Ridge Utilities
Ridge Utilities was formed by the Village of Stirling as an innovative Community Sustainability Initiative.
We invest in projects right where our customers live, so by purchasing through us you are helping support your community.
Solar Seeker Inc.
MARKETING ASSOCIATE
Did you know that you have options when it comes to choosing who supplies your home with energy?
Many Albertans don't realize that they are not limited to large companies such as EPCOR, ENMAX or Direct Energy to supply them with their electricity and natural gas.
The introduction of smaller, Alberta based companies to the market means more opportunities for consumers to save money on their utilities.
Ridge Utilities offers variable and fixed energy rates with competitive prices to most locations across Alberta.
High Speed Internet Plans
Internet plans that give you the freedom from high rates, hidden fees, and contracts.
Solar Club® Program
Join the Solar Club® to earn a premium on your solar electricity.
Green Energy Options
We make it simple to go green. Green part or all of your electricity consumption each month.
RATES
Variable Rates for Your Home
Variable Rate
Variable Market Price + 1.00 cents/kWh Transaction Fee (+ Prudential)
*Not eligible for cash back.
13 Month Average (Price includes transaction fee) | 30 Day Moving Average (Price includes transaction fee) |
|---|---|
| 6.07 ¢/kWh
*Calculated as of August 31, 2026 | 6.81 ¢/kWh
*Calculated as of August 31, 2026 |
Guaranteed Rates for Your Home
6.93 ¢/kWh
1 Year Senior Discount Advantage Rate (+ Prudential)
*Seniors age 60 and over
7.03 ¢/kWh
1 Year Discount Advantage Rate (+ Prudential)
7.13 ¢/kWh
1 Year Base Rate
7.96 ¢/kWh
2 Year Senior Discount Advantage Rate (+ Prudential)
*Seniors age 60 and over
8.06 ¢/kWh
2 Year Discount Advantage Rate (+ Prudential)
8.16 ¢/kWh
2 Year Base Rate
8.88 ¢/kWh
3 Year Discount Advantage Rate (+ Prudential)
8.92 ¢/kWh
3 Year Base Rate
3 Year Friends and Family Rate (+ Referral)
*This rate is available by referral only. A valid referral code is required at sign-up.
3 Year Group/Association Rate (+ Referral)
*This rate is available by referral only. A valid referral code is required at sign-up.
*What is a
Prudential?
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 Ridge Utilities bill and the Prudential is fully refundable should you choose to leave Ridge Utilities.
Administration Fee
$7.99 per metered site.
(monthly fixed rate)
Green Energy
1.85 ¢/kWh (additional)
Choose percentage of electricity you would like to green.
Variable Rates for Your Home
Discount Variable Rate
Variable Market Price + $0.20/GJ Transaction Fee (+ Prudential)
13 Month Discount Average (Price includes transaction fee) | 30 Day Discount Moving Average (Price includes transaction fee) |
|---|---|
| 2.66 $/GJ
*Calculated as of August 25, 2026 | 3.60 $/GJ
*Calculated as of August 25, 2026 |
Base Variable Rate
Variable Market Price + $0.50/GJ Transaction Fee
Friends and Family Gas Rate (+ Referral)
*This rate is available by referral only. A valid referral code is required at sign-up.
Group/Association Rate (+ Referral)
*This rate is available by referral only. A valid referral code is required at sign-up.
13 Month Base Average (Price includes transaction fee) | 30 Day Base Moving Average (Price includes transaction fee) |
|---|---|
| 2.96 $/GJ
*Calculated as of August 25, 2026 | 3.90 $/GJ
*Calculated as of August 25, 2026 |
Guaranteed Rates for Your Home
3.75 $/GJ
Discount Advantage Gas Rate (+ Prudential)
3.90 $/GJ
Base Gas Rate
*What is a
Prudential?
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 Ridge Utilities bill and the Prudential is fully refundable should you choose to leave Ridge Utilities.
Administration Fee
$7.99 per metered site.
(monthly fixed rate)
Solar Micro-Generator Rates
Electricity rates designed for small solar micro-generators who are on a bi-directional cumulative meter.
