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Pair electricity and natural gas to enjoy low introductory rates until December 31, 2026.*
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.
Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) replaces Alberta's RRO
Updated on July 19, 2026
6-minute read
Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) replaces Alberta's RRO
Updated on July 19, 2026
6-minute read
In Alberta, customers can receive electricity and natural gas service through regulated providers or choose a competitive retailer. Regulated rates are reviewed and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission and can change over time based on market conditions.
Understanding how regulated rates work can help explain why monthly pricing may rise or fall. Unlike fixed contracts, regulated rates reflect current market conditions rather than locking in a set price.
Knowing the difference between regulated and competitive options can help customers evaluate their choices and decide what level of price stability or flexibility works best for their household.
The Rate of Last Resort is Alberta’s default regulated electricity rate that replaced the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) on January 1, 2025. It’s a fixed rate set every two years and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission to provide price stability for customers who have not chosen, or are not currently with, a competitive energy retailer.
The price of Alberta's Rate of Last Resort which has been approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), will vary across different areas of the province.
The Government of Alberta replaced the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) with the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) to give the default electricity rate a clearer, more accurate name. The goal is to help Albertans better understand that this rate is intended as a backup or default option, not a long-term plan, and to encourage customers to compare competitive fixed-rate plans for more choice and stability.
Unlike the RRO which is a monthly fluctuating rate that adjusts based on the market, the Rate of Last Resort is set every two years to avoid sudden spikes in pricing for customers.
The Rate of Last Resort is a fixed rate from January 1, 2025, until December 31, 2026, and can only go up or down by a maximum of 10% at the end of each 2-year term.
The Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) is available to residential and small business customers in Alberta who use less than 250,000 kWh of electricity per year which is roughly what a typical home uses (about 7,600 kWh annually).
If you haven’t signed a contract with a competitive retailer and your usage is below that threshold, you’re automatically enrolled in the RoLR through your default provider.
As of January 1, 2025, Alberta’s Regulated Rate Option (RRO) transitioned to the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR), a two-year fixed rate approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
Here’s how the RoLR compares to competitive fixed-rate electricity plans offered by retailers:
The RoLR fixed rate is a regulated fixed rate that is set every two years and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The RoLR can only go up or down by a maximum of 10% at the end of each 2-year term. Whereas, competitive fixed rate plans are determined by individual retailers based on market conditions and business strategies, offering various term lengths and rates.
The RoLR fixed rate is automatically applied to customers without a competitive contract and doesn’t have any customization options. With a competitive fixed rate plan, you can select different term lengths, rates and additional features like green energy options as well as benefit from incentives and promotions.
While both rates provide price stability, competitive fixed rate plans allow you to select a term length that fits your preferences.
Both the RoLR and competitive fixed-rate plans include standard delivery and administration charges. The RoLR also includes a small consumer-awareness surcharge approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission.
Yes. The Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) includes a small 0.1¢/kWh surcharge that goes to the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA), a government-appointed office that helps Albertans understand their energy options. This fee supports educational programs and customer awareness updates, which the UCA shares every two months using basic contact information from RoLR customers. Aside from this awareness fee, your regular delivery, administration, and transmission charges will still apply as shown on your bill.
You can confirm by checking your electricity bill. If your bill lists Direct Energy Regulated Services, EPCOR Rate of Last Resort, or ENMAX Rate of Last Resort as your provider, you’re on the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR).
Yes. All Albertans who were on the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) and didn’t choose a competitive plan were automatically moved to the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) on January 1, 2025. No action was required.
Yes, you have options! We offer fixed-rate electricity plans with no exit fees, combined billing, and exclusive promotions. All you need to do is sign up for a fixed-rate plan online or give us a call at 1-855-452-8869.
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).
No, the Rate of Last Resort only applies to regulated electricity. Regulated natural gas isn’t affected by these changes.
Both electricity and natural gas rates are reviewed by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), but they’re set separately based on different market factors. That’s why natural gas prices have remained lower than electricity rates over the past two years.
No changes there! Your regulated natural gas rate stays the same. Learn more about how regulated natural gas pricing works.
A fixed-rate electricity plan protects you from market price swings and gives you budget certainty for as long as your term lasts.
There are no enrollment or exit fees, and if market prices drop, you can switch back to a market-based rate anytime. Knowing exactly what you’ll pay each month helps you plan ahead and manage your household energy costs with confidence.
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).
The Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) is Alberta’s default regulated electricity rate for eligible customers who have not chosen a competitive retailer. It replaced the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) on January 1, 2025.
The RRO changed monthly based on market conditions, while the RoLR is a fixed rate set every two years. The RoLR can only increase or decrease by up to 10 percent at the end of each term.
The RoLR is available to residential and small business electricity customers in Alberta who use less than 250,000 kWh per year and have not signed a contract with a competitive retailer.
No. The Rate of Last Resort only applies to regulated electricity. Regulated natural gas rates are set separately and are not affected by this change.
Yes. Customers who were on the Regulated Rate Option and did not choose a competitive plan were automatically moved to the Rate of Last Resort on January 1, 2025.
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