Energy Rates Blog

While it is not a practice (or a house price) in Canada, many home buyers still prefer purchasing older homes. That decision is driven by several reasons, including historic value, lower price, better quality, and an already established neighbourhood.   

However, older houses are not as energy efficient as modern buildings. That is where many house buyers raise concerns that upgrading towards a more sustainable home would be costly and take away from the original characteristics of the building. Those concerns are often overstated, and when approached correctly can save energy and lower your utility bills.  

Today we are discussing not only energy-efficient upgrades but also challenges you might face when improving an older home. Because older houses, especially fifty years or older, were not built with eco-friendly materials or designed to be energy-efficient, you would have to consider the original structure of the house, the way it was insulated, HVAC and electrical system, and the age overall.   

Start At the Top:  

Sealing the Attic and More 

If your home was built earlier than the 1980s, the chance is high that it lacks some insulation. One of the places where heat escapes is the attic. By adding insulation to the attic, you will notice how warm air stays preserved, keeping your house evenly heated up. Moreover, the utility cost would drop because the heating system no longer has to work as hard. “Sealing air leaks and adding insulation in the attic will boost energy efficiency and can save up to 10 percent on annual energy bills,” says Bob Vila.  

Continuing with the top of the house, switching to a metal roof is more significant and expensive than insulating the attic. However, the benefits of a metal roof are too convincing not to commit to it. A traditional shingle roof typically needs repair every twenty years. At the same time, a metal roof is more durable and can last at least sixty years.  

Secondly, a metal roof is more energy efficient. Attached with a counter-batten system, a metal roof decreases hot airflow and helps the house stay cooler during the hot summer months. If you go as far as applying a solar reflective coating, you will notice even less heat penetrating your house.  
Another addition you can make to your roof is installing rooftop solar panels. It is not only sustainable and leaves a less damaging footprint (keeping thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere), but also is an efficient way to save money on electrical usage.  

Upgrades Inside the House:  

HVAC System Upgrade  

The best way to start with your current HVAC system is by hiring a professional for an inspection. Of course, before calling HVAC maintenance services you can check for a clogged filter that reduces airflow. Otherwise, especially before upgrading your home’s central heating system, paying for an inspection and consultation is an essential step to take.  

Firstly, keep in mind, if your HVAC is older than fifteen years old, upgrading to a more efficient option will take care of excessive dust, uneven room temperature and moisture buildup.  

Secondly, even the most recent HVAC system upgrade won’t make a difference if the old house still requires proper sealing and insulation.  

A New Water Heater  

A water heater is responsible for at least 18% of a home’s energy consumption, and upgrading to a larger unit can drastically cut down your bills. For households that do not use much hot water, there are tankless models which heat up water only when you need that. Those are considered the most energy-efficient options.   

Insulate or Replace Doors and Windows 

If you go back to our suggestion about upgrading your HVAC system, you will notice that the HVAC is never efficient unless the house is properly insulated. Air leaks typically occur through gaps around windows and doors allowing heat or cool air to escape. In comparison to the newer windows and doors, houses built in the previous century did not have the luxury of double-glazed windows or longer-lasting materials such as plastic and aluminum.  

Inspect your windows for gaps, holes, rotting frames, condensation or uneven size that prevent smooth closing.  

Air leaks cause higher heating bills and inefficient temperatures around the house. Going as far as replacing old doors and windows (without sacrificing the design of the house) could not only cut down on your utility payments but also help to keep your rooms warm during winter and cool during summer.  

Switch to Energy Star Appliances 

If you bought an older house with the included appliances, consider replacing them with newer models, labelled as energy-efficient models (Energy Star). This program offers a vast selection of appliances in all categories including stoves, washers, dryers, refrigerators and more. Those efficient appliances drastically lower energy use as well as your monthly bills.  

Do Not Forget About the Electrical System 

The electrical system keeps your home running. However, those electrical systems that were used in older houses are no longer relevant. The reason is simple: old electrical systems have a hard time functioning with modern appliances.   

Moreover, an outdated electrical system is fire hazardous. Hence, replacing it is not only about preventing your appliances from burning up but also safety reasons.  

Replace Shower Heads and Toilets 

It might not be the first thing you replace in the old house; however, such little details as brand-new shower heads can make a difference both aesthetically and sustainably. Modern shower heads and toilets come in many energy-efficient models that offer to reduce water usage and lower your utility bill.  

“By installing low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators, up to 2,700 gallons of water and more than 330 kilowatt hours of electricity can be saved each year since there is less demand on the water heater,” as per Bob Vila.   

The same applies to toilets that are responsible for at least 30% of indoor water consumption. That number describes modern toilets. Older toilets use even more water. While replacing them will cost you some sum, in the long run using energy-efficient toilets will save you more money.  

The Last Step is to Seal the Floorboards 

Older houses typically do not have carpets. Most of those houses have wooden floorboards or tiles. While you might fix the appearance of floorboards by polishing them with a designated floor solution, sealing is the next step. Old floorboards are the reason why cold air enters your home. That is why sealing floorboards, filling in gaps with thin foam and adding some rags can prevent your house from losing a significant amount of warmth.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is an energy-efficient home?  