Solar Club® rates include 3.0% cash back on electricity imported from the grid on an annual basis and free Renewable Energy
Certificates equivalent to 50% of the electricity imported from the grid. Switch between Solar Club® rates with just 10 days notice
to accomodate seasonal generation fluctuations.
| 2 Year | |
|---|---|
| Low Export Rate | High Export Rate |
5.90 ¢/kWh LO-026 MicroGen Solar Club Rate ( Expires December 2028 ) *Not eligible for cash back. *Designed for solar micro-generators importing more electricity from the grid than they are exporting. Donation to local food bank required to qualify | 35.00 ¢/kWh HI-026 MicroGen Solar Club Rate ( Expires December 2028 ) *Eligible for cash back on electricity and bundled natural gas. *Designed for solar micro-generators exporting more electricity to the grid than they are importing. Donation to local food bank required to qualify |
| Pre-Solar Rate™ |
|---|
5.90 ¢/kWh Pre-Solar Rate (+ Signed Contract) *Pre-Solar Rate is valid for 180 days from date of enrollment. *To qualify, a signed copy of your installation agreement is required. |
Cable
Cable internet runs through lines typically associated with cable television service.
If you are a current customer of Shaw, you most likely are receiving cable internet.
Cable Internet Spark 30
$41.95 PER MONTH
For moderate internet users who browse the internet using a computer or smart phone.
Cable Internet Pulse 100
$57.95 PER MONTH
For single users who like to stream and browse at the same time.
Cable Internet Surge 500
$82.95 PER MONTH
Great for HD streaming on multiple devices.
Cable Internet Arc 750
$86.95 PER MONTH
Great for HD streaming and live gaming on multiple devices.
Cable Internet Flare 1 Gig
$89.95 PER MONTH
Perfect to fuel any online experience on multiple devices.
DSL
DSL internet runs through lines typically associated with telephone service.
If you are currently a Telus customer, you are most likely on a DSL internet plan.
DSL Internet 6
$34.95 PER MONTH
A cost-effective choice for simple internet use, including casual browsing and simple communication.
DSL Internet 15
$39.95 PER MONTH
A cost-effective choice for simple internet use by 2-3 people.
DSL Internet 25
$44.95 PER MONTH
Ideal for families with a number of devices.
DSL Internet 50
$49.95 PER MONTH
Great for HD streaming and live gaming on multiple devices.
DSL Internet 75
$59.95 PER MONTH
Perfect to fuel any online experience on multiple devices.
Variable Rates for Your Business
Variable Rate
Variable Market Price + 1.00 cents/kWh Transaction Fee (+ Prudential)
*Not eligible for cash back.
13 Month Average (Price includes transaction fee) | 30 Day Moving Average (Price includes transaction fee) |
|---|---|
| 6.07 ¢/kWh
*Calculated as of August 31, 2026 | 6.81 ¢/kWh
*Calculated as of August 31, 2026 |
Guaranteed Rates for Your Business
7.03 ¢/kWh
1 Year Discount Advantage Rate (+ Prudential)
7.13 ¢/kWh
1 Year Base Rate
8.06 ¢/kWh
2 Year Discount Advantage Rate (+ Prudential)
8.16 ¢/kWh
2 Year Base Rate
8.88 ¢/kWh
3 Year Discount Advantage Rate (+ Prudential)
8.92 ¢/kWh
3 Year Base Rate
9.12 ¢/kWh
3 Year Large Business Rate (>= 100,000 kWh) (+ Prudential)
3 Year Group/Association Rate (+ Referral)
*This rate is available by referral only. A valid referral code is required at sign-up.
*What is a
Prudential?
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 Ridge Utilities bill and the Prudential is fully refundable should you choose to leave Ridge Utilities.
Administration Fee
$7.99 per metered site.
(monthly fixed rate)
Green Energy
1.85 ¢/kWh (additional)
Choose percentage of electricity you would like to green.
Variable Rates for Your Business
Discount Variable Rate
Variable Market Price + $0.20/GJ Transaction Fee (+ Prudential)
13 Month Discount Average (Price includes transaction fee) | 30 Day Discount Moving Average (Price includes transaction fee) |
|---|---|
| 2.66 $/GJ
*Calculated as of August 25, 2026 | 3.60 $/GJ
*Calculated as of August 25, 2026 |
Base Variable Rate
Variable Market Price + $0.50/GJ Transaction Fee
Friends and Family Gas Rate (+ Referral)
*This rate is available by referral only. A valid referral code is required at sign-up.
Group/Association Rate (+ Referral)
*This rate is available by referral only. A valid referral code is required at sign-up.
13 Month Base Average (Price includes transaction fee) | 30 Day Base Moving Average (Price includes transaction fee) |
|---|---|
| 2.96 $/GJ
*Calculated as of August 25, 2026 | 3.90 $/GJ
*Calculated as of August 25, 2026 |
Guaranteed Rates for Your Business
3.75 $/GJ
Discount Advantage Gas Rate (+ Prudential)
3.90 $/GJ
Base Gas Rate
*What is a
Prudential?
