menu icon
Fixed-rate plans Regulated rates
Select Service Location Select service location
Log in
Shop now
Select Service Location Select service location
Pay your bill Log in

Sign up for fixed rates:

1-855-452-8869

Direct Energy customer support:

1-866-374-6299

Direct Energy Regulated Services sales & support:

1-866-420-3174

Limited time offer on 2-Year Plans!

Get a fixed-rate with no commitment. Switching takes less than 5 minutes, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.

View offer
Three people in a restaurant, gathered around a tablet, reviewing table layout.

Our energy plans for your business are not one-size-fits-all.

Check out our energy plans for restaurants and learn how to make your business more energy efficient. 

 

Learn how

Your go-to resource for all things energy related in Alberta.

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.

 

Visit our learning centre

Sign up for Auto Pay!

Set up Auto Pay to avoid missing a payment and late fees.

 

Auto Pay
Skip to main content

Find the right energy plan for your auto repair shop
 

View plans

What uses the most energy in automotive repair shops?

Operating an automotive repair shop requires a lot of overhead in terms of tools, shop equipment and utilities. Most of the technology and equipment needed to do repairs require a great deal of electricity, in addition to the energy needs of keeping the shop comfortable and well-lit.

Like most commercial buildings, lighting uses a significant amount of energy in automotive service shops. However, according to data reported by MidAmerican Energy, miscellaneous activities like powering equipment - primarily motors that drive compressors, fans and electric dryers) make up about 33 percent of the electricity used by auto shops and uses more power than any other activity.

While shop owners have limited options to lower their overall overhead expenses, there are ways to at least reduce their energy costs. Taking steps to make the shop more energy efficient and choosing the right plan for their business can help lower their monthly energy bill.

How to tune up your auto shop's energy bill

The energy categories below are essential areas for savings opportunities in auto service shops. Some of these tips cost nothing to implement. Still, some of our recommendations involve low-cost or capital investments that can lead to profitable returns in the months and years ahead.

Sources: ENERGY STAR Action Workbook for Small Business; Midamerican Energy Company

Space heating, cooling and ventilation

HVAC equipment uses a significant amount of energy in an auto shop. Listed below are a few ways to reduce heating and cooling costs, from simple changes to equipment replacement.

  • Simple action: Seal around windows and doors with new caulk and weather stripping every few years to prevent energy loss. Also, service equipment and change filters regularly.
  • Low-cost investment: Upgrade to a programmable thermostat to ensure heating and cooling equipment runs less often after business hours.
  • Capital investment: Bay doors open and close all day as vehicles enter and exit, which increases heating and cooling loads. Install insulated garage doors to ensure warm or cool air stays inside.

Lighting

Energy efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs and lamps, is a low-cost, long-term solution in helping to reduce your electricity bill. Switching to LEDs will also reduce replacement costs since they have a longer life span.

  • Simple action: Turn lights off when a space is not in use.
  • Low-cost investment: Install sensors to turn lights off if there's adequate sunlight or when the area is not in use.
  • Capital investment: In shop areas, replacing high bay lights will save energy and maintenance costs due to LEDs' longer life span. Replace exterior lights with LEDs to save even more.

Repair and replace

Miscellaneous energy use, such as compressed air systems, hydraulic lifts, and other mechanical equipment, can significantly increase electricity costs. Make sure the equipment is appropriately functioning to lower the cost.

  • Simple action: Periodically check air compressor belts for wear and tension, and check for leaks in hoses. Stagger equipment start times to help reduce peak demand charges.
  • Low-cost investment: Have shop equipment regularly serviced to ensure an extended lifespan of motors, compressors, and other mechanical equipment. Change air compressor filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Capital investment: Install a new, energy-efficient air compressor and make sure the system size and pressure performance are optimized for your needs and efficiency.

We're more than just a retail energy company. We strive to ensure our business customers have the tools and resources they need to get the most out of their energy service.

Alberta has never had more choices available in energy options than it does now. Our large and small business customers value the security of the ultimate buying power with access to competitively priced energy rates in the market. Energy plans are not one-size-fits-all in the vast deregulated energy market. This can make trying to compare electricity rates in Alberta complicated and overwhelming. But we're here to simplify things.

Male car mechanic working under vehicle with wrench in hand
Male car mechanic working under vehicle with wrench in hand
Male car mechanic working under vehicle with wrench in hand

Energy plans for automotive repair businesses are not one-size-fits-all

Just like we rely on auto repair services to keep our cars on the road, auto repair shop owners can count on Direct Energy for affordable energy plans and reliable service.
 

As market-rate prices rise, now's the perfect time to secure your business energy rates. We offer guaranteed rates and flexible plans. You can lock in your electricity or natural gas rate for up to five years, or bundle and save to get the best value for your business.

View our business plans

There are other ways to reduce energy costs for your business.

To see what other cost-cutting things your can do, select from one the categories that matches your business stye:

Select a business type

Sign up in 2 easy steps!

1

Select your plan

Choose the plan that fits your business needs.

2

Sign up online or by phone

That's it, we'll take care of the rest.

View our business plans

Why choose Direct Energy for your small business?

Price protection

Enjoy peace of mind with fixed natural gas and electricity rates. Your energy rate stays the same for the entire plan.

Cancel anytime

There are no exit fees, so you can cancel anytime.

Easy sign up

Switching is really simple. Sign up online or give us a call.

Have a question about a plan or need help placing an order?

Call us: 1-866-374-6299

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

To enroll, you will need:

  • To be the person named on the utility account
  • Your service address
  • Your billing address (if different)
  • Your contact details including email address
  • To be over the age of 18