An energy-efficient home is designed to lower water and energy consumption. Those houses have well-insulated walls and ceiling, and high-efficiency heating and cooling system that contributes to lower utility bills.   

How to make your home more energy efficient?  

Upgrading your home towards a more energy-efficient one does not have to be an expensive project. Simple actions such as testing your windows and doors for gaps, installing a clothesline, maintaining your appliances, sealing ductwork and tenting to your furnace can bring a positive change and do not cost much.  

How to make an old home energy-efficient?  

An older home will require more changes than a modern one to become energy efficient. Depending on the original condition of the house you might have to invest in HVAC system upgrades, replace windows, purchase new appliances and add insulation.    

The stove is perhaps one of the most used appliances in your kitchen. So let’s think about how the oven works and the impact using it can cause on you and the health of you, your bank account and your family. As it turns out, the two types of stoves commonly used today – powered by natural gas or electricity – are very different.

Gas and electric stoves are very different stoves from each other, varying in the cooking experience, power source, the costs associated, and the environmental impacts of each. If you are looking to make a change in the oven, there are a lot of different factors to consider. For many Canadians, the choice might have already been made for you. Considering the vast majority of rentals and new homes have kitchens prepared for an electric oven or have one already inside, you might not have any experience with a gas oven. Since Canadian numbers were unavailable, the closest comparison we found showed that only 35% of US homes cook with gas today.

In this article, we are going to discuss the pros and cons of each type of oven/stove in terms of their energy consumption and the cost of operation, as well as health and environmental concerns. While there are other factors at play in your decision, like the experience of cooking with or cleaning either oven, I’ll try to stick to the subject at hand.

Throughout this article, we will discuss gas and electricity as two different archetypes of ovens, distinguished by their primary source of power. Electric ovens vary a lot from each other depending on how it uses the electricity to heat food and will refer to both the conventional oven, as well as advanced appliances that run on electricity like convection ovens and induction stoves. Whereas Gas stoves are any stove powered by natural gas combusted in the home.

The Electric Oven

Pros: Easy to clean, versatility, precision, cheaper installation costs, safer.

Cons: Higher costs, lower reliability and durability, slower.

In 2023, the broader category of electric ovens is the predominant way we cook our food across North America. Electric ovens have been present in every rental property I have lived in, and I’m sure that others have had a similar experience as well.

It makes sense: electricity is ubiquitous, and not every house or apartment has a natural gas line running into their kitchen, so installation is much easier and cheaper when it comes to electric stoves.  

Electric ovens do have some downsides, however. They typically require longer than their gas counterparts to pre-heat, meaning more time idle and longer periods of the oven being on. They can be expensive, but installation is generally cheaper and easier than a gas stove. They are not as dependable as gas stoves either, with electrical components that can fail more commonly than the components on a gas stove. 

The Gas Oven

Pros: Faster heating and cooking, lower operating cost, durable.

Cons: Open flames, costly hookups, air pollution.

On the other hand, the long-time mainstay of the North American kitchen, the classic gas stove is one that has a lot of varied opinions on it. Powered by natural gas, the same power source that we often use to heat our homes, natural gas ovens were the more popular choice for years, but are not as common as electric stoves today.

While most homes can potentially power a gas stove, a kitchen that has not had a gas stove before might not have the connection to a gas line accessible to power the oven. As a result, installation of a gas stove can vary extremely from home to home and ultimately be costly.

The base cost of gas ovens is said to be more expensive upfront, providing savings down the road as the cost to operate is cheaper. Overall, you can get either oven within the same price range.

One mark against electric ovens is slower heating. More specifically, gas ovens can preheat between twice and thrice faster than electric ovens. Additionally, since you are cooking over an open flame, the stovetop is instantly hot. Additionally, you need to infer heat by the flame colour and height, which can be like learning a new skill.

Contrast this with the precision of the electric oven. The easily controllable knobs on the electric oven let you dial in low heat for simmering to high heat for searing. However, there is a time period you will need to wait for the oven or burner to come to heat.

This is just one of the mechanical trade-offs between the two types of oven, but it also does have a significant impact on how you cook with the stove.

Environmental concerns

While there are disagreements about which of the oven options is better for your wallet, gas ovens do pose more environmental concerns that are worth discussing. But one thing that is often falsely attributed to gas ovens is their energy efficiency. Since it has been historically cheaper to run gas ovens, there seem to be a few misguided sources we found that suggested gas stoves are better environmentally. This is not the case.

Since the majority of Canada’s electricity is either hydro or natural gas generated (depending on where you live), using electricity to cook will have a similar net environmental impact than natural gas at worst, and can be significantly greener in provinces like B.C., Manitoba, and Quebec. Burning natural gas, while burning natural gas is less emitting than alternatives like coal, it still releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The main environmental difference between the two ovens comes down to burning natural gas at a power plant versus inside your kitchen.

As one source stated:  “about 74% of the energy produced on an electric range is transferred to the food whereas only 40% of the energy from gas models is channeled toward heating your meals.”

Additionally, the gaseous nature of natural gas means leaks are common and detrimental to the environment. It is really hard to promote gas stoves as an efficient option when they leak methane – one of the most potent greenhouse gases – even while turned off.  A 2022 study determined that gas stoves in the U.S. released 2.4 Million tonnes of CO2 each year while not in operation. That is in addition to the pollutants naturally produced when the oven is in use.

