Electricity, Natural Gas, Solar Energy & Internet FAQs
Electricity, Natural Gas, Solar Energy & Internet FAQs
Energy
Electricity & Natural Gas
A Prudential Security Payment is a refundable security deposit required by AUS to cover prudential obligations with the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) and distribution companies. These obligations exist to protect distributors and generators in the event a customer defaults on payment.
By contributing to AUS's prudential account, customers help keep energy rates lower. In return, the deposit earns 5% per annum interest, credited directly to the customer's monthly bill. The payment is fully refundable if the customer switches to another energy marketer.
The minimum deposit is equivalent to twice the customer's average monthly electricity bill, based on the rate chosen. The deposit must be debited from the customer's bank account before enrollment is complete. If a monthly payment is missed by the due date, AUS reserves the right to apply the prudential funds toward the outstanding balance and may de-enroll the site.
No, switching energy suppliers does not affect service reliability. Competitive retailers and energy marketers differ only in price and contract features. Electricity and natural gas continue to be delivered through the same network of wires and pipes regardless of which retailer a customer chooses.
By law, the local utility company is not permitted to provide different levels of care to customers who have chosen an alternate supplier. Customers will continue to receive the same delivery quality, emergency response, and meter reading service from their local utility. In the unlikely event that an energy marketer abruptly ends its services, affected customers would automatically be enrolled with the regulated rate provider.
In the event of a power outage, gas leak, or other energy-related emergency, customers should contact their local utility company directly.
This includes providers such as ATCO Electric, ENMAX, EPCOR, FORTIS Alberta, and ATCO Gas.
Contact information for these providers can be found on the AUS Resources page.
Solar Energy
Yes, AUS offers the Solar Club, a loyalty program designed specifically for small solar micro-generators in Alberta. Members earn a premium on their exported solar electricity while contributing to a greener Alberta electricity grid.
To qualify, customers must be a micro-generator in Alberta. To join, customers can sign up through the AUS Solar Club page and select one of the exclusive Solar Club electricity rates.
Solar Club members can switch between rates by following the Rate Change Request Guide available on the AUS website.
The guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to submit a Solar Club Rate Change request.
General Energy Questions
Payment due dates are based on when the customer's meter is read by the distribution company. Meter readings and consumption data are sent electronically to AUS, and bills are produced with a payment date seven days after the billing date.
AUS's Pick-a-Date program allows customers to choose the date their monthly invoice is withdrawn from their account. All electricity and natural gas customers can select any day of the month from the 1st to the 28th, or the last day of the month. Customers interested in the Pick-a-Date program can contact the AUS Customer Care team to get set up.
Internet
The difference between Cable Internet and DSL is primarily in how the service is delivered to the home. Cable internet runs through coaxial lines typically associated with cable television service, while DSL runs through lines typically associated with telephone service. Customers currently with Shaw likely have a cable connection, and customers with Telus likely have a DSL connection.
Cable internet does not require an active cable television subscription. It is a shared service, meaning the line running into a home is part of a larger network that also serves neighbouring homes. If the network is not wide enough to support all users in the area, customers may experience slower speeds during periods of high usage.
DSL internet requires an active phone line. Customers without an existing home phone line can have a dry loop set up, which acts as a ghost phone line to enable the connection. Unlike cable, DSL is a dedicated line, meaning bandwidth is not shared with or affected by other users in the area. However, DSL speeds are dependent on the quality of local infrastructure and the customer's distance from the nearest Central Office, which determines what speeds a given address is eligible for.
The right internet speed for a household depends on usage habits and the number of devices and users connected at once. Internet speed is measured by how much data a connection can download or upload per second, with download speed being the most important factor for common activities such as streaming TV, downloading music, and browsing social media.
Speeds of 25 Mbps or above will support most everyday online activity, including HD streaming, online gaming, web browsing, and downloading music. Speeds of 100 Mbps and above are better suited for households that need to support multiple devices and users simultaneously. Customers who want to learn more can visit the AUS Understanding Internet Speeds page for additional guidance.
A modem is required to access internet service in the home, while a router is needed to connect multiple devices or to enable WiFi. Some devices combine both functions into a single modem-router unit.
