FAQ
Your questions answered.
General Questions
Answers to common questions.
What is EQUS?
EQUS is Canada's largest member-owned utility, dedicated to providing electrical distribution services to rural Alberta on an at-cost basis. We focus on efficiency, member satisfaction, sustainability, and community support.
How do I become a member of EQUS?
You become a member when you choose EQUS as your service provider for electrical distribution. This involves setting up a service agreement for your residence or business within the EQUS Service Area.
Can I choose a different electricity retailer while using EQUS for distribution?
Yes, you can select any competitive retailer available in our service area for your electricity needs. Regardless of your choice, EQUS will remain your distribution service provider without affecting your service quality.
Members are free to purchase electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit http://www.ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310.4822 (toll free in Alberta).
What should I do if I experience a power outage?
Firstly, check your breaker panel or fuse box to ensure the outage isn't within your home system. If the problem isn't internal, there's no need to worry. Our smart meters notify EQUS as soon as there is an outage detected, so we can get to work quicker, and have your connection restored sooner!
How can I reduce my electricity bills?
You can reduce your bills by managing your electricity consumption. This can include using energy-efficient appliances, adjusting your thermostat settings, using LED lighting, and ensuring your home is well-insulated. EQUS also offers energy audits to help identify additional savings opportunities.
What is the process for installing a new service or transferring an existing service to EQUS?
Contact us to discuss your specific needs, and we will guide you through the process. This includes determining the best location for service, completing necessary paperwork, and scheduling installation or transfer.
Billing FAQS
Understanding your billing.
What are my energy service options with EQUS?
Members have three main choices: the Co-operative Energy Rate Contract, Competitive Retail Service, and the Regulated Rate Option (RRO). Each offers different terms and conditions, which are detailed in our Co-operative Energy Rate Service Terms.
Members are free to purchase electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit http://www.ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310.4822 (toll free in Alberta).
Do I need to read my meter?
No, with EQUS' Automated Metering Infrastructure, meter readings are submitted automatically for billing purposes.
What is Budget Billing and how do I sign up?
EQUS' Budget Billing Program averages your yearly utility costs over 12 months for consistent monthly billing. Contact your Member Service Administrator and find out if you’re eligible to enrol or for more information.
How can I disconnect/connect my service?
Please call 310.EQUS (310.3787) to manage service connections or disconnections.
What are my billing options?
Members can choose between e-billing or mail for their billing delivery.
How do I pay my bill?
Bills can be paid via mail, office drop-off, pre-authorized withdrawal, credit card (with applicable fee), Canadian banks, telephone, and internet banking.
How do I read my bill?
Co-operative Energy (provided by EQUS REA LTD.) - This is the cost of electric energy you have used in a billing period. Your current rate includes: Energy and UFE (Unaccounted for Energy)/Line Loss Consumption @ 5.77% - included in Energy Billed.
Regulated Rate Energy Provision (provided by EQUS REA LTD.)- This is the cost of electric energy you have used in a billing period. Your current rate includes: Energy and UFE (Unaccounted for Energy)/Line Loss Consumption @ 5.77% - Included in Energy Billed and EQUS' risk margin. Risks covered by the risk margin include all volume risk including attrition and forecast risk, all price risk, and all credit risk.
Co-op Non-Energy – This is the cost for administration of the members' account.
RRO Non-Energy – This is the cost for administration of the members' account and the cost of RRO procurement, overhead and administration. The RRO procurement cost is based on billed consumption and therefore this amount will vary accordingly from month to month.
Transmission – The cost of building, operating and maintaining the provincial power grid.
Rate Rider – A rider is a temporary credit or charge approved by the regulator.
Distribution – The cost of building, operating and maintaining the local distribution system. Your current distribution rate as a member of a locally owned distribution cooperative is a flat charge based on the breaker size. This is reflected in the service capacity charge on the front of the bill.
Tree Trimming– This charge will appear on your bill if you have chosen to continue to have the trees on your tap trimmed.
Loan– This is applied to your account if you have chosen to take a loan for a new service or if you have taken a loan for a service move or service transfer.
Adjustments – Miscellaneous adjustments are applied to your bill for the following reasons: deposit on account, used pole sales, Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) charge, and any charges/credits that are applied to your account.
Goods & Services Tax (GST)– the GST calculation is based on the total cost identified in your bill.
What is an EQUS AMI Load Limiter?
It's a device enabling remote connection, disconnection, and power limitation, used primarily for accounts in arrears during winter months.
How does load-limiting work in winter?
Load limiting allows residential accounts in arrears to use minimal electricity, enough to maintain heating and basic needs without exceeding 15 amps.
How is a load limiter removed?
Contact EQUS to arrange account settlement. Full service restoration requires the account to be paid in full, including any reconnection fees or agreed payment plans.