The burning of gas in your home is particularly noteworthy, as in the home it can produce nitrogen oxides and other chemicals with potentially detrimental effects on our health. Research completed in 2018 found that using a gas stove coincided with high levels of chemicals including nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrous acid (HONO) in the home, as well as long-lasting concentrations of these pollutants after cooking.

Health risks

Gas stoves are major sources of pollutants indoors, including nitrogen dioxide. A 2018 study measured the levels of atmospheric chemicals in a New York home with a gas stove and found that using the gas stove coincided with levels of Nitrogen-based chemicals including Nitrogen Dioxide that were between 20 and 100 times stronger than the background levels. A similar experiment was carried out in this NPR article, which shows the NO2 levels in a home after just operating a gas stove and oven under normal conditions rose to 168 ppb (parts per billion), which is much higher than the WHO hourly guideline of 106 ppb. After one hour of oven usage, this number hit 207 ppb.

It has been long suspected that Nitrogen Dioxide has a detrimental impact on human health, however, the chemical’s effect on humans is not clearly understood, as there has been “no separate, independent assessment of the mechanistic, toxicological and human clinical studies relating nitrogen dioxide to human health” (WHO Air Quality Guidelines, pg.121). This is not to say that Nitrogen Dioxide might be fully safe for humans – just the causality of the chemical’s impact on human health has not fully been established. Comprehensive evaluations of Health Canada and the EPA highly support the idea that Nitrogen Dioxide is a pollutant that poses harm to us in high concentrations.

Respiratory illnesses are the number one health impact of gas stoves in the home. The research has long supported the idea that Nitrogen Dioxide, including this article published in 1992 that shows around 20% of kids who live in a home with gas stove had a increased risk of developing respiratory illnesses by 20%. Additionally, a 2022 analysis performed by the Rocky Mountain Institute attributed 12.7% of childhood asthma in the US today to gas stove usage in the home.  There can be serious risks your loved ones will be exposed to if you cook regularly with gas and do not take extra precautions.

What can be done to reduce the health risks?

Ventilation and considerate use of your gas stove can help mitigate the risks of the air pollution created by your gas oven, but only partly. Using your hood fan is a good first step – granted your hood fan pumps outside and doesn’t just run the ventilated air through a filter and back into your kitchen. However, Researcher Tara Kahan in an interview with the CBC states that hood fans only can cut pollutant levels approximately in half.

Other things that you can do to reduce the pollution from a gas stove include being organized and prepared (so you can limit the amount of time that the oven is on), cooking on the back burner for optimal ventilation, and even just opening a window in the kitchen.

So, does it make a difference? In the aforementioned NPR interview, scientist Josiah Kephart states: “If you have a large kitchen with really up-to-date ventilation systems,” he says, “and you have a healthy body, this may not be your biggest concern or the biggest risk to your health.” But it is absolutely something you should still consider when making the choice between the two oven types, especially if you have a young family.

An analysis of price:

On many sites and articles, including from Direct Energy, it is claimed that gas ovens are much more cost-effective than their electric counterparts. And it seems to make sense: conventional knowledge states that natural gas is a cheaper resource than electricity. According to BlvdHome.com, a gas stove is 10-30% cheaper to operate than a gas stove, despite the gas stove using more energy over that time.

Of course, the difference in cost between electricity and natural gas will vary drastically over time and across the various markets in Canada, and so there are many implicit assumptions in this number that are not touched upon. As we have touched on in previous articles, energy prices per province are impacted by natural resources available, so while natural gas might be cheaper in Alberta, Hydro-Electricity is relatively much cheaper than gas in provinces like B.C. and Quebec.

A quick analysis of retail pricing of gas ovens (between approximately $800-4,000) and Electric ovens ($700-3,000) alike show that the price range is quite similar, but electric can be slightly cheaper to buy.

In conclusion, while there is a lot of subjective rhetoric about the cost-effectiveness of gas ovens versus electric ovens, the objective scientific consensus shows that natural gas ovens are on their way out.

With solar energy becoming more available for consumers and rapidly expanding – rooftop or other solar panel systems can improve quality of life, lighten your carbon footprint, and even help with power bills down the line. They are however not a ‘set and forget’ system – being proactive about maintenance and routinely checking how much energy you’re creating and using are essential steps to take after installation to get the most out of your system.

There are some solar management/monitoring apps out on the market today and ensuring that you’re using the best one for your system that is compatible and focuses on what is most important to you is crucial. 

Below are multiple monitoring apps that can help you better optimize your solar system or help you learn more about what options are available, especially if you’re interested in upgrading your current system to a solar one in the future. 

What Information Do You Need From A Solar App 

Not all solar apps are designed the same and understanding what information you need is an important first step. Some solar monitoring apps can be quite complex in the information they provide. If you’re working in the sector or you’re a solar enthusiast that knows quite a lot – that could be exactly what you’re needing. For beginners into solar systems or for those who may just want to have quick glances at their systems, it can be overwhelming to understand what information is imperative to look at to better manage or is just simply unnecessary for your own needs. 

All of the apps listed here are user-friendly, whether you are a beginner or an expert in solar panel systems. 

