Guaranteed, regulated, variable…utility jargon can be confusing. There are a variety of rate options
available in Alberta's electricity market, and it's important to understand the details and benefits of
each to truly find a rate that is right for you. Scroll down to read more on what each rate type means.
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Still not sure? No problem, our friendly Customer Care team would be happy to help you. Give us a call at (877) 403-4059.
Variable Rate
The variable rate is directly indexed to the cost of power sold into the Alberta grid by Alberta generators.
The cost of power changes hourly and is averaged for the month.
The variable (floating) rate is calculated as the cost of energy plus a transaction fee. At Sandstone Energy, our transaction
fee is 0.67 cents per kWh.
Take the Guesswork Out of Variable Rates
Variable rates can offer great savings, but many customers hesitate because they worry about choosing the wrong rate at the wrong time.
RateRewind removes that uncertainty. Enjoy the benefits of variable pricing without the stress of wondering whether you made the right choice.
less than 7000 kWh per year:
Minimum Prudential of $100 is required.
Typical Consumption
more than 7000 kWh per year:
Minimum Prudential of $200 is required.
High Consumption
more than 14000 kWh per year:
$ Two months of invoices
Prudential Requirements
Electricity and Natural Gas retailers in Alberta are required to pay a Prudential charge to guarantee payment to the
generators for the cost of energy a consumer consumes and to the distribution utilities for delivery
charges. Your investment in our prudential account allows us to keep our rates lower and continue to save
you money on your electricity bill. The 5% interest per annum is credited to your monthly Sandstone Energy bill
and the Prudential is fully refundable should you choose to leave Sandstone Energy.
Regulated vs Deregulated Charges
Did you know that some of the charges you see on your utility bills are regulated by the provincial government while others are deregulated?
Regulated charges are beyond the control of Community Energy Marketers, such as Sandstone Energy, and will be the same regardless of your electricity provider.
Market participants like Sandstone Energy have control over the deregulated charges. That's where we can often save you money compared to other retailers.
ROLR: The Default Option for Many Albertans
If you haven't shopped around for the best price for your electricity, you most likely have the default Rate of Last Resort (ROLR).
The ROLR is approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and is a 2-year fixed price.
Many Alberta consumers receive electricity through ROLR providers such as ENMAX, EPCOR, or Direct Energy.
With the ROLR, you cannot be refused energy for reasons such as poor credit,
but the ROLR is not necessarily your cheapest option for electricity.
