Written by: Katherine Topolniski, CCI North Alberta
Knowing how to navigate Alberta’s deregulated utility market and implement smart energy-saving strategies can help you cut down on soaring utility bills.
With rising energy costs, condo communities are looking for ways to reduce expenses. There are several effective strategies to manage utility costs while improving energy efficiency.
Recently, CCI North Alberta hosted a series of education sessions to help members understand their options in Alberta’s complex utility market.
Here’s an overview of expert tips and actionable advice to help you manage your energy costs more effectively.
One session featured a guest expert from the Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA)—a unique organization in Alberta that was established in 2003 when the province’s electricity market was deregulated. The UCA’s mandate is to educate consumers on the utility market and their available options, while also offering dispute resolution services.
If you’d like to learn more, visit the UCA website (ucahelps.ca) for helpful resources.
Navigating Alberta’s Deregulated Utility Market
Alberta’s utility market is unique in that it’s partially deregulated, meaning there are both regulated and competitive components. While the delivery of electricity and natural gas is regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), consumers can choose their energy providers in a competitive market. This provides condo owners with the opportunity to shop around for the best prices, but it can also lead to confusion if you’re not familiar with how to evaluate offers.
In the competitive market, energy prices fluctuate based on supply and demand. By understanding pricing structures and how the market works and reviewing your contracts, you can avoid being locked into higher rates and make informed decisions that may lead to significant savings.
REVIEW YOUR UTILITY CONTRACTS: One of the most straightforward ways to lower utility costs is to regularly review your utility contracts.
Many condo owners unknowingly pay more than necessary due to unfavorable contract terms, hidden fees, or outdated rates for electricity or natural gas. In a deregulated market, prices, fees, and contract terms can vary greatly between providers.
Before signing any contracts, carefully evaluate:
- Contract Length: Long-term contracts can lock you into fixed rates that may not be competitive. Shorter contracts offer flexibility to switch providers when rates drop.
- Rate Structure: Understand the difference between fixed rates (which provide stability) and floating rates (which change based on market conditions). Choose the option that aligns best with your condo’s energy consumption patterns. Rate of Last Resort: This rate, which replaced the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) in Alberta as of January 1, 2025, is set by the Alberta Utilities Commission for a two-year period.
- Check your utility bill—if you’re on the RoLR, you may find better options by shopping around.
Additional Charges: Be aware of hidden costs such as early termination fees, administrative charges, or service fees.
- Check your utility bill—if you’re on the RoLR, you may find better options by shopping around.
- Additional Charges: Be aware of hidden costs such as early termination fees, administrative charges, or service fees.
Switching providers or negotiating better terms can lead to long-term savings. The Utility Consumer Advocate has a great cost comparison tool on their website. Go to ucahelps.ca for more information.
USE ENERGY-EFFICIENT PRACTICES: Beyond evaluating utility contracts, condo owners can take simple steps adopting energy-efficient habits can significantly lower costs and consumption.
- Even small energy-saving measures can result in significant long-term savings:
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting: Switching to LED or CFL bulbs can cut energy use by up to 75% and reduce replacement costs due to their longer lifespan. - Optimize Heating and Cooling: Regular HVAC maintenance ensures efficiency, while programmable thermostats help control temperature based on occupancy, minimizing waste.
- Improve Insulation: Proper insulation in walls, ceilings, and windows maintains indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
- Seal Drafts and Gaps: Prevent energy loss-ensure proper seals on windows and doors, keep the heat in during winter and cool air inside during summer.
ENCOURAGE RESIDENT PARTICPATION: When residents, boards, and management work together, even small individual efforts can add up to substantial savings for the entire condo community.
Raise awareness and encourage condo owners and tenants to adopt energy-smart habits:
- Power Down and Unplug: Avoid “phantom” energy consumption-turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
- Off-Peak Hours Usage: Run dishwashers and washing machines during off-peak hours to reduce demand during peak times.
MONITOR ENERGY USE WITH SMART TECHNOLOGY: Condo communities can take control of their energy expenses and maximize long-term savings by using smart technology that provides real-time insights.
With the right tools and resources, managing energy use in a condo building is simpler and more effective than ever.
- Implement Energy Management Systems (EMS):: Track real-time energy consumption to identify inefficiencies and take targeted action to reduce use.
- Use Smart Meters and Submeters: Unit-level data helps residents monitor usage, encourages mindful consumption, and reveals opportunities for savings.
STAY INFORMED: UTILITY SUPPORT SERVICES: Condo communities can take charge of their energy consumption, cut costs, and build a more sustainable future by tapping into (free) resources to navigate Alberta’s complex utility market.
Stay informed services that help you manage energy costs more effectively. These resources can help by:
- Clarifying billing issues and comparing rates to avoid overpaying.
- Providing mediation services to help resolve disputes with utility providers.
- Sharing up-to-date information on energy-saving programs that offer additional ways to reduce energy expenses.
The Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA) provides these services at no cost to Albertans – visit ucahelps.ca.
Take Charge of Your Condo’s Energy Future
By leveraging these strategies—reviewing contracts, adopting energy-efficient practices, encouraging resident participation, and monitoring energy usage—condo owners can significantly reduce their utility costs.
While some energy-saving measures may require upfront investment, the long-term savings make it well worth the effort.
In Alberta’s deregulated utility market, it’s essential for condo owners to stay informed, make smart decisions, and use all available resources to keep energy bills in check. With the right knowledge and approach, condo communities can thrive in the face of rising utility costs.