How to Choose the Best Electricity Plans

In order to choose the best electricity plan for you, it helps to know how the utility market in Canada works.

How the Market Works
Energy markets in Canada can either be unregulated or regulated. Markets that are regulated will have the provinces manage them. The provinces will regulate markets with the interest of protecting consumers and guarantee rates that are fair and serve the benefits of the public. The regulated markets will set the electricity rates and monitor the performance of the utilities to provide customers with the information they need. With deregulated markets, the public interest is still a concern but, instead of the province that sets the fair prices, it’s the different energy providers that are in competition trying to offer the best rates. These utilities will cater to the public by enhancing the quality of service while still trying to offer competitive prices.

Choosing the Best Plan for You
Check Your Current Contract: Before you switch, make sure you determine whether or not you are under contract and, if so, check to see how long you have remaining on the contract. You can find this information by calling the current energy provider or looking at your bill.

Look at Usage: Check your current bill to determine your average usage. Your energy costs can vary depending on your usage so it helps to know how much energy you use each month. This way you can determine the best price point.

Consider Rewards: Some electricity plans can offer rewards, such as for referring a friend, to yield some savings. If this is important to you then be sure to consider this.

Determine Preferred Term Length: There can be different options for term lengths. Different term lengths will offer different price points. If you are flexible with the length of the contract you want to go with, you could get a cheaper rate.

Decide on Your Plan Type: There may be two plan types, such as variable rate and fixed rate. With a fixed-rate plan, you lock in your rate for the term of your contract. Most common term lengths can be between six and 24 months. Some may charge customers an early termination fee for switching before the contract expires. A variable-rate plan will mean the price you pay for electricity will vary depending on the market price. Prices depend on different factors, including demand, fuel prices, the distribution system, and weather.

Why Choose Direct Energy?
Direct Energy is one of the biggest energy providers in North America. Some may assume that this means the company can lose touch with their customers but they actually care much deeper than you think. Direct Energy offers different plans to meet utility needs in Alberta. There is a plan for everyone and there are nine different energy plans offered. One of the benefits of going with Direct Energy is that you don’t have to worry about fluctuating utility bills. It’s also very simple to set up and you can complete the process in less than 10 minutes.

Benefits of Natural Gas

Direct Energy is one of the biggest suppliers of natural gas and electricity and there are plenty of advantages of using natural gas. Natural gas is safe. It is also a versatile source of fuel. It can be used to heat the home, cook food, dry clothes, and power a number of different household applications. It can even be used to produce electricity and be a raw material for manufacturing products such as plastics and fertilizer. Natural gas can also save you money. Other alternatives to provide for your household needs, such as heating oil or propane, can be expensive. Lastly, it’s a clean source of fuel. It burns cleanly and efficiently. It can be used to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Natural gas is also abundant and Alberta accounts for almost 70% of the entire natural gas production in the country of Canada. This is why you can get such competitive rates on natural gas supply.

Once you have found a company and plan you like, be sure to do your research. Be sure to read your contract or you will get blindsided with hidden fees.