All Q Wave customers are required to purchase or rent a Q Wave modem. Customers can choose between a standalone modem, for those who do not need a router or prefer to supply their own, or a modem-router combination device that handles both functions in one unit.
Yes, there are a few additional fees that Q Wave internet customers should be aware of beyond the monthly plan rate. All internet plans require customers to rent or purchase a Q Wave modem, and a shipping fee is applied to have the modem delivered to the home.
Cable internet customers can choose to rent or purchase either a standalone modem or a modem-and-router combo unit. DSL internet customers may also be subject to additional installation fees if they do not have an existing TELUS telephone landline, including a dry loop installation fee and an inside wiring fee. A monthly ILEC Surcharge (Rate Band) also applies to all DSL customers and is location dependent.
Full modem pricing and hardware options for both cable and DSL customers can be found on the Q Wave Internet Rates and Fees page.
Getting the best WiFi signal depends on the size of the home and the placement of the router. In a small home or apartment, a standard router is typically sufficient. In a larger home with multiple levels, a more powerful router or a WiFi booster may be needed to ensure full coverage throughout the space.
When setting up the router, it should be placed roughly in the center of the home and kept away from metal objects and appliances that emit electromagnetic waves, as these can interfere with the signal.
If your Q Wave internet is down, there are a few steps to follow to identify and resolve the issue. First, check whether your internet provider's network is experiencing an outage in your area. Cable internet customers should check the Shaw outage page and DSL internet customers should check the Telus outage page. If there is an active outage, the issue will be resolved once Shaw or Telus restores service.
If there is no outage in the area, try unplugging the internet modem from its power source for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. Allow the modem up to 10 minutes to fully reboot. If the connection is still not restored after rebooting, contact the AUS Customer Care team, and a team member will be happy to help troubleshoot the issue.
Carbon Offset Credit
- 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)
A solar offset credit in Alberta typically sells for 70 to 90% of the federally regulated Carbon Price. The exact value depends on market dynamics, since a carbon credit isn't worth the same as the Carbon Price itself. Generally, credit prices trade 15 to 30% lower than the Carbon Price.
For example, the Carbon Price was $65 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (tCO2e) in 2023. It's mandated to rise by $15 per year until it hits $170 in 2030. Credit prices fluctuate with market demand, but they've been trending upward too, driven by this rising Carbon Price and ongoing environmental mandates.
A variable price aggregator shares in your gains in exchange for taking on the market risk that comes with these fluctuations.
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.
Carbon credits represent a one tonne reduction in carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent, while the carbon tax represents a pollution price charged per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted. Carbon tax rates are based on global warming potential factors and emissions factors set 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 won't need to wait for the verification process to find out whether you're eligible to participate in our Carbon Offset Credit Platform.
Indicate that this is the case on the registration form. The program aggregators will then assess the details and let you know if that part of your system qualifies.
No, credits can't be serialized retroactively on solar projects in Alberta, so any years your panels have already been generating won't qualify. However, if your system is already installed, it can still generate credits from its future production going forward.
Grid intensity, also known as the Electricity Grid Displacement Factor (EGDF), refers to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity from the Alberta grid. It's measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour (tCO2/MWh) and represents the rate at which your solar PV system can generate offset credits. The Alberta government sets the EGDF and reviews it periodically. As Alberta's electricity grid shifts from emissions-heavy sources like coal to lower-emission sources like natural gas and renewables, the EGDF will decrease.
Your EGDF depends on the year your project is registered. If you join an aggregation project that starts generating offset credits before 2024, your EGDF stays fixed for the full term. If you join one that registers in 2024 or later, your EGDF decreases each year of the program term instead. So if you already have a system installed, it's to your advantage to secure your place in an aggregation pool as soon as possible.
It depends on which aggregator you're with. With Solar Offset, you can either terminate the agreement when you sell or assign it to the new homeowner so they get value from future offset credits. Either way, you're entitled to the value of any offset credits generated up to the point of sale. Just notify Solar Offset that you've sold your property, provide your new address and system data up to the sale date, and you'll receive any payment owed to you.
With Radicle, ownership of the credits transfers to Radicle Balance when you sell. They'll own the credits generated until the end of the term, or until a new agreement is signed with the new homeowners. Payment only goes to the new homeowners if they sign their own agreement with Radicle Balance.
