Moving home in Canada: setting up your energy
What actually happens when you move in, and what to do about it — compiled August 2026.
Varies by province — RRO (Alberta), RPP (Ontario), or a single provincial utility elsewhere
No national concept. Alberta defaults to the Regulated Rate Option if you don’t choose a competitive retailer. Ontario defaults to the Regulated Price Plan via the local distribution company. Most other provinces (BC, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Maritimes) have one Crown/provincial utility and no switching decision at all.
What to do
Take a meter reading with a photo/timestamp on move-in day.
Identify which utility/local distribution company serves your new address.
In Alberta or Ontario, decide whether to accept the regulated default or shop a competitive retailer.
In single-utility provinces, just open an account — allow lead time if it’s a new/never-connected property.
Ready to compare Canada energy providers?
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