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 Rate of Last Resort (RoLR). 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 by calling 310.EQUS to find out more information and if you’re eligible to enroll.
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. Members who sign up for e-billing will automatically receive $2 off of their monthly bill.
How do I pay my bill?
Bills can be paid via mailed-in cheque, office drop-off, Pre-Authorized Withdrawal (PAWS), credit card (with applicable fee), Canadian banks, telephone, and internet banking.
Can I pay my bill by credit card?
EQUS is pleased to offer the option of credit card payment through secure, third-party vendor OptionPay based out of Edmonton. Members can pay by credit card online, over the phone by providing their credit card information to their Member Service Administrator or by walking into your Area Office. A convenience fee of 3% will be added to each transaction.
How do I read my bill?
Co-operative Energy (provided by EQUS) - 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.
Rate of Last Resort - The cost of electric energy for your billing period is based on your settled energy (your metered consumption, plus line loss allocation from the AESO, plus unaccounted for energy allocation from the AESO). This is multiplied by an electricity rate calculated in accordance with the Alberta Regulation of the Alberta Electrical Utilities Act, which consists of base energy, volume, risk premiums, price risk premiums, and credit risk premiums. To obtain details of current and historical rates, call 310.EQUS, or view the rates at EQUS.ca/members.
Admin – This is the cost for administration of the members' account.
Transmission – The cost of building, operating and maintaining the provincial power grid, plus any applicable administration fees.
Rate Rider – A rider is a temporary credit or charge approved by the regulator.
Distribution – The cost of building, operating and maintaining the local electrical distribution system. Distribution charges may include costs of the investment rider and any capital cost recovery component applicable to your member account. Distribution charges are based on the most recent EQUS Rate Schedule approved by its Board of Directors. Click here for further details.
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.
How do I set up automatic payments?
Never miss a payment! Subscribe to EQUS' Pre-Authorized Withdrawal (PAWS) program and the amount owing on your monthly EQUS bill will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account at the end of each month. Fill out the form linked below and send to general@equs.ca.