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 Ridge Utilities bill and the Prudential is fully refundable should you choose to leave Ridge Utilities.
Administration Fee
$7.99 per metered site.
(monthly fixed rate)
Solar Micro-Generator Rates
Electricity rates designed for small solar micro-generators who are on a bi-directional cumulative meter.
Solar Club® rates include 3.0% cash back on electricity imported from the grid on an annual basis and free Renewable Energy
Certificates equivalent to 50% of the electricity imported from the grid. Switch between Solar Club® rates with just 10 days notice
to accomodate seasonal generation fluctuations.
| 2 Year | |
|---|---|
| Low Export Rate | High Export Rate |
5.90 ¢/kWh LO-026 MicroGen Solar Club Rate ( Expires December 2028 ) *Not eligible for cash back. *Designed for solar micro-generators importing more electricity from the grid than they are exporting. Donation to local food bank required to qualify | 35.00 ¢/kWh HI-026 MicroGen Solar Club Rate ( Expires December 2028 ) *Eligible for cash back on electricity and bundled natural gas. *Designed for solar micro-generators exporting more electricity to the grid than they are importing. Donation to local food bank required to qualify |
| Pre-Solar Rate™ |
|---|
5.90 ¢/kWh Pre-Solar Rate (+ Signed Contract) *Pre-Solar Rate is valid for 180 days from date of enrollment. *To qualify, a signed copy of your installation agreement is required. |
Cable
Cable internet runs through lines typically associated with cable television service.
If you are a current customer of Shaw, you most likely are receiving cable internet.
Cable Internet 30
$39.95 PER MONTH
For moderate internet users who browse the internet using a computer or smart phone.
DSL
DSL internet runs through lines typically associated with telephone service.
If you are currently a Telus customer, you are most likely on a DSL internet plan.
DSL Internet 6
$34.95 PER MONTH
A cost-effective choice for simple internet use, including casual browsing and simple communication.
Variable Rates for Your Farm
Variable Rate
Variable Market Price + 1.00 cents/kWh Transaction Fee (+ Prudential)
*Not eligible for cash back.
13 Month Average (Price includes transaction fee) | 30 Day Moving Average (Price includes transaction fee) |
|---|---|
| 6.07 ¢/kWh
*Calculated as of August 31, 2026 | 6.81 ¢/kWh
*Calculated as of August 31, 2026 |
Guaranteed Rates for Your Farm
7.03 ¢/kWh
1 Year Discount Advantage Rate (+ Prudential)
7.13 ¢/kWh
1 Year Base Rate
8.06 ¢/kWh
2 Year Discount Advantage Rate (+ Prudential)
8.16 ¢/kWh
2 Year Base Rate
8.88 ¢/kWh
3 Year Discount Advantage Rate (+ Prudential)
8.92 ¢/kWh
3 Year Base Rate
3 Year Group/Association Rate (+ Referral)
*This rate is available by referral only. A valid referral code is required at sign-up.
8.88 ¢/kWh
3 Year Irrigation Discount Advantage Rate (+ Prudential)
9.12 ¢/kWh
3 Year Irrigation Base Rate
*What is a
Prudential?
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 Ridge Utilities bill and the Prudential is fully refundable should you choose to leave Ridge Utilities.
Administration Fee
$7.99 per metered site.
(monthly fixed rate)
Green Energy
1.85 ¢/kWh (additional)
Choose percentage of electricity you would like to green.
Variable Rates for Your Farm
Discount Variable Rate
Variable Market Price + $0.20/GJ Transaction Fee (+ Prudential)
13 Month Discount Average (Price includes transaction fee) | 30 Day Discount Moving Average (Price includes transaction fee) |
|---|---|
| 2.66 $/GJ
*Calculated as of August 25, 2026 | 3.60 $/GJ
*Calculated as of August 25, 2026 |
Base Variable Rate
Variable Market Price + $0.50/GJ Transaction Fee
Friends and Family Gas Rate (+ Referral)
*This rate is available by referral only. A valid referral code is required at sign-up.
Group/Association Rate (+ Referral)
*This rate is available by referral only. A valid referral code is required at sign-up.
13 Month Base Average (Price includes transaction fee) | 30 Day Base Moving Average (Price includes transaction fee) |
|---|---|
| 2.96 $/GJ
*Calculated as of August 25, 2026 | 3.90 $/GJ
*Calculated as of August 25, 2026 |
Guaranteed Rates for Your Farm
3.75 $/GJ
Discount Advantage Gas Rate (+ Prudential)
3.90 $/GJ
Base Gas Rate
*What is a
Prudential?
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 Ridge Utilities bill and the Prudential is fully refundable should you choose to leave Ridge Utilities.
