Alberta home energy rebates & savings guide

Alberta has some of the highest electricity prices and lowest natural gas prices in Canada, plus excellent sun. That makes solar one of the stronger home upgrades in the country, while heat pumps rarely beat a gas furnace on running cost. This guide covers how Alberta homeowners can save on energy and which upgrades make sense.

Every home is different, so start with the solar calculator or the energy check-up. Then look at financing and programs on the Alberta rebates page.

Electricity in Alberta

Alberta has a deregulated electricity market, so you choose a retailer or stay on the Regulated Rate Option, while distribution companies such as ENMAX, EPCOR, FortisAlberta and ATCO run the wires. Most of the province's power comes from natural gas, with fast-growing wind and solar since coal was phased out. An all-in rate of roughly $0.24 per kWh makes Alberta one of the most expensive provinces for electricity.

Heating: what pays off

Natural gas furnaces heat the large majority of Alberta homes. With gas at roughly $0.42 per m³ and electricity at roughly $0.24 per kWh, a cold-climate heat pump typically costs more to run than a high-efficiency gas furnace, even at a seasonal COP of 2.2 to 3.0. Homes on propane, oil or electric baseboards are the exception and can see real savings.

A heat pump can still make sense in Alberta if you need central air anyway, want to pair it with solar, or plan a dual-fuel system that uses gas on the coldest days. Be cautious of quotes that promise big heating savings against gas. The dual-fuel guide explains the trade-offs.

Solar outlook

Alberta is one of the best provinces in Canada for home solar. Yields are near the top of the Canadian range, roughly 1,200 to 1,350 kWh per installed kW per year, and high electricity prices make each kWh valuable. At typical costs of $2.40 to $3.30 per watt, many well-oriented roofs pay back in roughly a decade.

Alberta's micro-generation rules let you export surplus power and receive credits through your retailer, and some retailers offer solar-specific plans. Compare retailer terms before you install, and read solar payback in Canada and how to compare solar quotes.

Tips for Alberta homes

• Before signing an electricity contract, compare fixed-rate offers with the Regulated Rate Option and any solar-friendly retailer plans.
• Ask your municipality whether it offers Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) financing, which is repaid through your property taxes.
• If you heat with gas, focus first on air sealing and attic insulation, which cut gas use without raising your power bill.
• Get solar quotes in winter or early spring so the system is running before the long, sunny summer days.
• Use a timer for your block heater, since running it all night at Alberta's power prices adds up quickly.