential electricity plans, and no deposit on approved credit (OAC).
The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) is an Alberta government service that helps consumers with electricity and natural gas questions. Its free Cost Comparison Tool lets you compare rates and retailer products by property type: residential, small business or farm. It is a good second opinion on any rate, ours included. More in The Utilities Consumer Advocate explained.
Already under contract? Compare your options when you are ready, and check your current contract's end date and terms first.
It is Alberta's regulated default electricity rate, the price you pay if you have never chosen a retailer. The Alberta Utilities Commission sets it for a fixed period; the current figures run through December 31, 2026 and range from 12.01¢ to 12.06¢/kWh depending on your area. Because it is regulated and public, it is a stable benchmark to compare against.
Because it is the part of your bill a retailer can change. Distribution, transmission, local access fees, delivery-side riders and GST are set by your wires company and the regulator and are the same on every retailer's bill. Comparing the energy charge on its own shows the real difference between rates.
A fixed rate stays the same for the whole term, which makes bills predictable. A variable rate follows the monthly Alberta market price plus the retailer's adder, so it moves up and down. Bright Fire's variable rate is Market + 0.85¢/kWh; big-name retailers typically add 1.5 to 2¢/kWh on top of the market price. Compare the adder, and ask how the market figure on your bill is calculated.
No. Delivery is charged by your wires company at the same rates whichever retailer you choose, and your power never goes out when you switch.
The monthly admin fee, the length of the term and what happens at renewal, whether there is a cancellation or early exit fee (and on which products), and the deposit policy. The checklist on this page lists the questions to ask any retailer.
The Utilities Consumer Advocate, an Alberta government service, runs a free Cost Comparison Tool at ucahelps.alberta.ca/cost-comparison-tool/. It is a neutral place to see what is on offer where you live.
The free Bill Check puts your monthly kWh against the regulated rate for your area. Energy charge only, no email needed.
Ready now? Sign up in as little as 4 minutes; the switch itself can take up to 10 to 30 days. No cancellation fees on residential electricity. Questions? Call (780) 779-7188.
No cancellation fees on residential electricity