Benefits of Using Solar Panel Monitoring Apps 

There are obvious benefits that come with solar monitoring apps, such as being able to easily check on your systems at a glance when you aren’t home or don’t want to use a desktop to do so. Most importantly – they allow you to keep an eye on how much energy your panels are creating and how to better distribute it more efficiently where needed, along with learning more about your usage habits. 

Monitoring Your Home Usage 

One of the main purposes of using solar monitoring apps is to keep track of and measure your home energy usage more efficiently. You can check your app anytime, day or night, and even when you’re away from home. Instantly seeing up-to-date information about how much electricity your solar panels have produced that day, day-to-day, or even over long periods of time such as months or throughout the whole year is quite important. 

Learning Your Energy Use Habits Over Time 

Most solar monitoring apps come with features designed to give you greater insight into how your energy is managed and used over time. This includes tracking how much electricity is used per appliance around your home, as well as peak usage times where the energy demand is highest during the day so you can adjust accordingly to the numbers. Powering down appliances and other high-energy use culprits during the highest energy demand parts of the day can save significant money over time. 

System Performances 

Solar monitoring apps allow you to keep an eye on your overall system performance over time and briefly every day, whenever you need it to ensure that everything is running as it should be and to detect any issues that may occur early on so that you can adjust accordingly. Having access to real-time data will make it much easier for you to see where errors occur and for technicians to pinpoint where to look to better solve any problems. This could also be useful for defining which appliances should run on solar-powered electricity and which ones should rely on the grid.

Top-Rated Solar Monitoring Apps Available 

There are many solar monitoring apps available on the market today with varying pros and cons. Each has its own features and advantages. Some are designed for homeowners that have rooftop solar panels and others are for large-scale commercial solar projects. 

The most popular solar monitoring apps are: 

SolarEdge  

The SolarEdge Monitoring Platform/App offers comprehensive PV performance monitoring and features immediate fault detection and alerts. Monitoring sensors and transmitters are integrated into the SolarEdge solar inverter and power optimizer, and measurement data itself is sent through regular power lines. This app gives up-to-date information about the status of your system wherever you are, using your mobile device. 

SolarEdge also makes predictions based on your usage over time and will show you what indicators that depends on, such as what the weather is like in your solar panel area at the time/overall. You will need to connect your smartphone to your PV system to use this app – but it only needs to be done once during the installation of the application itself.  

Pros and Cons: 

• Visual data for PV production values, usage, self-consumption, and consumption of the buildings. 
• Comprehensive analysis and reporting with an option to schedule automatic reports at specific times, including the ability to export reports to an email or elsewhere. 
• Real-time system data access at any time of day or night. 
• Remote troubleshooting is available. 
• Easy access to all of your data from a desktop or laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone
• The app and all of its benefits are free for 25 years. 
• System issues are automatically generated and send alerts to the user. 

Enlighten App from Enphase 

The Enlighten App by Enphase, which is one of the most prominent leading solar PV monitoring systems on the market, offers a complete range of solar panels along with built-in microinverters. Their microinverters are rated for nearly anything Mother Nature can throw at them, which is important if you live in a particularly rainy or snowy climate. 

The app is made specifically for those who have a panel system and it is recommended to be using their own brand of solar panel to keep everything cohesive and compatible. You can check your system’s overall usage, health, and status without needing to scroll through to do so. Emphase’s main monitoring is web-based, but their app is catching up and is one of the best for checking solar systems on the go. 

Pros and Cons: 

• Simple and very easy-to-use interface app. 
• Newer models of solar panels provide even faster installation and compatibility with the app overall. 
• The system is integrated with iOS, Android, and web devices such as desktop or laptop PC. 
• Built for ACM applications, it’s compatible with a smart grid. 

SMA Sunny Portal 

Designed for SMA inverter systems, the Sunny Portal app and web-based monitoring system touts itself as being user-friendly and in-depth. It provides real-time data on energy production, system performance, consumption, and allows users to see how their systems perform over time and track trends to better help with future use. 

A customizable dashboard makes it easy for users to put what they consider most important front and center, cleaning up clutter for what they might not check as often. The app makes it simple for users to stay informed on their solar systems on the fly remotely and to identify any potential problems as they happen. The app is available for any device such as iOS, Android, tablets, and PCs such as desktops or laptops. 

Pros and Cons: 

• User customization and data are prioritized with this monitoring app. 
• Saved CO2, annual production, usage, and more details are easily available. 
• Accessible from any device including iOS, Android, tablets, and laptop/desktop PCs. 
• Simple and easy-to-read details, including saved CO2.
• Has a forecast section to better predict how to save you more energy and money as trends and use over time go forward. 

Fronius Solar.web App 

The Solar.web app from Fronius is the mobile version of their already available online services. Users can easily keep track and see at a glance their usage, solar energy yields of their PV system by installing on your Android, iOS, tablets, or even if you’d like – they have it available for use with your Apple Watch! 

Fronius is a web-based monitoring system that turned into a mobile app. Similar to the other solar panel monitoring apps, Solar.web shows users their energy yield over time along with CO2 saved, money saved, trees planted, and more. The key feature of this app is that if you own Apple products and don’t have your tablet or Macbook with you – you can still check into your system with your watch. 