Admin
Energy
Electricity & Natural Gas
A Prudential Security Payment is a refundable security deposit required by AUS to cover prudential obligations with the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) and distribution companies. These obligations exist to protect distributors and generators in the event a customer defaults on payment.
By contributing to AUS's prudential account, customers help keep energy rates lower. In return, the deposit earns 5% per annum interest, credited directly to the customer's monthly bill. The payment is fully refundable if the customer switches to another energy marketer.
The minimum deposit is equivalent to twice the customer's average monthly electricity bill, based on the rate chosen. The deposit must be debited from the customer's bank account before enrollment is complete. If a monthly payment is missed by the due date, AUS reserves the right to apply the prudential funds toward the outstanding balance and may de-enroll the site.
No, switching energy suppliers does not affect service reliability. Competitive retailers and energy marketers differ only in price and contract features. Electricity and natural gas continue to be delivered through the same network of wires and pipes regardless of which retailer a customer chooses.
By law, the local utility company is not permitted to provide different levels of care to customers who have chosen an alternate supplier. Customers will continue to receive the same delivery quality, emergency response, and meter reading service from their local utility. In the unlikely event that an energy marketer abruptly ends its services, affected customers would automatically be enrolled with the regulated rate provider.
In the event of a power outage, gas leak, or other energy-related emergency, customers should contact their local utility company directly.
This includes providers such as ATCO Electric, ENMAX, EPCOR, FORTIS Alberta, and ATCO Gas.
Contact information for these providers can be found on the AUS Resources page.
Solar Energy
Yes, AUS offers the Solar Club, a loyalty program designed specifically for small solar micro-generators in Alberta. Members earn a premium on their exported solar electricity while contributing to a greener Alberta electricity grid.
To qualify, customers must be a micro-generator in Alberta. To join, customers can sign up through the AUS Solar Club page and select one of the exclusive Solar Club electricity rates.
Solar Club members can switch between rates by following the Rate Change Request Guide available on the AUS website.
The guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to submit a Solar Club Rate Change request.
General Energy Questions
Payment due dates are based on when the customer's meter is read by the distribution company. Meter readings and consumption data are sent electronically to AUS, and bills are produced with a payment date seven days after the billing date.
AUS's Pick-a-Date program allows customers to choose the date their monthly invoice is withdrawn from their account. All electricity and natural gas customers can select any day of the month from the 1st to the 28th, or the last day of the month. Customers interested in the Pick-a-Date program can contact the AUS Customer Care team to get set up.
Internet
The difference between Cable Internet and DSL is primarily in how the service is delivered to the home. Cable internet runs through coaxial lines typically associated with cable television service, while DSL runs through lines typically associated with telephone service. Customers currently with Shaw likely have a cable connection, and customers with Telus likely have a DSL connection.
Cable internet does not require an active cable television subscription. It is a shared service, meaning the line running into a home is part of a larger network that also serves neighbouring homes. If the network is not wide enough to support all users in the area, customers may experience slower speeds during periods of high usage.
DSL internet requires an active phone line. Customers without an existing home phone line can have a dry loop set up, which acts as a ghost phone line to enable the connection. Unlike cable, DSL is a dedicated line, meaning bandwidth is not shared with or affected by other users in the area. However, DSL speeds are dependent on the quality of local infrastructure and the customer's distance from the nearest Central Office, which determines what speeds a given address is eligible for.
The right internet speed for a household depends on usage habits and the number of devices and users connected at once. Internet speed is measured by how much data a connection can download or upload per second, with download speed being the most important factor for common activities such as streaming TV, downloading music, and browsing social media.
Speeds of 25 Mbps or above will support most everyday online activity, including HD streaming, online gaming, web browsing, and downloading music. Speeds of 100 Mbps and above are better suited for households that need to support multiple devices and users simultaneously. Customers who want to learn more can visit the AUS Understanding Internet Speeds page for additional guidance.
A modem is required to access internet service in the home, while a router is needed to connect multiple devices or to enable WiFi. Some devices combine both functions into a single modem-router unit.
