The Québec natural gas market has become increasingly deregulated in recent years. Although electricity regulation is an important part of the province’s energy market, the natural gas sector in Québec followed in the footsteps of many other Canadian provinces. That is, Québec has largely loosened the regulation when it comes to the supply of natural gas.
On a rough note, the deregulation of natural gas in Québec separates your natural gas services between distribution and supply, meaning that homeowners and companies aren’t obligated to buy their natural gas from the regulated provider (the distributor). Consumers in Québec are free to choose their natural gas suppliers according to their energy needs.
There are a lot of natural gas providers available in Québec. Some of them are completely regulated, some offer competitive natural gas rates while others only serve commercial customers.
Énergir and Gazifère are the two natural gas distributors in Québec. Their natural gas rates are regulated by the Régie de l’énergie, which is the province’s energy board, responsible for regulating the transmission and distribution of electricity and natural gas. Although rates need to be approved by the agency, Québec natural gas prices vary every month according to supply and demand.
The fluctuating natural gas rates can make monthly expenses quite volatile for homes and businesses, especially large natural gas consumers. That’s the main reason why many consumers prefer to shop for natural gas providers before signing a contract.
The Québec deregulated natural gas market basically provides consumers with two options: Purchasing natural gas from the distributor (Énergir in 98% of Québec locations, and Gazifère in the Gatineau region) or from a competitive natural gas provider.
Although consumers are free to choose their natural gas suppliers, some services, such as delivery and distribution, are provided by the utility only (Énergir and Gazifère), meaning that you can pay a different rate for natural gas as a commodity, but will still have to pay all of the regulated tariffs and fees regardless of who supplies your house or facility with natural gas.
Choosing a competitive natural gas supplier in Québec
In Québec, whether residential, commercial or industrial, any customer with an annual natural gas consumption of 7,500 m³ or more can opt for fixed natural gas rates. The fixed price for natural gas can help you make your natural gas costs in Québec more stable, which will protect you from sudden price increases every month. Instead of oscillating natural gas rates, you will be able to lock in your natural gas rates for months or even years.
If you want to learn more about your Québec natural gas options, or simply want to compare natural gas rates in the province, EnergyRates.ca can help you find the best available providers according to your postal code. All you need to do to start comparing natural gas rates is to go to the form above and fill in your postal code. The website will show you the major natural gas providers in your area, as well as the lowest available rates.
Small business, small commercial, large commercial and industrial natural gas consumers in Québec can get a custom, free quote based on their energy usage. We will provide you with all the necessary details for you to make an informed decision, and start saving on your natural gas bills in Québec.
Below you can find a list of the main natural gas retailers available in Québec, including commercial, residential and regulated options.