Pros and Cons: 

• Compatible with Apple Watches. 
• Easy-to-read stats and overall energy yields.
• Minimal UI, display values are easy to understand. 
• Analysis of energy evaluations such as CO2 savings is helpful. 
• Keeps track of your entire history from Day 1 and allows for forecasting your energy usage. 

SunPower Monitoring 

With SunPower Monitoring, users that own SunPower solar panels can easily check their power usage at a glance, consumption, and history usage over time. Real-time updates and a well-designed-looking app is great for anyone looking for a sleek and easy monitoring system and panels. 

This app includes weather data, allowing users to see how weather conditions are affecting their energy production. It has text at the top of the app telling the user whether they’re using energy from solar directly, as in during the day, or using from storage like during the night and evenings, including home usage in real-time. Solar energy, home usage, and grid energy levels are all listed to better serve users in keeping track of what’s necessary. 

Pros and Cons: 

• Real-time updates on energy consumption, usage, and weather. 
• History of usage and trends with user usage, solar, and grid energy. 
• Beautiful design and easy to read all stats. 
• Works with SunPower solar apps, not compatible with other solar panel grids. 

Solar monitoring apps are similar and vary, finding the right one for users and their solar panel systems can be tricky. But with our reviews here and list, you can get a better idea of what to look for and what is available on the market today. 

If you’ve ever had your budget upheaved by a larger-than-expected utility bill, especially during/after the winter and summer months – you’ve most likely investigated different billing options to see if there are any routes that may be more stable. One solution can be budget billing plans with your utility company/companies. 
 
While this can take the guesswork out of your utility payments by allowing you to pay a set bill each month, be sure to read ahead to learn if this type of payment plan is right for you and what budget billing plans mean for you as a consumer. 

What are Budget Billing Plans? 

Budget billing plans mean that your utility company (such as natural gas or power companies) will offer a set amount due each month for a certain utility, based on the amount you’ve used in the last 12 or 24-month span plus the average monthly cost and anticipated energy prices. This is all added up to determine a new monthly bill plan for you. 

This service can help make costs more predictable for you as a consumer, despite fluctuating energy usage costs during the season changes. If the information is unavailable from your last 12-24 months, they will base it on the previous occupant’s energy usage. 

Ask Your Utility Company Questions 

Don’t be shy to ask questions of your utility company when it comes to billing and budget billing plans. A few key questions to keep in mind when inquiring about energy rate billing changes are: 

• Will you be charged extra if your usage goes over the planned estimate? 
• Will you be reimbursed, or will any overages be rolled over to next month’s plan if you end up using less electricity, natural gas, etc. than they estimate? 
• Are there any monthly fees or other costs besides the planned utility bill? 

Pros and Cons of Budget Billing Plans 

Pros 

• Less stress and anxiety every month: With your utility bills being a set amount each month, it takes the stress and anxiety out of wondering what your next bill amount will be. If you know the cost, you can plan instead of being caught off guard or worried. It might not cut the costs of your bill, but it can take the stress out of changing seasons and higher bills otherwise. 

• More predictable bills and cycles: This point blends with the first one. Having a more predictable billing cycle is a plus. It makes monthly budgeting simpler and is one less issue on your plate in regard to bills and budgets. 

• Avoid steep increases: Naturally, your power and gas bills go up as the seasons change. Using air conditioning in the summer and having the heat on during the long winter months impact your energy bills every year. With budget billing plans, your bill won’t sharply spike upwards as the temperatures drop or rise. Be prepared to pay later though if the usage is much higher than planned or intended – as extra consumption does add up. 

• Potential for saving money: Budget billing plans do not offer reduced rates or cost less, but they can help you save money on your utilities. Since the bill is predictable and any changes will be noted ahead of time, you’ll know how much you will be paying each month ahead of time. It makes it easier to set aside the money you’ll need and that alone will reduce any potential late fees, reconnection charges if it gets disconnected, or other unfortunate situations that can arise from regular bills that can be erratic. 

Cons  

• Extra Fees: Budget billing plans do have extra fees. Not all utility companies charge these, but some do. Keep in mind to check whether yours do and what they may entail. Most don’t when you avail of the service. Administration fees, maintenance, and cancellation fees are a few of what they can charge. Other companies may charge extra fees if your usage is more than anticipated. Even if they are minimal, if it keeps happening and adds up it can become a costly expense. 

• Risks of future elevations: With bills being predictable and set each month, it can become easy to go overboard and not realize that you’re using more than the predicted amount and use even more energy, resulting in a very high end-of-the-year bill for extra usage. Take care to keep an eye on your usage throughout the months and ensure that you’re not going to pay for it later. 

• Over or underpayment: It’s important to ask your utility company what happens if there are over, or underpayments compared to their estimates. If you end up using less energy than what they’ve predicted, can you be reimbursed, or can it be rolled over into the next month? If you use more energy than they predicted by the end of the year, will you owe an exorbitant amount or fees on top of your bill? 

• This can result in a very high year-end bill: As each month’s bill is set, you may not notice or realize the extra usage that climbs during the year. You may unintentionally use more energy than you would normally – such as leaving the air conditioning on while you’re not home since you don’t see the extra usage on the bill each month, leading to a rise in payments later on when the year is over. 

Is Budget Billing For You? 

