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Want to know more about your energy options? Looking for ways to save on energy usage? We're here to help you make an educated decision.
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Get 7.79¢/kWh for electricity and $3.89/GJ for natural gas on a 2-year plan.
Check out our energy plans for restaurants and learn how to make your business more energy efficient.
Want to know more about your energy options? Looking for ways to save on energy usage? We're here to help you make an educated decision.
Manage your energy account anytime. View bills, make payments, track your energy use, access rewards and more—all in one place.
How to set up gas and electricity in Alberta
Updated on July 30, 2026
9-minute read
How to set up gas and electricity in Alberta
Updated on July 30, 2026
9-minute read
Alberta’s electricity and natural gas markets operate differently from many other provinces due to deregulation. Understanding how deregulation works and why it was introduced can help customers better understand their energy choices today.
Deregulation allows Albertans to choose between regulated and competitive energy providers, influencing pricing, contracts, and how energy appears on a bill.
Knowing the history behind Alberta’s deregulated energy market provides useful context for understanding rate changes, provider options, and billing structures.
Whether you're new to Alberta or moving into a new house or apartment for the first time, you'll need to set up your home utilities before moving day arrives. Here's everything you need to know about setting up electricity and natural gas for the first time, choosing your energy provider, and finding a rate option that best suits your needs!
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Depending on where you live in Alberta, you typically have two options when buying electricity and natural gas - the regulated rate or sign up with a retail energy provider like Direct Energy.
Regulated rates are the default option for anyone who has yet to select a retailer or prefers a month-to-month rate without a contract. The regulated rate (electric and natural gas for regulated) can fluctuate from month to month, depending on market conditions.
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).
If this is your first time setting up electricity or natural gas in Alberta, here are some quick tips:
Contact your chosen energy provider. If you're new to the area or a first-time utility customer, contact the energy provider a month prior (or at least two weeks) to your move to allow time for your services to be turned on by your move-in date. If you are moving to a new residence now and require utilities to be set up immediately, you will most likely have to start with the Regulated Rate in your area since regulated providers can have your services turned on within 1-5 days.
Be prepared to provide information to set up service. New customers must provide their full name and contact information (phone number and email), service address, and desired service start date.
Are you renting? Confirm with your landlord or apartment management company what utility services are included with your rent if you're a tenant. Knowing which services you'll be responsible for setting up is helpful and will save you time.
Plan for additional fees. The distribution company for your area may request a deposit or charge a one-time fee for connection or disconnection. Direct Energy doesn't charge enrollment fees for electricity and natural gas services.
Confirm your services. Shortly before your move, call your energy provider again to confirm that your utilities will be transferred to your new address and confirm if you need any appointments to turn on service.
Here's what you should know after you arrive at your new residence
Make sure your services are on. If possible, check to see if your utilities are on before you settle in and start unpacking. Call your provider right away if your services are not turned on to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Manage your account online. If you haven't already, sign up on your energy provider's website to manage your account online. Most account management portals allow you to set up automatic payments, get important notices, renew your plan and more.
How do I sign up for gas and electricity in Alberta?
Enrolling for service with Direct Energy is simple, and you can do it over the phone or via the web, depending upon your location in our service area. There will be no service interruptions, no hassles and you'll receive the same monthly bill as always from your local utility company.
Compare plans to find one that matches your needs. We offer fixed and variable rate plans that allow you to bundle your electricity and natural gas on one bill. You also have the option to add a percentage of Green energy to the energy bundle or electricity plan of your choice.
Complete the sign-up process online in less than 10 minutes or call us. Be prepared to provide your contact information, service address, and desired service start date. That's it!
Besides signing up for an energy plan, there are many other things to consider when planning a move, and we want to help! We've put together a quick list of tips to make your transition easier.
It’s best to set up electricity and natural gas at least a few days before your move-in date to ensure service is active when you arrive.
Yes. Many providers allow you to transfer your service, making it easier to keep the same plan when you move.
You typically need your new address, move-in date, identification, and preferred energy plan details.
In many cases, service can be activated within a day, but timing can vary depending on your provider and location.
Delays in setting up service can result in your home not having electricity or natural gas when you move in.
Moving within Alberta? Learn how to transfer your Direct Energy service, plan for moving costs, forward your mail and prepare for moving day.
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We make it easy for you to transfer your account to your new home.