All Q Wave customers are required to purchase or rent a Q Wave modem. Customers can choose between a standalone modem, for those who do not need a router or prefer to supply their own, or a modem-router combination device that handles both functions in one unit.
Yes, there are a few additional fees that Q Wave internet customers should be aware of beyond the monthly plan rate. All internet plans require customers to rent or purchase a Q Wave modem, and a shipping fee is applied to have the modem delivered to the home.
Cable internet customers can choose to rent or purchase either a standalone modem or a modem-and-router combo unit. DSL internet customers may also be subject to additional installation fees if they do not have an existing TELUS telephone landline, including a dry loop installation fee and an inside wiring fee. A monthly ILEC Surcharge (Rate Band) also applies to all DSL customers and is location dependent.
Full modem pricing and hardware options for both cable and DSL customers can be found on the Q Wave Internet Rates and Fees page.
Getting the best WiFi signal depends on the size of the home and the placement of the router. In a small home or apartment, a standard router is typically sufficient. In a larger home with multiple levels, a more powerful router or a WiFi booster may be needed to ensure full coverage throughout the space.
When setting up the router, it should be placed roughly in the center of the home and kept away from metal objects and appliances that emit electromagnetic waves, as these can interfere with the signal.
If your Q Wave internet is down, there are a few steps to follow to identify and resolve the issue. First, check whether your internet provider's network is experiencing an outage in your area. Cable internet customers should check the Shaw outage page and DSL internet customers should check the Telus outage page. If there is an active outage, the issue will be resolved once Shaw or Telus restores service.
If there is no outage in the area, try unplugging the internet modem from its power source for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. Allow the modem up to 10 minutes to fully reboot. If the connection is still not restored after rebooting, contact the AUS Customer Care team, and a team member will be happy to help troubleshoot the issue.
Carbon Offset Credit
- 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)
A solar offset credit in Alberta typically sells for 70 to 90% of the federally regulated Carbon Price. The exact value depends on market dynamics, since a carbon credit isn't worth the same as the Carbon Price itself. Generally, credit prices trade 15 to 30% lower than the Carbon Price.
For example, the Carbon Price was $65 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (tCO2e) in 2023. It's mandated to rise by $15 per year until it hits $170 in 2030. Credit prices fluctuate with market demand, but they've been trending upward too, driven by this rising Carbon Price and ongoing environmental mandates.
A variable price aggregator shares in your gains in exchange for taking on the market risk that comes with these fluctuations.
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.
Carbon credits represent a one tonne reduction in carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent, while the carbon tax represents a pollution price charged per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted. Carbon tax rates are based on global warming potential factors and emissions factors set 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 won't need to wait for the verification process to find out whether you're eligible to participate in our Carbon Offset Credit Platform.
Indicate that this is the case on the registration form. The program aggregators will then assess the details and let you know if that part of your system qualifies.
No, credits can't be serialized retroactively on solar projects in Alberta, so any years your panels have already been generating won't qualify. However, if your system is already installed, it can still generate credits from its future production going forward.
Grid intensity, also known as the Electricity Grid Displacement Factor (EGDF), refers to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity from the Alberta grid. It's measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour (tCO2/MWh) and represents the rate at which your solar PV system can generate offset credits. The Alberta government sets the EGDF and reviews it periodically. As Alberta's electricity grid shifts from emissions-heavy sources like coal to lower-emission sources like natural gas and renewables, the EGDF will decrease.
Your EGDF depends on the year your project is registered. If you join an aggregation project that starts generating offset credits before 2024, your EGDF stays fixed for the full term. If you join one that registers in 2024 or later, your EGDF decreases each year of the program term instead. So if you already have a system installed, it's to your advantage to secure your place in an aggregation pool as soon as possible.
It depends on which aggregator you're with. With Solar Offset, you can either terminate the agreement when you sell or assign it to the new homeowner so they get value from future offset credits. Either way, you're entitled to the value of any offset credits generated up to the point of sale. Just notify Solar Offset that you've sold your property, provide your new address and system data up to the sale date, and you'll receive any payment owed to you.
With Radicle, ownership of the credits transfers to Radicle Balance when you sell. They'll own the credits generated until the end of the term, or until a new agreement is signed with the new homeowners. Payment only goes to the new homeowners if they sign their own agreement with Radicle Balance.
