After years of relatively stable energy prices, Alberta homeowners faced record-high utility bills in early 2022. Gas and electricity costs surged dramatically, leaving many Calgarians shocked as their monthly bills doubled or even tripled.

According to Sophie Simmons, director of Anova Energy, the price of natural gas increased by more than 150 percent over just 18 months — an unprecedented jump for the province’s energy market. With this volatility, many Albertans are looking for long-term strategies to keep their energy expenses under control. Here are four practical ways to lower your electricity costs in Calgary.

1) Make the Switch to Solar Power

At Panel Upgrade Experts, we have seen firsthand how solar power can protect homeowners from Alberta’s unpredictable energy prices. By generating your own renewable power, you reduce your dependence on grid electricity and insulate yourself from market fluctuations.

Calgary enjoys some of the best sunlight levels in Canada, averaging over 330 sunny days per year. A properly designed solar system can offset a significant portion of your household consumption while providing long-term savings. We offer free estimates to show how much you can save by going solar in Calgary.

2) Switch to a Fixed Energy Rate

In Alberta, consumers can choose between a variable Regulated Rate Option (RRO) or a fixed-rate electricity plan. During periods of high market volatility, customers on variable rates often face steep increases in their monthly bills. Experts recommend signing a fixed-rate contract to stabilize your payments and avoid sudden cost spikes.

For official information on Alberta electricity providers and rate comparisons, visit the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) current electricity rates page. Locking in a fixed rate can help you budget more predictably and reduce stress over seasonal energy fluctuations.

3) Government Electricity Rebates

To help Albertans manage rising costs, the provincial government announced a temporary rebate program offering $50 credits on monthly electricity bills. More than 1.9 million eligible households and small businesses received these credits through the second half of 2022.

While the rebates offered short-term relief, they highlighted the need for longer-term solutions like efficiency upgrades and solar generation to reduce overall energy demand. For verified updates on provincial rebates and consumer supports, visit the Alberta government’s affordable electricity and natural gas page.

4) Decarbonizing Alberta’s Electricity System

One sustainable way to control electricity costs is by supporting renewable energy development across the province. The Alberta government has committed billions of dollars toward new generation projects since 2019, with a growing focus on solar and wind power.

Homeowners can also participate in this transition through federal and municipal programs such as:

• Canada Greener Homes Initiative — provides grants and loans for energy-efficiency retrofits, including solar panel installations.
• Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) — finances up to 100 percent of eligible energy efficiency and renewable upgrades for Calgary homeowners.

Keep Your Power Costs Under Control

Electricity prices in Alberta can be unpredictable, but there are proactive steps you can take to regain control. By improving efficiency, exploring fixed-rate contracts, and investing in solar energy, you can reduce your long-term exposure to market spikes and build a more stable, sustainable home energy plan.

If you’re ready to explore solar options for your Calgary home, contact Panel Upgrade Experts today for a free solar assessment and cost estimate.