you have choices, but how do you know

what really works for you?

Vicki and Gary chose a plan with ATCOenergy,

an electricity and natural gas retailer.

They're free to switch or change their plans any time.

Vicki went with a Variable Rate that follows market prices,

which can be influenced by things like the weather,

or spikes in demand.

Gary wanted something to make budgeting easier

and chose a Guaranteed Rate that stays the same every month.

Oliver is on what's called the RRO,

the Regulated Rate Option.

That's the default for anyone who doesn't choose a retailer.

For a few years, stable energy prices in Alberta

made for smooth sailing.

Then, in early 2018,

electricity rates started to rise and fall, spike and dip.

Gary's Guaranteed Rate

meant he could just kick back and relax.

Even though he might use more energy

depending on the season. The rate he pays

for every gigajoule or kilowatt hour will stay the same.

But Vicki and Oliver were in for a bumpy ride.

Vicki's a risk-taker, and she's comfortable

with the ups and downs.

Plus, she knows she can switch her ATCOenergy plan

to a Guaranteed Rate any time, if she starts feeling queasy.

And for a while, Oliver was protected

by a provincial rate cap.

No matter what market prices were,

he'd never pay more than 6.8 cents per kilowatt hour.

But with the rate cap gone,

Oliver's exposed to all the ups and downs

and ups of market prices.

Maybe it's time for Oliver to call ATCOenergy

and switch to a plan that gives him more control.