Default Customer Frequently Asked Questions
I was notified that I have to select a retailer by June 30, 2006 or my business account will be transferred to Direct Energy Business Services (DEBS). Why is this happening?
DERS supports customers that are eligible for the Regulated Rate Tariff which requires an annual usage of less than 250 000 kWh. If your business’ annual usage exceeds this amount, you are required to either select a competitive retailer or be serviced by the Default Supplier in the ATCO Electric service territory. In this instance, the Default Supplier is Direct Energy Business Services. On July 1, Direct Energy Business Services will be your provider of service and billing if you don’t enter into a contract with a retailer.
How do I sign a contract? Do I have some choices for energy?
You do not have to sign a contract for Default Supply energy. If you are interested in signing a contract, a complete list of all retailers can be found on the customer choice website at .
If I don't sign a contract, how will the transition to DEBS affect me and my business?
Starting in August 2006, your Default Supply electric bill will come from Direct Energy Business Services (covering the consumption for the month of July). A representative of DEBS will contact you in the month of June to discuss the transition and ensure any requirements to receive the Default Supply service are met. Details of the Default Supply service are contained in the Terms and Conditions.
Can you please explain to me who is now responsible for what?
As of July 1, 2006, Direct Energy Business Services will buy the energy you use, ATCO Electric will deliver the energy to your door, and Direct Energy Business Services (Default Supplier) will send you your monthly energy bill.
If DERS will no longer be my billing and service provider, do I have to pay my last DERS bill?
Yes. You must still pay for the energy that you have used. DERS will continue to send you a bill for as long as you have any amounts owing. Due to the electricity settlement process, you may receive DERS bills for up to 7 months after the transition. These will reflect adjustments of billed usage to June 30, 2006 or whichever date you have switched to a retailer (whichever comes first). These will be separate from your Direct Energy Business Services bills for current charges.
How will this change affect my rates/total bill? Will I be paying more per month?
Direct Energy Business Services will provide customers at the Default Supply rates based on the market price for energy. To cover the costs of such items as billing and customer care, an administration fee schedule will be applied as per the Terms and Conditions (pgs 29-30).
Will I have to change things at my bank for my PPP, internet or telephone banking?
Yes. As a result of the change, your business will have to register Direct Energy Business Services with your financial institution for electronic payments. Otherwise, you can pay your bills by cheque. If you pay by cheque, please make it out to Direct Energy Business Services.
How do I pay my bills electronically over the internet?
When using electronic bill payment, please use the following biller ID (for all banks EXCEPT Scotiabank): DIRECT ENERGY BUSINESS SERVICES-AB
Due to limitations of character length, Scotiabank will be using the following biller ID: DIRECT ENERGY BUSINESS SERV-AB
I have a security deposit with DERS. When do I get my security deposit back?
You have 2 options. You may choose to receive your security deposit back from DERS minus any amounts that may be outstanding after your final bill or you can authorize DERS to transfer the amount to Direct Energy Business Services.
Will ATCO Electric still respond to emergency situations?
Yes. You will still contact ATCO Electric directly for these services. Please continue to call ATCO Electric for all your power emergencies.
