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Choose your term, set up Auto Pay and enjoy more predictable monthly billing.
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.
The only energy account app in Alberta‡—built to give you fast, easy access to bills, insights, rewards and more.
New to Direct Energy? Get an exclusive offer when you download the app.§
Are Alberta electricity rates going down in 2026?
Updated on June 15, 2026
4-minute read
Are Alberta electricity rates going down in 2026?
Updated on June 15, 2026
4-minute read
Alberta electricity prices stabilized through 2024 and remained significantly lower heading into 2026 compared to the record highs experienced in 2023.
According to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), additional natural gas generation, renewable energy growth and increased overall grid supply helped reduce pressure on Alberta’s wholesale electricity market.
Electricity prices in Alberta can still fluctuate due to weather, demand, natural gas prices and broader market conditions.
A fixed-rate electricity plan can help provide protection against future price swings while offering more predictable monthly energy rates.
Many Alberta energy retailers, including Direct Energy, offer flexible plans with no long-term commitment or exit fees.
After record-high electricity prices in 2023, many Albertans have been asking the same question: Are Alberta electricity rates finally coming down?
The short answer is yes. Alberta electricity prices stabilized through 2024 and remained lower heading into 2026 compared to the volatility experienced during the peak pricing period.
According to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), increased power generation capacity—including new natural gas generation and continued renewable energy growth—helped improve overall supply conditions and reduce pressure on Alberta’s electricity market.
While market conditions can still change, many Albertans are seeing more stability in electricity pricing compared to recent years.
Several factors helped lower electricity prices in Alberta after the spikes seen in 2023.
According to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), Alberta added significant new power generation capacity over the last two years, including natural gas generation, renewables and battery storage projects. More supply on the grid helps improve reliability and can reduce price volatility during periods of high demand.
Natural gas generation continues to play a major role in Alberta’s electricity market because it can respond quickly during peak demand periods and support grid stability.
In 2023, Alberta saw record-high electricity prices driven by a mix of extreme weather, high demand, generation outages and tight supply conditions across the provincial grid.
Since then, improved generation availability and additional supply entering the market have helped ease some of that pressure. Alberta’s wholesale electricity market remains dynamic, but prices have generally moderated compared to the extreme highs customers saw previously.
Following the 2023 price spikes, Alberta introduced interim market measures intended to improve competition and discourage artificial price inflation during peak demand periods.
These measures focused on generator availability and pricing practices during high-demand events to help support more stable electricity pricing for consumers.
Electricity prices in Alberta can still change over time.
Unlike some provinces with fully regulated electricity pricing, Alberta operates a competitive electricity market. That means electricity rates are influenced by supply and demand, weather, fuel costs, infrastructure investment and overall market conditions.
Factors that may impact Alberta electricity prices in the future include:
While prices have stabilized compared to 2023, Alberta electricity rates can still move up or down depending on market conditions.
The right electricity plan depends on your comfort with market fluctuations and how much price certainty you want.
A fixed-rate electricity plan locks your energy rate for the length of your term. Many Albertans choose fixed rates when prices are lower because it can help protect against future volatility and make monthly budgeting easier.
Benefits of fixed-rate plans can include:
A floating-rate plan changes with market conditions. When wholesale electricity prices are lower, floating rates may help customers benefit from those decreases. However, rates can also increase during periods of high demand or market volatility.
Floating-rate plans may appeal to customers who:
At Direct Energy, customers can switch between eligible plans if their needs change, with no enrollment or exit fees.
Your electricity rate is only one part of your total bill.
Alberta electricity bills also include delivery charges, transmission fees, local access fees and other regulated costs. These charges are set by utilities or municipalities and are separate from your energy retailer. Your retailer collects these charges on behalf of the utility provider and remits them directly each month.
Even when electricity commodity prices decrease, total bills can still fluctuate depending on:
Understanding the difference between energy charges and delivery charges can help explain why your bill may change month to month.
Alberta electricity prices increased significantly in 2023 due to high demand, limited supply availability, generation outages, extreme weather and market conditions that created upward pressure on wholesale electricity prices.
Compared to the record highs seen in 2023, Alberta electricity prices have generally stabilized through 2024, 2025 and into 2026. However, electricity prices can still fluctuate depending on market conditions and demand.
A fixed-rate electricity plan may help provide stability and protect against future market spikes. Customers who value predictable monthly rates often choose fixed plans for budgeting and peace of mind.
Many Alberta electricity retailers offer flexible options that allow customers to switch eligible plans if their needs change. Always review your agreement details and terms before switching.
Your total electricity bill includes more than just your energy rate. Delivery charges, transmission fees, local access fees and seasonal usage can all affect your monthly bill.
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).
Alberta's deregulated energy market provides consumers with a unique opportunity to take advantage of regulated rates and fixed-rate plans. Learn more about your energy options.
In 2023, Alberta's electricity regulated rate option (RRO) hit all-time highs due to changes in market conditions and global events. Find out why.
Stay informed with our monthly electricity and natural gas price forecast for regulated or variable customers. Learn more about the key factors that affect your energy rate.
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Direct Energy Regulated Services offers market-based monthly rates in select communities in Alberta. Find out if your municipality is served by us.
Both energy solutions provide natural gas and electricity to power your home or business, but are different when it comes to signing up, contracts and rates. Compare your energy options.
A guide for first time utility customers in Alberta. Learn about your options and how to set up natural gas and electricity.
Besides transferring your energy plan, there are many other things to consider when planning a move! We've put together a quick list of tips to make your transition easier.
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