Replay: Tackling utility bills. Get your questions answered before a summer spike
Elise Stolte | CBC News | Posted: April 5, 2022 5:24 PM | Last Updated: April 14, 2022
What are all those fees on my bill? How do I get the best deal?
Did you know some utility contracts let a customer switch between the floating and fixed rate up to once a month? Others have no penalty for breaking the contract.
If you didn't know, you're not alone!
Viewers had some questions answered by tuning in for this a one-hour online forum with local experts, hosted by Rob Brown (CBC's the News at 6).
Alberta saw record-breaking electricity prices during the winter. They've come back down now but are expected to jump again this summer. It's not too late to learn how to get the best rates and to reduce heat and power use at home.
Our expert panel
Salwa El-Maghwry has seen hundreds of Enmax and other utility bills in her work as the utilities expert on the Rise Calgary team. She regularly calls Enmax staff to advocate on behalf of families struggling with their bills, giving her a read on what payment plans and options are possible.
Chris Hunt leads Alberta's office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate. His staff take thousands of calls from Albertans seeking advice as they navigate Alberta's power and gas market. He also argues on behalf of consumers when utility companies try to increase fees.
Mehrdad Zabihi is an Energy Mentor with Empower Me, which runs workshops to help community members minimize their utility bills. He has direct experience learning the ropes in a new climate, after moving to Canada from Iran six years ago.