You may have noticed there are a lot of energy companies in Alberta. That’s because Alberta energy companies—like Just Energy—operate differently from public utilities in the rest of Canada due to local energy laws and oversight from the Alberta Energy Regulator.
Before full energy deregulation in 2001, Alberta’s energy sector consisted of a handful of government-contracted providers. Limited competition led to higher electricity and natural gas rates, and little incentive to foster energy efficiency or generate renewable energy.
Since energy deregulation, lots of new energy companies have opened shop in Alberta. Now, instead of government-controlled electricity and natural gas rates like in the rest of Canada, Alberta consumers have a lot more choice. Albertans benefit from increased renewable-energy options and energy efficiency programs, among other improvements.