Administration Fee
$7.99 per metered site.
(monthly fixed rate)
Solar Micro-Generator Rates
Electricity rates designed for small solar micro-generators who are on a bi-directional cumulative meter.
Solar Club® rates include 3.0% cash back on electricity imported from the grid on an annual basis and free Renewable Energy
Certificates equivalent to 50% of the electricity imported from the grid. Switch between Solar Club® rates with just 10 days notice
to accomodate seasonal generation fluctuations.
| 2 Year | |
|---|---|
| Low Export Rate | High Export Rate |
5.90 ¢/kWh LO-026 MicroGen Solar Club Rate ( Expires December 2028 ) *Not eligible for cash back. *Designed for solar micro-generators importing more electricity from the grid than they are exporting. Donation to local food bank required to qualify | 35.00 ¢/kWh HI-026 MicroGen Solar Club Rate ( Expires December 2028 ) *Eligible for cash back on electricity and bundled natural gas. *Designed for solar micro-generators exporting more electricity to the grid than they are importing. Donation to local food bank required to qualify |
| Pre-Solar Rate™ |
|---|
5.90 ¢/kWh Pre-Solar Rate (+ Signed Contract) *Pre-Solar Rate is valid for 180 days from date of enrollment. *To qualify, a signed copy of your installation agreement is required. |
Cable
Cable internet runs through lines typically associated with cable television service.
If you are a current customer of Shaw, you most likely are receiving cable internet.
Cable Internet Spark 30
$41.95 PER MONTH
For moderate internet users who browse the internet using a computer or smart phone.
Cable Internet Pulse 100
$57.95 PER MONTH
For single users who like to stream and browse at the same time.
Cable Internet Surge 500
$82.95 PER MONTH
Great for HD streaming on multiple devices.
Cable Internet Arc 750
$86.95 PER MONTH
Great for HD streaming and live gaming on multiple devices.
Cable Internet Flare 1 Gig
$89.95 PER MONTH
Perfect to fuel any online experience on multiple devices.
DSL
DSL internet runs through lines typically associated with telephone service.
If you are currently a Telus customer, you are most likely on a DSL internet plan.
DSL Internet 6
$34.95 PER MONTH
A cost-effective choice for simple internet use, including casual browsing and simple communication.
DSL Internet 15
$39.95 PER MONTH
A cost-effective choice for simple internet use by 2-3 people.
DSL Internet 25
$44.95 PER MONTH
Ideal for families with a number of devices.
DSL Internet 50
$49.95 PER MONTH
Great for HD streaming and live gaming on multiple devices.
DSL Internet 75
$59.95 PER MONTH
Perfect to fuel any online experience on multiple devices.
THE PROCESS
How Can We Charge Lower Rates?
We are innovative. Ridge Utilities is operating as a Community Energy Marketer under Utility Network & Partner's retail electricity and natural gas licenses. By utilizing UTILITYnet's automated systems, refined over 40 years, internal processes run smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, we have much lower overhead than the large international energy conglomerates (EPCOR, ENMAX, Direct Energy, and Just Energy).
So what does this mean? It means that our innovation and unique business structure saves us time and money, so we can in turn save consumers money.
What To Expect if You Switch
Follow the step by step process on our application form. Once we receive your application and register you into the program, your job is done. Sit back and relax as we do the rest behind the scenes.
If you currently have all of your municipal services bundled with your electricity provider, no changes to these services will be made, you will no longer see a charge for electricity on your city services bill.
Once enrolled, you will receive online access to your account where you can print your bills, green some of your energy consumption, make changes to your rates, and more.
Switching Is Simple
Just fill out the application form and we take care of the rest. The lights won’t go out, nothing will change, except maybe having some extra cash in your pocket each month.
Note: depending on the type of contract you signed with your current energy provider, there may be cancellation fees or penalties. Please be sure that you are familiar with the details and possible exit fees of your contract. Contract cancellations and ensuring proper notice is given are the responsibility of the customer.
ELECTRICITY SAVINGS CALCULATOR
Fill out your information in the savings calculator to see how much you could save on electricity usage costs by switching to Ridge Utilities
NOTE: delivery costs (transmission and distribution charges) are regulated.
These will remain the same regardless of who choose to supply you with Energy.
Other factors such as prudential payment or Discount Advantage Club Membership Fee interest per annum and green energy offsets are not included in the below calculation.
Estimated Savings
$0 /YEAR
Your usage costs with your current provider are $XX.XX/month.
Usage costs with your chosen Ridge Utilities rate would be $XX.XX/month.
