Electricity rebate program extended until December
2022-07-06

The electricity rebate program will now offer about $600 million in relief through the rest of 2022, providing eligible Albertans with a monthly $50 bill credit for six consecutive months.

More than 1.9 million homes, farms and small businesses will receive monthly credits on their electricity bills starting this month and stretching until the end of December, for a total of $300 in rebates.

“We are doubling the electricity rebate to help reduce the financial burden that many families in Alberta are dealing with due to the rising cost of living. This move will help millions of families and business owners pay their bills and keep their lights on while we continue working to build a stronger, more affordable long-term electricity system.”

Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity

Expanded electricity rebate

As the cost of living continues to pose challenges for Albertans, the government is providing an additional three months of bill credits to alleviate some of the high utility costs that many families and businesses have faced during recent months.

The expanded electricity rebate will hold the criteria currently in place:

  • Albertans currently connected to the system that have consumed electricity within the past calendar year, up to a maximum of 250 megawatt hours per year, are automatically eligible for the rebates.
  • Eligible Albertans can expect to see an automatic $50 rebate on their bills. No application or other action is needed to start receiving the rebate.

The extended monthly rebates will apply to the entire bill, not just the energy portion. In addition, the $50 rebates will be on all eligible bills – protecting consumers on the variable regulated rate option as well as those on competitive contracts.

The July rebate will be listed on each bill as a line titled “GOA Utility Commodity Rebate,” and $50 rebates will follow in August, September, October, November and December for a total of $300. Exact timing will vary depending on the billing cycle of one’s utility provider.

Upcoming natural gas rebate

Alberta’s government is implementing two programs to ensure utilities remain affordable while providing stability for millions of Albertans through the next nine months.

Along with the electricity rebate, the natural gas rebate will protect eligible Alberta customers using natural gas and other heating fuels from European-style price spikes.

With the electricity rebate reaching bills in July, and the natural gas rebate starting in October, Alberta’s government will be providing support on utility bills for millions of Albertans until March 31, 2023, if prices remain high.

Fixed rate contracts and other options

Along with the rebates, Albertans wishing to protect themselves from price volatility may also enter into a competitive fixed-rate contract. Albertans can visit the Utility Consumer Advocate to see what products are available in their area.

Consumers who believe they meet the eligibility criteria but have not started receiving the rebates by the end of July should contact the Utility Consumer Advocate.

Quick facts

  • All utility customers currently connected to the electricity system who have consumed electricity within the past calendar year, up to a maximum of 250 megawatt hours per year, are automatically eligible for the rebates.
  • Consumers will receive the rebate as a credit to their electricity bills from the utility provider that provides their electricity.
  • The rebate will appear as an individual line item on the electricity bill as the “GOA Utility Commodity Rebate.”
  • Consumers will receive $50 each month for six consecutive months, with most rebates starting to show on July’s electricity bills.
  • Consumers who believe they meet the eligibility criteria but have not received the rebates by the end of July should contact the Utility Consumer Advocate at 310-4822 or [email protected] for assistance.