Why Alberta’s regulated natural gas rate stays low

• What is regulated natural gas in Alberta
• Regulated vs fixed natural gas rates in Alberta
• How regulated natural gas rates are calculated in Alberta
• Benefits of regulated natural gas for existing customers
• When regulated natural gas rates are lowest in Alberta

With Alberta’s regulated natural gas rate, you can enjoy flexibility, fairness, and transparency without locking into a long-term plan.

Key benefits include:

• Lower prices when market rates drop: You automatically pay the market-based rate rather than being locked into a higher fixed plan
• No contracts or fees: Join or leave anytime as there are no enrollment or exit fees
• A fair rate you can trust: Every monthly rate is reviewed and approved by the AUC, ensuring it’s reasonable and cost-reflective
• Fast and simple setup: Service can usually start the same day in most cases

When conditions are favourable, like they are now, regulated rates can be significantly lower than fixed plans.

We know that the market price for natural gas can fluctuate depending on global and local factors, just like gasoline for your vehicle.

Each month, our team at Direct Energy Regulated Services estimates how much natural gas our customers will need and how much it will cost to buy from producers for the month ahead. We then calculate the Gas Cost Flow-Through Rate, which directly reflects the market price of natural gas at that time.

To make sure pricing stays fair over time, we also review the previous month’s rate:

• If the forecast was too high, and we collected more than necessary, that amount is credited back in the next month’s rate
• If it was too low, the shortfall is added to the following month’s rate

Since we’re a regulated service, every rate we charge must be reviewed and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), so you can be confident you’re paying a rate that’s accurate and reasonable based on actual market conditions.

While Direct Energy Regulated Services doesn’t control distribution or delivery fees, we work hard to ensure our gas pricing remains transparent, consistent, and fair.

Read more about how we set our natural gas prices.

If you’re already on regulated natural gas, you’re benefiting from:

• Market-aligned pricing that remains competitive when wholesale costs fall
• Consumer protection through monthly rate oversight by the AUC
• Freedom to switch anytime to a fixed-rate plan if long-term stability fits your needs

Your regulated plan gives you the best of both worlds, flexibility today and choice tomorrow.

Alberta’s regulated natural gas rate often trends lower during milder seasons and periods of strong supply, like we’ve seen in 2025. Since the rate follows the market cost of gas, customers automatically benefit when wholesale prices drop.

If you’re currently on a fixed-rate plan, it’s worth comparing today’s regulated rate. You may find you’re paying much less per GJ with the regulated option.