Regulated charges (transmission and distribution) will remain the same regardless of who you choose to supply you with energy.
***Variable (Floating) Rate: Please note that Variable rates change hourly.
The rates listed in the Savings Calculator are based on the Average variable rate of the previous month.
Savings calculated are only an estimate and actual savings on a Variable Rate will vary.
Estimated Savings
***Numbers provided are an estimate based on electricity rates as of todays date. Please note that variable electricity rates fluctuate and actual savings may vary.
RESOURCES
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Ridge Utilities bill and the
Prudential is fully refundable should you choose to leave Ridge Utilities.
No, if you do not have this information from your current bill, we can find it for you.
Yes, regulated rate (month-to-month) customers can switch over at any time. If you have signed a long-term contract,
we encourage you to contact your current retailer/Community Energy Marketer to verify the cancellation process and to determine if any exit
fees or penalties need to be paid, prior to switching to a new energy retailer/Community Energy Marketer.
No. Services provided by competitive retailers/Community Energy Marketers differ only by price and other contract features.
The electricity or natural gas will continue to come to your home or business, through the same network of wires or pipes,
no matter whom you choose as an energy retailer/Community Energy Marketers.
By law, the local utility company is not allowed to provide different care levels to customers who
have chosen an alternate supplier. You will continue to receive the same level of delivery quality,
emergency response and meter reading from your current local utility. If, for some reason, a
Community Energy Marketer decided to abruptly end its services, then that company's customers would
automatically be enrolled with the regulated rate provider.
We can service all communities in Alberta except for Medicine Hat and some Rural Electrification Associations (REAs).
Still not sure if we service your area? Contact our friendly local customer care team to find out.
There are no enrollment fees to choose us as your Community Energy Marketer.
Pre-authorized debit from a chequing account is our only method of payment.
This charge will appear on your bank statement as UTILNET-****-EL / UTILNET-****-NG
Our payment due dates are based on when your meter is read by the distribution company.
The meter readings and consumption information is sent to us electronically and bills
are produced with a payment date seven days after the billing date.
Our new Pick-a-Date program gives customers the ability to pick the date payment for their monthly invoices are withdrawn from their account.
All electricity and natural gas customers can choose any day of the month (1st – 28th) or
the last day of the month for their payment date (some conditions apply).
If you are interested in taking advantage of this new program, contact our Customer Care team and they will help get you set up.
Electricity exported to the grid by Small Micro-Generators (MG), as defined under the provisions of the
Province of Alberta, Electric Utilities Act, Micro-Generation Regulation, is calculated based on
meter read information provided by your distribution company. The exported electricity meter data is
processed on a monthly basis and will be included as a 'MG Credit' on your bill. The credit will be
calculated using the fixed or variable rate chosen by the customer for their imported energy.
To switch rates, simply log in to your My Account portal and click the "Change" button next to your rate.
From the rate selection screen, choose from one of the available rates and click the "Change Rate" button. The last step is to choose your Earliest Possible Rate Change
Date using the calendar icon. Then press the "Submit" button and our team takes care of the rest! If you would like additional help,
we have video tutorials that show you the process.
This feature allows you to use your Microgen credit to automatically pay off balances on your other accounts.
Once enabled, any credit remaining on your account after current charges have been paid will automatically be used to pay off
any outstanding balances on your other Natural Gas or Electricity accounts (Credit Balance Transfer is currently unavailable to Internet accounts).
Microgen accounts with higher credit balances are used first to cover other accounts with outstanding balances, starting with those with the lowest balances first.
Activating credit balance transfers can be done from your 'My Account' page within the 'Profile Information' section and can be deactivated at any time.
Please note that this feature is not available to Budget Billing customers.
Absolutely, the choice is yours! You will be refunded your excess microgen credit by default when the value stays above $200 for two consecutive months.
You can also opt to leave the credits on your account and draw against them in the winter months.
If 'Credit Balance Transfer' is enabled, your credit will automatically be used to cover your other account(s),
such as Electricity or Natural Gas, when your invoice is due.
If your microgen account still holds a credit balance over $200 for two consecutive months, you will be refunded your excess credit.
If you do not wish to be refunded your excess credit, you can contact customer care and opt to leave the credits on your account.
Our Pre-Solar Rate™ is uniquely designed for customers who have started their solar journey and are waiting for their system to be ready.
If you are at one of the following stages in your solar journey, this rate is for you.
- You have signed a contract to install a solar PV system; or
- You are waiting for your bidirectional meter to be installed; or
- You are waiting for the Wires Company to designate your site as a micro-generation site, then you are Solar Ready™.
To qualify for this rate, you must enter a referral code provided by your installer, as well as a copy of the signed installation contract.