It can be, depending on your energy usage, budget each month, and what you’re comfortable with. Look into the pros and cons, take your own usage each month into account and plan out whether budget billing would be right for you. 

There is also the option of taking budget billing into your own hands by planning each month and measuring your own usage and bill estimates. There are ways to measure your usage and check other fixed-bill energy plans that are not just budget billing plans with your utility service directly. You may even find other types of plans that will provide you with some level of predictability, like fixed-rate plans.

You can potentially save money by switching to budget billing plans, as mentioned earlier but it will not be upfront, and you will not be getting offered a lower price upfront by your utility company. One of the largest detriments to budget billing is users accidentally using extra energy and getting hit by an exorbitant bill at the end of the year. If you are diligent about your energy consumption, then a budget billing plan may be worth the switch. 

Ultimately it is up to you what is best for your budget, time, and energy usage whether it’s electricity or gas power. 

Questions and Answers About Budget Billing

My retailer increased my budget payment plan – why? 

While budget payment plans are great for remaining consistent month to month, they can and may change if you’re not careful. There are a few possible reasons that a retailer has increased your budget payment plan: 

• A noticeably significant change to your energy usage may cause a review and adjustment to your current set plan. 
• Your budget billing settlement month may be sooner than you think. It is easy to forget when your settlement month is, especially after a full 365-day cycle. Be sure to check when your month is settled in your contract to ensure that there are no surprise major bills at the end of the cycle year. 
• Any past due payments or currently unsettled payments from any previous payment dates may contribute to a higher bill or a change in your budget payment plan. 

Whether retired, on a fixed income, or wanting to find an energy retailer that provides discounts or promotional rates for seniors – our list below may help you find an energy retailer that works with seniors and offers year-round promotional rates or has monthly incentives for senior promotional rates at specific times of the year. 

It can be stressful when looking to change energy providers or choosing one with rate promotional deals. Our post below will go through points and options to make the decision easier.  

Spot Power

Spot Power is an energy company that started in 2008, located in Calgary, AB. They are a part of Utilitynet, which is a network of energy companies that provide energy management services. Providing electricity and natural gas energy rates, they are one of the main competitive retailers in Alberta. They provide their services to most regions within the province including Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Red Deer, and Fort McMurray. 

Offering both natural gas and electricity for residential and small businesses, the energy prices vary based on the plan chosen. Variable rates and fixed rates are available for residential and business. You can also bundle electricity and natural gas into one bill/plan. Spot requires a 10-day notice for cancellation and if you’re looking to switch to Spot Power – the company will handle the switch from the current retailer. 

They have referral programs, Green Energy rates, discounts and promotions, and even have a Spot Power Solar Power Club – that is a loyalty program for microgenerators of solar power in Alberta. Some benefits include 2% cashback on all energy imported from the grid annually, as well as exclusive electricity rates. 

Spot Power has a yearly promotional discount for senior citizens for energy pricing. Seniors 60 and over can purchase power at a lower price. For more information on these promotions, contact Spot Power’s customer care or refer to their website. More information is also available here. 

Adagio Energy

Adagio Energy has flexible and fixed rates for power and natural gas. Their headquarters are in Calgary, AB and offer their services across the province. Their options and plans are based on residential, business, and farm consumer categories.  

For businesses, they provide electricity and natural gas, but not internet solutions. The bundle option as well is not available for businesses. Fixed rates for 3 years, Flexible or Fixed rates for 1-3 years, and micro-generator solar club rates also exist with Adagio. All customers can choose to add the Green Energy option to their plans. 

They have a 3-ear Senior discount Electricity rate + Prudential on a Fixed rate plan. There are also other options and if you want to learn more – Call their customer service center at any time, Monday to Friday between 9 am-5 pm with inquiries as to what exactly each discount offers. For even more information, you can compare energy retailers here. 

Echo Energy

Echo Energy has been providing the city of Lacombe, AB with utilities since 2013 as an alternate option to larger utility companies. They provide electricity, natural gas, and internet services to the local community and deposit the net proceeds from energy sales into the community fund that works towards making the residents of Lacombe have a higher quality of life. 

They offer variable and fixed rates for their natural gas, and electricity, and have green energy plans as well. They also provide cable and DSL internet services via a partnership with QWave, which is also an Alberta-based provider of high-speed internet. 

Echo Energy has a 3-year fixed rate discount for seniors and offers a variable rate as well. For more information, you can contact them directly from their website and call customer support to learn more. For comparison and more direct information, you can also read more here. 

Sandstone Energy 

Sandstone Energy is a natural gas and electricity marketer that provides to homes, farms, and businesses around Alberta and is based in Calgary, AB. Exceptions to their service include Medicine Hat and some rural areas that are a part of the Rural Electrification Association. 

They operate under the electricity and natural gas marketing business licenses of UTILITYnet, which is a licensed marketer in Alberta. They direct 100% of their net income towards the core library initiatives of the Calgary Public Library Foundation. Sandstone offers natural gas, internet rates, and green energy for Albertans. Fixed-rate and floating-rate plans are available. 

Electricity plans are variable or fixed, natural gas has 1-year rates, and they also offer Solar Club rates for anyone using microgenerators with solar panels/energy. To qualify for their Solar Club rate you need to simply make a donation to your local food bank. 