Admin
Energy
Electricity & Natural Gas
A Prudential Security Payment is a refundable security deposit required by AUS to cover prudential obligations with the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) and distribution companies. These obligations exist to protect distributors and generators in the event a customer defaults on payment.
By contributing to AUS's prudential account, customers help keep energy rates lower. In return, the deposit earns 5% per annum interest, credited directly to the customer's monthly bill. The payment is fully refundable if the customer switches to another energy marketer.
The minimum deposit is equivalent to twice the customer's average monthly electricity bill, based on the rate chosen. The deposit must be debited from the customer's bank account before enrollment is complete. If a monthly payment is missed by the due date, AUS reserves the right to apply the prudential funds toward the outstanding balance and may de-enroll the site.
No, switching energy suppliers does not affect service reliability. Competitive retailers and energy marketers differ only in price and contract features. Electricity and natural gas continue to be delivered through the same network of wires and pipes regardless of which retailer a customer chooses.
By law, the local utility company is not permitted to provide different levels of care to customers who have chosen an alternate supplier. Customers will continue to receive the same delivery quality, emergency response, and meter reading service from their local utility. In the unlikely event that an energy marketer abruptly ends its services, affected customers would automatically be enrolled with the regulated rate provider.
In the event of a power outage, gas leak, or other energy-related emergency, customers should contact their local utility company directly.
This includes providers such as ATCO Electric, ENMAX, EPCOR, FORTIS Alberta, and ATCO Gas.
Contact information for these providers can be found on the AUS Resources page.
Solar Energy
Yes, AUS offers the Solar Club, a loyalty program designed specifically for small solar micro-generators in Alberta. Members earn a premium on their exported solar electricity while contributing to a greener Alberta electricity grid.
To qualify, customers must be a micro-generator in Alberta. To join, customers can sign up through the AUS Solar Club page and select one of the exclusive Solar Club electricity rates.
Solar Club members can switch between rates by following the Rate Change Request Guide available on the AUS website.
The guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to submit a Solar Club Rate Change request.
General Energy Questions
Payment due dates are based on when the customer's meter is read by the distribution company. Meter readings and consumption data are sent electronically to AUS, and bills are produced with a payment date seven days after the billing date.
AUS's Pick-a-Date program allows customers to choose the date their monthly invoice is withdrawn from their account. All electricity and natural gas customers can select any day of the month from the 1st to the 28th, or the last day of the month. Customers interested in the Pick-a-Date program can contact the AUS Customer Care team to get set up.
Internet
The difference between Cable Internet and DSL is primarily in how the service is delivered to the home. Cable internet runs through coaxial lines typically associated with cable television service, while DSL runs through lines typically associated with telephone service. Customers currently with Shaw likely have a cable connection, and customers with Telus likely have a DSL connection.
Cable internet does not require an active cable television subscription. It is a shared service, meaning the line running into a home is part of a larger network that also serves neighbouring homes. If the network is not wide enough to support all users in the area, customers may experience slower speeds during periods of high usage.
DSL internet requires an active phone line. Customers without an existing home phone line can have a dry loop set up, which acts as a ghost phone line to enable the connection. Unlike cable, DSL is a dedicated line, meaning bandwidth is not shared with or affected by other users in the area. However, DSL speeds are dependent on the quality of local infrastructure and the customer's distance from the nearest Central Office, which determines what speeds a given address is eligible for.
The right internet speed for a household depends on usage habits and the number of devices and users connected at once. Internet speed is measured by how much data a connection can download or upload per second, with download speed being the most important factor for common activities such as streaming TV, downloading music, and browsing social media.
Speeds of 25 Mbps or above will support most everyday online activity, including HD streaming, online gaming, web browsing, and downloading music. Speeds of 100 Mbps and above are better suited for households that need to support multiple devices and users simultaneously. Customers who want to learn more can visit the AUS Understanding Internet Speeds page for additional guidance.
A modem is required to access internet service in the home, while a router is needed to connect multiple devices or to enable WiFi. Some devices combine both functions into a single modem-router unit.
All Q Wave customers are required to purchase or rent a Q Wave modem. Customers can choose between a standalone modem, for those who do not need a router or prefer to supply their own, or a modem-router combination device that handles both functions in one unit.