Please note that this offer cannot be combined with other promo codes.
Once your site is designated a micro-generation site, you will automatically be moved to the current Solar Club LO Rate.
The Pre-Solar Rate™ is valid for 180 days from the date of enrollment.
If your site is not designated a micro-generation site by the end of the 180 days, you will automatically be put onto the lowest available fixed rate.
For more details, please see the Terms & Conditions.
If you have a power outage or other energy related emergency, please call the local utility company for your area
(ATCO Electric, ENMAX, EPCOR, FORTIS Alberta, ATCO Gas, etc.)
Contact numbers for the utility may also be found on your current bill.
We are very concerned about the security and confidentiality of your personal information. Each account
is secured by a unique combination or User ID and password and all systems and data are stored in a secure,
fully redundant data center that is monitored 24/7.
Accessing your My Account page is easy! Our tutorial video below will show you how.
Q Wave Internet by Ridge Utilities
The difference between cable and DSL Internet services is mainly in the way that the service is delivered.
DSL runs through lines typically associated with telephone service, where cable runs through lines typically
associated with cable television service. If your current Internet provider is Shaw, you have a cable Internet connection.
If your current Internet provider is Telus, there is a good chance you have a DSL connection.
A cable connection runs through coaxial cabling.
You are not required to have active cable television service in your home to receive cable Internet service.
Cable Internet is a shared service, which means that the line running into your home is a branch of a larger trunk,
which also feeds into your neighbour's homes. If the trunk is not wide enough to feed all of the users in your area,
you may notice some congestion which leads to slower speeds when everyone is using the service at one time.
A DSL connection requires an active phone line.
If you do not have an active traditional home phone service at home, we will set up what is called a "dry loop",
which acts as an active "ghost" phone line. DSL connection is a dedicated line, meaning it is yours and only yours.
Your bandwidth will not be affected by other users in the area, but it is very dependent on the quality of infrastructure
and your distance from the nearest Central Office where the service connects to the outside world.
The quality of infrastructure and your distance from a Central Office will determine what speeds your home is eligible for.
Internet speed is measured by how much data the connection can download (download speeds) or upload (upload speeds) per second.
For most households, having fast download speeds are what's important.
That's what we use for common activities such as streaming TV, downloading music, and browsing social media.
Finding the right speed for your household depends on your Internet usage habits.
Speeds of 25 Mbps or above will support most online activity, such as HD streaming, online gaming,
web browsing, and downloading music.
Internet speeds of 100 Mbps and over are often chosen by those who want their Internet connection
to support multiple devices and users at once.
To learn more about Internet speeds, visit our understanding Internet speeds page.
Q Wave utilizes the infrastructure put in place across Canada by the "big guys".
If you are currently a Shaw/Telus customer or are located in Alberta or British Columbia, we can most likely service your area.
Some exceptions exist in rural or remote areas.
Not sure if you would qualify for service with us? Contact us to find out.
Absolutely! If you are located in Alberta or British Columbia we can most likely service your area.
We do encourage you to check your service agreement with your current Internet provider before switching to ensure
you won't be charged any exit fees or penalties when you switch.
No. At Q Wave we give you the freedom to choose a great rate,
without having to lock in to a long-term contract.
You can switch plans or cancel with us at any time.
To access Internet service in your home, you will need a modem.
To connect multiple devices, or to achieve WiFi service, you will need a router.
Some modems are a combination device, which include a built-in router.
All Q Wave customers are required to purchase or rent a Q Wave modem.
We provide the option to rent/purchase either a standalone modem (if you do not need a router or would like to supply your own)
or a modem-router combination device.
No. All Q Wave customers are required to purchase or rent a Q Wave modem.
We provide the option to rent/purchase either a standalone modem (if you do not need a router or would like to supply your own)
or a modem-router combination device.
Q Wave utilizes the infrastructure put in place across Canada by the "big guys",
which means the reliability of your Internet connection will not change.
The only difference between the Internet plans offered by us and the large corporate monopolies
in the market is price and other plan features.
Yes. It is our understanding that if you cancel your Internet services with Shaw or Telus
and do not have any other services with them (such as TV or home phone),
you will no longer have access to your Telus or Shaw supplied email address.
If you currently have a Shaw or Telus email address and would like to switch providers,
we encourage you to contact your current provider to check if switching will interfere with
your email service.
No. At Q Wave we give our customers the freedom to choose a great rate without having to
lock in to a long-term contract.
You can switch plans or cancel with us at any time.
No, there are no activation fees for setting up Cable or DSL internet.