Through purchasing their renewable energy certificates, customers can take part in Alberta’s Climate Change initiatives, through promotion and sustaining renewable energy facilities and encouraging new, greener energy buildings under construction. Customers are also free to choose the amount of green energy they wish to purchase each month, from 1% up to 100%. 

They do offer senior discounts, a 3-year electricity discount rate for seniors on a fixed rate plan. They may also have other options available – be sure to call their customer service or check their website for any more information you are interested in. For more comparisons or information about Sandstone Energy, you can do so here on Energy Rates.ca as well. 

Bow Valley Power

Bow Valley Power is an energy marketer that was founded in Alberta in 2010. They currently supply electricity and natural gas to more than 180 communities in the province. Customers include residential and commercial energy consumers. Bow Valley Power was also Alberta’s first energy marketer to provide both traditional and EcoLogo-certified green power to consumers. Headquartered in Calgary, they offer both fixed and variable rates for electricity and natural gas. 

They have three categories for their fixed-term contract rates for electricity – base, discount rate, and a senior’s rate. The discounted rate has a prudential premium of 5% per annum that is to be paid monthly as a credit, when the account is closed 100% of the prudential amount is refunded. Floating (variable) rates are posted every month. 

Natural gas only has one fixed rate, but variable rates customers can choose between a discounted variable rate or a regular variable one. 

Ridge Utilities

Ridge Utilities is a marketer that serves southern Alberta. They offer electricity, natural gas, and green-generated power. They also offer internet services. Both residential and commercial customers can use Ridge Valley as their retailer. 100% of their profits are used to grow and support the community, with distribution depending on where customers live. 

Their plans are available for electricity, natural gas, solar club, and internet rates. Their micro-generator rates are available for small solar micro-generators in Alberta – to be able to qualify, you must donate to your local food bank. They accept payment for power bills or internet services via pre-authorized debit from a chequing account or via the Paytm Canada app – which uses credit card, bank account, or cash. You can also earn rewards from bill payments. 

They offer a 3-year senior’s discount fixed rate, but more information about that will have to be talked through their customer service number or through email. More information about Ridge Utilities can be found here, as well as other comparisons. 

UTILITYnet  

UTILITYnet is a licensed marketer of energy and internet services in Alberta since 1978. Since 2009, UTILITYnet has helped introducing smaller, Alberta-based companies into the energy market and in turn, provide consumers with more choices. All energy providers within the UTILITYnet network are known as energy marketers.

They have several options to choose from for electricity and natural gas, and include Variable and Fixed rates. They do offer senior’s discounts for a fixed 3-year plan, but more information can be asked about from their customer service number or directly on their website. Information and comparisons can be found here as well. 

Vector Energy

Vector Energy is affiliated with the previously mentioned UTILITYnet, and they provide electricity and natural gas to both residential and commercial customers. They are available in several locations in Alberta including Calgary, Edmonton, Canmore, and Lethbridge. 

They are a competitive retail supplier, and as such provide several different plans and rates for electricity, natural gas, and internet to fulfill the needs of residential consumers. Small business owners are also included. They provide their customers with green energy rates as well. 

Vector Energy as well offers a 3-year electricity senior discount rate, on their fixed rates. More information can be gathered from their customer service phone number, and it can be compared from here as well on EnergyRates.ca. Rates are also available for Solar Club Rates, for small micro-generators and to qualify you must be a micro-generator in Alberta – and make a donation to your local food bank. 

Vector also provides its customers with an option to select how much of their monthly energy consumption they want to be green – with no minimum or maximum. There is more information about their green energy rates on their website. 

Natural disasters, severe weather, and overloaded electrical grids can all cause power outages. With more appliances and everyday living being dependent on electricity, when it goes out it can become a problem. Fridges, freezers, phone chargers, and heaters all typically run on the power grid – when that goes out, it can lead to stressful situations and damage to your property. Food spoils, the internet is cut off, and many mechanical systems that are essential can lead to dangerous situations during a storm or other disaster. 

A whole house generator that runs on natural gas can be a lifesaver if the need ever arises and can take the stress out of scrambling during a power outage. There are pros and cons to setting up a whole house generator and our post below tackles everything you need to know. 

What is a whole-house generator? 

Simply put, a whole house generator is a natural gas-powered system that automatically turns on (and off) if your main electricity ever fails – such as during a power outage. 

A whole house system is a stationary fixture, unlike a portable generator. Also known as standby generators, they’re connected to your home or business’ electrical system, along with a fuel source such as propane or natural gas (depending on what works best for your location and house set-up) 

Because whole house generators work with propane or natural gas as a source, you do not need to trudge out into the cold during the winter or be worried when you’re not around to refuel the system at any point. 

How does a whole house generator work? 

The way a whole house generator works is that once the system detects that your main electricity grid has gone down, it will kick on and provide electricity to your home. As soon as the electricity pops back on – the generator will shut itself off. Standby generators are a hands-off system that work automatically on their own, even when you’re not at home. 

There are two ‘systems’ within the whole house generator – the generator itself and the ATS (automatic transfer switch). The generator does the bulk of the work, providing power to your home. The ATS is what will start your generator once the power has been sensed to have been shut off. Once the generator is working at full speed, the ATS will cut your home off the power grid and connect it fully to the generator system, which protects your appliances and the grid from power surges or overloaded circuits. 

