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Your Direct Energy Frequently Asked Questions

Energy Options

In Alberta, you can choose between a competitive or regulated provider to energize your home or business.Ìý

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Direct Energy is a competitive retailer that is able to set prices according to the market and offer different rate types and terms. That means DE can offer fixed-rate contracts for natural gas and electricity. In a fixed-rate plan, rates will not change during the contract term.Ìý

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Direct Energy Regulated Services is a regulated retailer. That means a government body called the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) regulates our rates and services. First, the AUC approves our plans for setting our gas and electricity rates. Then, every month they ensure that our rates reflect market conditions and meet the requirements of those price-setting plans.Ìý Ìý

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Both energy solutions will provide natural gas and electricity to help power your home or business. However, they are different regarding signing up, contracts and rates.Ìý


Read more about the differences between Direct Energy and Direct Energy Regulated Services.

The key differences between regulated and competitive energy services are the rates charged and the need for a contract.ÌýÌý

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Competitive: Each company determines the rates they offer in a competitive energy service, setting prices based on their market strategy. Often, these plans require a contract.ÌýÌý

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Regulated: Rates provided by a regulated energy service are specifically reviewed and approved by the   each month. As a result, customers can choose a regulated retailer without needing a contract. In addition, regulated providers become the default provider for customers not under a contract with a competitive retailer.

All Albertans can receive electricity or natural gas from their area's regulated energy service provider, such as Direct Energy Regulated Services. Or,Ìýyou can choose a fixed-rate energy bundle with competitive retailers like Direct Energy.

To view a list of Alberta electricity and natural gas retailers, visit ucahelps.alberta.ca. Or, call 310-4-UCA (310-4822), toll-free within Alberta or 780-644-5130 if you are outside Alberta.

An energy supplier is the same as an energy retailer. Direct Energy and Direct Energy Regulated Services are energy suppliers and retailers. Being a supplier and a retailer means we can purchase electricity and natural gas on our customers' behalf in the energy marketplace. With Direct Energy Regulated Services, we supply it at a regulated rate reviewed and approved by the  and with Direct Energy, we provide competitive fixed rate plans for longer term price protection. In addition, Direct Energy offers variable products with different terms and initiatives. Both companies also provide retail services, including billing and customer service.


An energy distributor, such as ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric, owns the infrastructure and distribution systems that transport natural gas or electricity to consumers' homes or businesses. With AUC approval, energy distributors set the delivery charge rates on the lower part of your bill. Distributors are also responsible for responding to emergencies or outages.

An energy distributor, such as ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric, owns the infrastructure and distribution systems that directly transport natural gas or electricity to consumers' homes or businesses. They own equipment like pipelines, wires, poles, and transformers that move the energy to you and convert it to a pressure or voltage that suits your needs. 


With AUC approval, energy distributors set the delivery charge rates on the lower part of your bill. Distributors are also responsible for connections, disconnections, and responding to emergencies or outages.Ìý

Didn't find the information you were looking for? We have more FAQs specifically for our regulated customers.ÌýÌý

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

Call us:Ìý1-866-374-6299

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

To enroll, you will need:

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