For DSL internet, a dry loop fee of $37.23 and a wiring fee of $250 may still be applicable.
Cable: Yes. All of our Internet plans require that you rent or purchase a Q Wave modem.
Cable modem prices are listed below. You will also be charged $15 to have the modem shipped to your home.
| Hardware Device: | Price: |
|---|---|
| Cable Modem/Router Combo Rental | $12.50/month |
| Cable Modem/Router Combo Purchase | $190.00 |
DSL:
Yes. If you do not have a telephone landline with TELUS, what is called a "Dry Loop" would need to be installed ($37.23)
and wiring by a technician would be required in and around your home ($250).
If you do have a telephone landline with TELUS, the dry loop and wiring fees may not apply.
Our Customer Care team will assess your current set up and advise what fees will be required.
A monthly ILEC Surcharge (Rate Band) is charged to all DSL customers.
The total cost of the monthly ILEC Surcharge is location dependent.
Click here for more information.
Additionally, all of our Internet plans require that you rent or purchase a Q Wave modem.
| Hardware Device: | Price: |
|---|---|
| DSL Modem Rental | $7.00/month |
| DSL Modem Purchase | $90.00 |
| DSL Modem/Router Combo Rental | $9.75/month |
| DSL Modem/Router Combo Purchase | $100.00 |
Yes, we provide paper bills at a monthly cost of $3.25.
If you qualify as one of the following customer types, please contact our Customer Care
team to request free paper bills.
- Customers who self-identify as persons with disabilities
- Customers without home Internet access or mobile data services
- Seniors aged 65 or older
All of the Internet plans offered by Q Wave include unlimited usage,
giving you the freedom to stream, game, and download to your hearts content.
This varies from home to home as you have to take the size of your home and the placement of your router into consideration.
If you have a small home or apartment, a budget router may suffice, as the area it needs to cover is smaller.
If you have a larger home with multiple levels, you may need a more powerful router, or a WiFi booster to ensure WiFi coverage for your entire home.
When setting up your system, avoid placing your router close to metal objects and appliances that emit
electromagnetic waves and try to place it roughly in the center of your home.
Step 1: Don't panic.
Step 2: If you have cable Internet, check to see if Shaw is currently experiencing an outage by
clicking here.
If you have DSL Internet, check to see if Telus is currently experiencing an outage by
clicking here.
If there is a current outage in your area, unfortunately all we can do it wait for the outage
to be resolved by either Shaw or Telus.
Step 3: Try unplugging your Internet modem from its power source for 30 seconds and then plugging it in again.
Allow your modem to reboot, this could take as long as 10 minutes.
Step 4: If there isn't a current outage in your area and restarting your Internet modem didn't fix the issue,
contact us and one of our friendly, local customer care team members would be happy to help.
We accept payment via pre-authorized debit from a chequing account.
Carbon Offset Credit Platform
A carbon credit (aka carbon offset) is a tradable certificate that represents a one-tonne reduction in or removal of carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
Carbon credits are generated from projects, such as your solar system, that prevent emissions that would have taken place without the project.
System generation will depend on several factors (panel tilt, number of sunshine hours, etc.)
so the figures below are approximates based on ideal generation conditions:
- 1 credit for every 2,000 kWh (i.e. a system that generates 10,000 kWh annually will earn approximately 5 credits)
- For every 1 kW in nameplate capacity, your system will generate approximately 0.7 credits (i.e. a 10 kW system will generate approximately 7 credits per year)
Carbon is a commodity, and the market price is based on demand and supply.
As the market price for carbon changes, your annual return from the program will adjust accordingly.
Solar Offset and Rewatt Power sell your carbon offset credits into the market each year of the program,
returning to system owners a percentage of the market sale rate per credit (see “What are ‘Commission Costs’?” for
more information) over the program period.
A variable price aggregator shares in your gains in exchange for market risk.
Solar offset credit prices (“Credit Price”) in Alberta trade from 15 – 30% lower than the federally-regulated price of carbon (“Carbon Price”).
For example, the Carbon Price was $65 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (tCO2e) in 2023.
Credit prices fluctuate with market-demand, however, they have increased because the Carbon Price is rising due to environmental mandates and
federal pressure. In fact, the Carbon Price is federally mandated to increase $15 per year until it reaches $170 in 2030.
It’s important to note that the value of a carbon credit is not the same as the Carbon Price.
Typically, carbon credits sell for roughly 70 – 90% of this amount – although it all depends on market dynamics.
The Commission Costs are split between the Aggregators and us, and cover the administrative burden of managing the program,
including the cost of independent third-party audit as required by government.
If you select a variable price through Solar Offset, the Commission Cost varies according to your system size.