How much does a whole-house generator cost? 

The cost for a whole house generator will depend on multiple factors such as site conditions and how large of a generator you need for your home. It’s important to consider your electricity needs, size, and installation complexity. 

For the unit and installation, a whole house generator in Canada can be anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000+ depending on the size of generator you need for your home and the hookups involved. The larger the generator and the more kW (kilowatts) you produce, the more expensive it will be. Once you’ve decided on the size of the generator you need, the proposed generator location and placement in relation to the gas source and electrical hookups – the final price will be determined. 

Not all homeowners need their generator supporting everything in their home and opt to only have the basics staying on, such as the refrigerator and lights. Others may opt for a larger system that will keep the power on for the entire house and everything in it as if nothing has been disrupted. Over the years the cost of spoiled food, time spent having to rearrange different accommodations, and time lost while working if you work from home can all add up. 

Peace of mind can be worth the cost itself. Especially if you live in an area that has frequent power outages or tends to have powerful storms that knock out electricity a few times a year. 

What size of generator do I need for my home? 

Proper sizing for the generator in your home is the most important part of the process, both for how much power your generator will put out and for the final cost of the build and installation. 

A way to determine the size you need for your home, you can get the generator company to help with determining the size, or you can calculate it yourself to get the minimum kW needed to start. You can analyze the electrical loads your appliances output, such as the fridge or air conditioning units. Look at the manufacturer’s data plate and check the starting amperage. 

Next, you can use the following formula – (Starting Amps x Volts = Watts) and from there divide the number of Watts by 1,000 to get the kW number you need. 

When deciding on a generator output/size – a rule of thumb is 20-25% higher than the peak load. For example, if the total expected wattage is around 20-22 kW, aim for a 27-30 kW generator. 

A highly rated generator will output approximately 80% of its full capacity and it’s important to have extra room in case it requires more down the line if the load increases in the future. If you have central air cooling, that will be a significant amount of electrical load on your system. Generators in the 27-36kW range will power most homes easily since they will replace about 75% of the 200 amps coming into your electrical panel. 

The process to install a natural gas standby in your home 

The process to install a natural gas generator in your home will typically go as follows: 

1. Determine what size of whole house generator you need and have all the costs, including installation, ready to go with the company of your choosing. 

2. An ATS will be installed outside in an outdoor-rated enclosed box next to your meter. This is the most popular option OR it can be mounted inside, such as within a porch or garage, providing it follows the service box requirements. 

3. The generator itself will be hooked up and the fuel sources in place, whether you’ve gone with natural gas or propane. Everything will be checked and monitored to test that it’s all set up correctly – no leaks, no issues. And then your power will be turned back on in its entirety. 

4. From there – you’re all set! It should be a completely hands-off appliance that allows for better peace of mind, especially during storm seasons or winter seasons. 

Electricity back-up plans 

When all fails or you want to be extra prepared – having backup electricity plans that are temporary/ “just in case”, are a great idea to have around your home, especially if you live in an area that has frequent storms, winter freezes, or power outages due to other factors. 

Portable Generators 

As the name implies, portable generators are smaller generators that can help power larger appliances such as fridges during a power outage, so that food doesn’t spoil, as an example. 

Portable generators typically run on gasoline and must be used outside and away from all open windows, to decrease any chance of CO (carbon monoxide) in your home. They must be manually started and used safely. They are a good backup plan in case something happens to your whole house generator, or you just require powering a few larger appliances when the power goes out for a significant amount of time. 

Solar Panels + Storage 

If you live in an area where solar panels would benefit your home well, having solar panels and a storage system for the electricity they contain can be a wonderful alternative and a source of backup power in case it is needed. 

Solar panels + storage capacities are increasing in popularity and are becoming more affordable for residential homeowners as the years continue. Environmental use and a lesser carbon footprint along with protecting against electrical grid power outages make solar panels a good economic choice and create back-up power that doesn’t require using other fuels than the sun itself. 

Solar power today can power a whole home if the settings are right and if everything has the correct conditions.  

Is a whole house generator worth it? 

Deciding if a whole house standby generator is worth it will depend entirely on where you live, risk factors such as weather and natural disasters and the frequency they affect your area and electrical grid, cost, and lifestyle. 

If your area is, for example, prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, or severe winter storms that knock out power for hours/days/weeks at a time if something does happen during the year – you may want to look into a standby generator for the peace of mind in case it affects your home and power. 

Keep in mind that while systems and technicians have gotten better at getting power back up sooner than ever – it can still be an awful issue to have no power for days and weeks at a time during a storm or if a major powerline/system goes down. Camping at home might sound fun for a few hours or an evening, but once it starts affecting your food storage, charging phones, or not being able to work – it can become dangerous fast. Especially during winter or summer when the temperatures are at extremes. 

Upfront cost and financing are other factors to consider. Most generator installers/companies will offer affordable financing if you decide to go that way or if you can budget for the entire upfront cost without causing financial hardship is something to talk about and decide. Some homeowners may even have a whole house generator installed to increase the value of their home for reselling down the line. 

Whatever your reason for wanting to consider a whole house generator, it is good to have a backup plan for electricity in case the need ever arises from unforeseen circumstances.