Calgary

1. Water and Wastewater Services

Service Provider

• The City of Calgary manages water, wastewater, and stormwater services. These services are billed through ENMAX, the primary utility billing company in Calgary.

Average Costs

• Water and Wastewater: The average monthly cost for water and wastewater services for a typical household is approximately $110–$130, depending on usage.
• Stormwater Fee: A fixed monthly fee of around $16–$20 is included in your bill.

How to Set Up Services

• When you move into a new home, you need to contact ENMAX Customer Care to set up your water account. This is typically done when you set up your electricity and natural gas services (see below).
• You will need:
  • Your address
  • Move-in date
  • Personal identification (e.g., government-issued ID)

Billing and Payment

• Water services are billed monthly as part of your ENMAX utility bill.
• Payment methods include:
  • Online banking
  • Credit card payments via ENMAX’s website
  • Pre-authorized debit
  • In-person payments at banks or ENMAX offices

Local Considerations

• Calgary has a tiered water rate system, meaning the more water you use, the higher the rate per cubic meter. This encourages conservation.
• The city also offers rebates for water-efficient appliances through the Calgary Water Efficiency Program.

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2. Electricity

Service Providers

• The primary electricity provider in Calgary is ENMAX Energy, a municipally-owned utility company.
• Other providers include Direct Energy and ATCO Energy, offering competitive rates.

Average Costs

• The average monthly electricity bill for a household is approximately $80–$120, depending on usage and the plan you choose.
• Rates can vary between regulated rate options (RRO) and fixed-rate contracts:
  • RRO: Rates fluctuate monthly based on market conditions.
  • Fixed-rate contracts: Rates are locked in for a specific term (e.g., 1–5 years).

How to Set Up Services

• Contact ENMAX or your chosen provider to set up electricity service. You will need:
  • Your address
  • Move-in date
  • Personal identification
  • A deposit may be required if you have no credit history in Canada.

Billing and Payment

• Electricity is billed monthly, often combined with water and natural gas on a single ENMAX bill.
• Payment methods include:
  • Online banking
  • Pre-authorized debit
  • Credit card payments
  • In-person payments

Local Considerations

• Alberta has a deregulated electricity market, meaning you can choose between regulated and competitive providers. Compare rates and plans at energyrates.ca.
• ENMAX offers green energy options for environmentally conscious customers.

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3. Natural Gas

Service Providers

• The main natural gas providers in Calgary are ATCO Gas and Direct Energy. ENMAX also offers bundled plans that include natural gas.

Average Costs

• The average monthly natural gas bill is approximately $100–$150 during winter (heating season) and $30–$50 during summer.
• Rates include:
  • A fixed monthly service fee
  • A variable charge based on consumption (measured in gigajoules, GJ)

How to Set Up Services

• Contact ATCO Gas, Direct Energy, or ENMAX to set up your natural gas account. You will need:
  • Your address
  • Move-in date
  • Personal identification
  • A deposit may be required for new customers.

Billing and Payment

• Natural gas is billed monthly, often combined with electricity and water on a single ENMAX bill.
• Payment methods include:
  • Online banking
  • Pre-authorized debit
  • Credit card payments
  • In-person payments

Local Considerations

• Like electricity, Alberta’s natural gas market is deregulated. You can choose between regulated and competitive providers.
• ATCO Gas is responsible for the delivery infrastructure, so even if you choose a different provider, ATCO will handle maintenance and emergencies.

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4. Waste Management

Service Provider

• Waste management services, including garbage, recycling, and composting, are managed by The City of Calgary.

Average Costs

• Waste management fees are included in your property tax bill or rental agreement. The average monthly cost is approximately $25–$30 per household.

How to Set Up Services

• Waste management services are automatically provided when you move into a property. No separate setup is required.

Billing and Payment

• Fees are typically included in your property tax bill or passed on by your landlord if you are renting.

Local Considerations

• Calgary has a three-bin system:
  • Black bin: Garbage
  • Blue bin: Recycling (paper, plastics, metals, etc.)
  • Green bin: Composting (food and yard waste)
• The city enforces strict recycling and composting regulations. Failure to sort waste properly can result in fines.
• Large items (e.g., furniture) can be taken to designated drop-off locations or scheduled for pickup (fees may apply).

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General Tips for Managing Utilities in Calgary

1. Bundle Services: Many providers, such as ENMAX, offer bundled plans for electricity, natural gas, and water, which can simplify billing and sometimes reduce costs.
2. Budget Billing: ENMAX and other providers offer budget billing plans, which average your utility costs over the year to avoid high bills during winter.
3. Energy Efficiency: Take advantage of rebates and programs offered by the Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary for energy-efficient appliances and home upgrades.
4. Emergency Contacts:
   • Water Emergencies: Call 311 (City of Calgary)
   • Electricity/Natural Gas Emergencies: Call ATCO at 1-800-511-3447
5. Compare Rates: Use websites like energyrates.ca to compare electricity and natural gas providers and find the best plan for your needs.

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By understanding these details, you’ll be well-prepared to manage your utilities in Calgary efficiently. Let me know if you need further assistance!