Find out how much you can make with Solar Offset’s program by completing a no-obligation sign-up to receive an
estimate for your system: www.solaroffset.ca/sign-up
If you select a variable price through Rewatt Power for your carbon credits, the Commission Cost is a flat 25%.
Rewatt drives competitive pricing and quality through automation so you must have an inverter or metering device that Rewatt supports.
The list of devices that Rewatt supports can be found here.
Our Carbon Offset Credit Platform is partnered with three aggregators: Solar Offset and Rewatt Power.
You can make your choice based on Commission Costs, and ease of credit generation and reporting.
If you were previously enrolled under BMO Radicle’s protocol and your contract is now terminated, you can sign up with any of our other Aggregators.
We are working with our Aggregators to determine a process you can follow.
More information to come.
The Alberta registry requires the entity that registers the project (the Aggregators) to report on that project for the full crediting period.
You will be paid within 60 days of the sale of the offsets to third parties,
and UTILITYnet shall pay you (the Producer) within 10 days of receipt of funds from the Aggregator.
The dates of payment are determined by the date on which the project is registered, which varies between Aggregators.
No, carbon credits are different from RECs.
A Renewable Energy Certificate represents 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of green energy being injected into the grid.
You cannot generate both carbon credits and RECs, as the protocol does not allow it – this would be double-dipping,
getting paid twice for renewable energy generation.
Carbon credits are traded on the open market in Alberta and elsewhere, and thus the price changes just like stocks.
They're typically bought by large businesses in a private transaction.
Verification is an independent, third-party audit process completed to international standard ISO 14064-3,
during which the generation data and other information collected by the Aggregators is checked for compliance with government rules.
Without passing the verification, no credits can be created.
Once a credit is generated, it is given a unique serial number (serialization).
Credits are then traded on the market, purchased, and then "retired" to ensure there is no double counting and that a credit can only be used once.
Carbon credits represent a one-tonne reduction in carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent,
whereas the carbon tax represents a pollution price per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted.
The carbon tax rates are based on global warming potential factors and emissions factors used by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
After you select and register for a program online, the Aggregators will assess your project and determine if you qualify.
You will not need to wait until the verification process to know if you're eligible to participate in our Carbon Offset Credit Platform.
Simply indicate that this is the case on the registration form,
and the program Aggregators will assess the details and let you know if that part of your system qualifies.
Credits cannot be serialized retroactively on solar projects in Alberta, so the years that the panels have been generating in the past won't qualify.
However, systems already installed can generate credits from future production.
Grid intensity (also known as Electricity Grid Displacement Factor, EGDF) refers to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity from the Alberta grid.
It is measured in units of tonnes of carbon dioxide per megawatt-hour (tCO2/MWh).
It is the rate at which your solar PV system can generate offset credits. The EGDF is set by the Alberta Government, who review it periodically.
As Alberta's electricity grid transitions from emissions-heavy sources (coal) to lower emission generation sources (natural gas and renewables), the EGDF will decrease.
The EGDF for your system depends on the year in which the project is registered.
If you join an aggregation project, which starts generating offset credits before 2024,
your EGDF will be fixed for the duration of the term.
If you join an aggregation project that registers in 2024 or later, you will be subject to a decreasing EGDF each year of the program term.
So, if you have a system already installed, it is to your advantage to secure your place in an aggregation pool as soon as possible.
The administrative burden to register a project is quite heavy,
so only very large projects can be cost-effectively registered with the Alberta Emissions Offset Registry (AEOR).
A single home does not represent enough generation to make registration worthwhile or cost effective without aggregation.
With Solar Offset, if you sell your home, either you can terminate the agreement,
or you can assign it to the new homeowner to ensure they get value from future offset credits.
In either case, you are entitled to receive value from your offset credits generated up to the point of the sale of your property.
You simply notify Solar Offset that you have sold your property,
provide your new address and system data up to the point of sale, and you'll receive any payment you are due.
With Radicle, if you sell your home, ownership of the credits transfers to Radicle Balance,
who will assume ownership of credits generated until the end of the term or until a new agreement is signed with the new homeowners.
Payment will only be made to the new homeowners if they sign an agreement with Radicle Balance.
Signing an agreement with one of the Aggregators has no impact on your choice of utility provider.
You can change electricity providers at any time during the term and your business relationship with the Aggregator,
as well as your participation in our Carbon Offset Credit Platform, remains unchanged.
Help Me Understand My Bill
Delivery charges? Transmission fees? Rate Riders? Don't be confused by your bill.
Download this helpful guide that explains all of the jargon and charges you will see on your invoices each month.