What you need to know about the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR)

We’ve laid out all the info you need to understand Alberta’s changes to electricity rates.

What is the Rate of Last Resort?

In January 2025, the Rate of Last Resort became the new default electricity rate in Alberta, replacing the Regulated Rate Option (RRO). Unlike the RRO which adjusted monthly, the Rate ofLast Resort is a fixed rate for a two-year period with a potential increase of up to 10% after that term.

Starting in January 2027, a new RoLR term begins

The current Rate of Last Resort term ends on December 31, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2027, a new rate will take effect for the next two-year period. The RoLR is reviewed every two years and may change for the next term. This plan automatically applies to anyone who hasn’t chosen a competitive retailer for their home or business energy needs.

Looking for more certainty?

While the Rate of Last Resort is the default option for electricity in Alberta, itʼs not the mostaffordable.
Exploring more affordable and flexible plans with competitive retailers like ATCO Energy could offer the stability and peace of mind you need. Our fixed rates are guaranteed because they will not change for the duration of your term.  

Great pricing.
clear savings.

Enjoy free energy in December and low fixed rates everymonth after.

2-year

Fixed bundle

Fixed 

Electricity
0¢
/kWh
Fixed
Natural Gas
$0
/GJ
Free electricity and natural gas in December

Electricity rate of 7.68¢/kWh and natural gas rate of $3.68/GJ outside of this period.

  • $0 electricity, natural gas, and admin fees from December 1-31, 20261
  • Get up to $200 in savings2
  • Get $50 back on home service3
  • Peace of mind with low, fixed rates for 2 years
Sign up for home
Sign up for business

2-year

Fixed
ELECTRICITY

Fixed 

Electricity
0¢
/kWh
Free electricity in December

Electricity rate of 7.68¢/kWh outside of this period.

  • $0 electricity and admin fees from December 1-31, 20261
  • Peace of mind with low, fixed rates for 2 years
Sign up for home
Sign up for business

2-year

Fixed
NATURAL GAS

Fixed
Natural Gas
$0
/GJ
Free natural gas in December

Natural gas rate of $3.68/GJ outside of this period.

  • $0 natural gas and admin fees from December 1-31, 20261
  • Peace of mind with low, fixed rates for 2 years
Sign up for home
Sign up for business

Why choose ATCOenergy?

Competitive rates

Enjoy lower electricity rates than other retailers.

Flexible terms

Change or cancel your plan at any time, penalty-free.

Easy sign-up

Switch to us in minutes with no interruption of service.

Transparent billing

Rest easy knowing there are no hidden fees, guaranteed.

Local support

Get award-winning support from a customer care team in Alberta.

Exclusive offers

Save on home services through our sister company, Rümi.

Most Popular Plan

New Customers Only

50% off gas in February

3-year Guaranteed Rate Plan:
Electricity

8.88¢

/ kWh
Natural Gas

$3.88

/ GJ

FrequentLY ASKED questions

Rate of Last Resort FAQs

The Government of Alberta believes changing the name of the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) to the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) better reflects its true nature. The term ‘regulated’ might have lead some to mistakenly believe it was immune to market fluctuations.

By renaming it, the government aims to make it clear that this is a default option, prompting Albertans to explore their other options, like fixed rate plans, which could offer more stability and potential savings.

There’s no requirement to switch but doing so may save you money and provide more flexibility in managing your energy expenses.

No, the Rate of Last Resort only impacts electricity rates. But choosing a competitive retailer for your natural gas offers similar saving opportunities.

You have the power to choose a better option. Start by exploring competitive energy plans that offer lower rates and more flexibility than the Rate of Last Resort.

We provide a range of options that can be tailored to your needs, allowing you to make an informed choice.

Switching is easy – we’ll handle the breakup with your current provider and you won’t experience any service interruption.

Explore your energy options

It only takes minutes to start saving with one of our electricity and natural gas plans.

Shop plans
1Offer for new customers only who have not had an active site with ATCO Energy within the last 6 months. Eligible sites will be credited up to 1,150 kWh electricity and/or 25 GJ natural gas, and $0 administration charges during the promotional period of December 1 to December 31, 2026. Site(s) on the promotional term must remain active and in good standing throughout the promotional period to receive this offer. Standard rates and fees apply outside of the promotional period. Offer is subject to credit check, ends November 30, 2026 and may be modified or discontinued at our discretion.
2Savings of up to $200 based on electricity consumption of up to 1,150 kWh and natural gas consumption of up to 25 GJ from December 1 to December 31, 2026, using ATCO Energy rates of 7.68¢/kWh for electricity and $3.68/GJ for natural gas, plus daily administration fees of $0.36 per service per day.
3The quarterly $50 rebate program requires an active account and good financial standing for 90 days prior, with rebates being applied when a service is completed and expiring at the end of each quarter. Rebates cannot be combined with other quarterly rebates or carried forward to subsequent periods. Furnace Family Maintenance Plans subscriptions are not eligible to be covered by your quarterly rebate and are billed separately. This program may be modified or discontinued at our discretion. Additional terms and restrictions may apply.