Lowering your bill

How can I lower my energy consumption?

Here are some helpful tips to reduce your energy use:

Unplug unused appliances
Maintain or upgrade your furnace and air conditioner
Switch to LED lightbulbs
Wash clothes in cold water
Add motion sensors or timers to outdoor lights
Ensure there are no air leaks around your windows and doors
Rotate ceiling fans counterclockwise in the summer to circulate cool air; turn clockwise in winter to push warm air down

Visit our Learning Centre to find energy efficiency tips for all seasons.

Why is my energy bill higher than usual?

If your energy bill is higher than usual and you're not on Average Billing, it may be due to one or more of the following:

1. A longer billing period: Check the billing dates on your invoice. Billing periods are typically about one month, but delays in receiving meter readings from your distributor can result in a longer billing cycle. More days means more usage, which increases energy, administration, delivery, and government charges. Final bills or missed invoices can also result in a longer billing period.

2. Increased energy use due to weather or home changes: Extended periods of very hot or cold weather can increase energy use as heating and cooling systems run more often. Other factors like adjusting your thermostat, using more appliances (for example, air conditioners or space heaters), having guests, or seasonal changes (like shorter daylight hours) can also increase consumption.

3. Delivery and government charges: When energy use increases, delivery charges (distribution and transmission) and government charges may also increase. Some charges—such as local access fees, municipal franchise fees, and rate riders—can vary based on your usage and billing period.

4. Changes to your rates: If you are on a floating or regulated rate, your energy price can change monthly due to market conditions. Even if your usage stays the same, a higher rate can increase your total bill. Regulated rates are reviewed and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).

5. Billing adjustments or account changes: Your bill may be higher due to corrected usage from your distributor, a balance carried forward from a previous bill, or new sites or services added to your account.

How does energy usage change in cold weather?

During periods of extreme cold, we have seen customers' usage of natural gas will often increase dramatically from what's typical for a month.

In addition, electricity usage can climb more than usual. If you have an air conditioner and extreme heat hits, your electricity bill may climb even higher. Natural gas usage, in particular, is highly seasonal.

The average customer can use 20 GJ in the colder winter months, while that drops to as little as 2 GJ in the summer. But extreme cold can push that even higher. During cold temperatures, as the furnace works to maintain the desired set temperature, it may cycle on more frequently, burning additional gas to reach and sustain higher indoor temperatures.

How does energy usage change in warm weather?

With warmer weather, electricity consumption may increase, especially if you have air conditioning. Even without AC, you may be running fans. Appliances like the fridge and freezer must work harder to stay cool. It's important to remember that on both hot and cold days, you do not need to adjust your thermostat to cool or heat your home faster.

How can I reduce my energy bills?

The simplest way to reduce your energy bills is to reduce consumption. To help, we have put together several  blogs on how to save energy. Some simple ideas include:

Adjust the thermostat (down in the winter, up in the summer if you have air conditioning). Even a few degrees can make a significant difference. Lower or turn off the heat in unused space (Garage, storage, barn).

Check windows and doors for drafts and properly seal them. Turn off lights when not in use. Invest in energy-efficient options (LED lightbulbs, programmable thermostats, etc.)

Unplugging unused electronics as well as can help with decreasing the consumption.

I can't afford this bill. Are there any options for me?

If you’re having trouble paying your balance, Direct Energy offers a Financial Assistance Plan for eligible customers. This plan helps make payments more manageable by spreading your outstanding balance across multiple payments, which are added to your future monthly bills along with your new energy usage.

You can log in to your Online Account or contact us at 1-866-374-6299 to learn more about available support options and see if you’re eligible.

You may also want to explore programs offered by local social service agencies, which can sometimes provide additional financial assistance.

If you’re looking for more predictable monthly costs going forward, you may also consider enrolling in Average Billing, if you’re eligible.

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