Yes, there are a few additional fees that Q Wave internet customers should be aware of beyond the monthly plan rate. All internet plans require customers to rent or purchase a Q Wave modem, and a shipping fee is applied to have the modem delivered to the home.
Cable internet customers can choose to rent or purchase either a standalone modem or a modem-and-router combo unit. DSL internet customers may also be subject to additional installation fees if they do not have an existing TELUS telephone landline, including a dry loop installation fee and an inside wiring fee. A monthly ILEC Surcharge (Rate Band) also applies to all DSL customers and is location dependent.
Full modem pricing and hardware options for both cable and DSL customers can be found on the Q Wave Internet Rates and Fees page.
Getting the best WiFi signal depends on the size of the home and the placement of the router. In a small home or apartment, a standard router is typically sufficient. In a larger home with multiple levels, a more powerful router or a WiFi booster may be needed to ensure full coverage throughout the space.
When setting up the router, it should be placed roughly in the center of the home and kept away from metal objects and appliances that emit electromagnetic waves, as these can interfere with the signal.
If your Q Wave internet is down, there are a few steps to follow to identify and resolve the issue. First, check whether your internet provider's network is experiencing an outage in your area. Cable internet customers should check the Shaw outage page and DSL internet customers should check the Telus outage page. If there is an active outage, the issue will be resolved once Shaw or Telus restores service.
If there is no outage in the area, try unplugging the internet modem from its power source for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. Allow the modem up to 10 minutes to fully reboot. If the connection is still not restored after rebooting, contact the AUS Customer Care team, and a team member will be happy to help troubleshoot the issue.
Carbon Offset Credit
- 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)
A solar offset credit in Alberta typically sells for 70 to 90% of the federally regulated Carbon Price. The exact value depends on market dynamics, since a carbon credit isn't worth the same as the Carbon Price itself. Generally, credit prices trade 15 to 30% lower than the Carbon Price.
For example, the Carbon Price was $65 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (tCO2e) in 2023. It's mandated to rise by $15 per year until it hits $170 in 2030. Credit prices fluctuate with market demand, but they've been trending upward too, driven by this rising Carbon Price and ongoing environmental mandates.
A variable price aggregator shares in your gains in exchange for taking on the market risk that comes with these fluctuations.
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.
Carbon credits represent a one tonne reduction in carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent, while the carbon tax represents a pollution price charged per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted. Carbon tax rates are based on global warming potential factors and emissions factors set 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 won't need to wait for the verification process to find out whether you're eligible to participate in our Carbon Offset Credit Platform.
Indicate that this is the case on the registration form. The program aggregators will then assess the details and let you know if that part of your system qualifies.
No, credits can't be serialized retroactively on solar projects in Alberta, so any years your panels have already been generating won't qualify. However, if your system is already installed, it can still generate credits from its future production going forward.
Grid intensity, also known as the Electricity Grid Displacement Factor (EGDF), refers to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity from the Alberta grid. It's measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour (tCO2/MWh) and represents the rate at which your solar PV system can generate offset credits. The Alberta government sets the EGDF and reviews it periodically. As Alberta's electricity grid shifts from emissions-heavy sources like coal to lower-emission sources like natural gas and renewables, the EGDF will decrease.
Your EGDF depends on the year your project is registered. If you join an aggregation project that starts generating offset credits before 2024, your EGDF stays fixed for the full term. If you join one that registers in 2024 or later, your EGDF decreases each year of the program term instead. So if you already have a system installed, it's to your advantage to secure your place in an aggregation pool as soon as possible.
It depends on which aggregator you're with. With Solar Offset, you can either terminate the agreement when you sell or assign it to the new homeowner so they get value from future offset credits. Either way, you're entitled to the value of any offset credits generated up to the point of sale. Just notify Solar Offset that you've sold your property, provide your new address and system data up to the sale date, and you'll receive any payment owed to you.
With Radicle, ownership of the credits transfers to Radicle Balance when you sell. They'll own the credits generated until the end of the term, or until a new agreement is signed with the new homeowners. Payment only goes to the new homeowners if they sign their own agreement with Radicle Balance.