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Idle Billing

Idle Billing

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Idle Billing

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If your property is in rural Alberta and ATCO Electric is your electricity distributor, you may continue receiving an electricity bill after your power has been disconnected.

This is because ATCO Electric applies Idle Billing charges to eligible properties that remain connected to the electrical grid, even when no electricity is being used, and these distributor charges will be included on your bill.

Idle Billing is a charge applied by ATCO Electric to certain rural properties that remain connected to the electrical grid after electricity service has been disconnected.

These charges help cover the cost of maintaining the electrical infrastructure that continues to serve your property, even when no electricity is being used. Because the property remains connected to the grid, electricity service can be restored without rebuilding the electrical connection.

The amount you pay depends on your location and Idle Billing may not begin immediately after your service is disconnected.

If your electricity service has been disconnected but your property remains connected to the electrical grid, you may be charged Idle Billing.

These charges are applied by ATCO Electric to help maintain the electrical infrastructure serving your property. Direct Energy Regulated Services collects these charges on behalf of your distributor as part of your electricity bill.

Idle Billing only applies to customers who:

  • Have a rural property in Alberta
  • Have ATCO Electric as their electricity distributor
  • Have disconnected electricity service but remain connected to the electrical grid

If these conditions don't apply to your property, Idle Billing charges won't appear on your electricity bill.

The only way to stop paying Idle Billing is to permanently disconnect your property from the electrical grid.

This process is called salvaging and involves removing the electrical infrastructure from your property, such as the meter, power lines and poles. Salvaging is generally recommended only if you don't expect to need electricity at the property again, as reconnecting service later can be costly and time-consuming.

Before making this decision, contact ATCO Electric at 1-800-668-5506 to learn more about the costs, process and long-term implications.

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Illustration of two individuals shaking hands, representing partnership and mutual understanding.
Illustration of two individuals shaking hands, representing partnership and mutual understanding.

Are you on a fixed or variable rate plan? We have more FAQs specifically for Direct Energy customers.

See more FAQs

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Hours: 7:00am - 9:00pm MST (Monday to Friday), 8:00am - 4:30pm (Saturday), Closed Sundays