Replay: Tackling utility bills. Get your questions answered before a summer spike - Action News
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Replay: Tackling utility bills. Get your questions answered before a summer spike

Join CBC host Rob Brown and local experts to get your utility bill questions answered. Power and heat; rates and consumption it's not too late to lock in or improve home efficiency. Summer is peak power season in Calgary.

What are all those fees on my bill? How do I get the best deal?

Tackling utility bills

2 years ago
Duration 57:08
Have your questions answered about utility bills.

Did you know some utility contracts let a customer switch between the floating and fixed rate up to once a month? Others have no penalty for breaking the contract.

If you didn't know,you're not alone!

Viewers had somequestions answered by tuningin for this aone-hour online forum withlocal experts,hosted by Rob Brown (CBC's the News at 6).

Three local panelists answer community questions about utility bills in Calgary. From left to right: energy mentor Mehrdad Zabihi of Empower Me; client advocate Salwa El-Maghwry of Rise Calgary; and Alberta Utility Consumer Advocate Chris Hunt. (Photos submitted by participants)

Alberta saw record-breaking electricity prices during the winter. They've come back down now but are expected to jump again this summer. It's not too late to learn how to get the best ratesand to reduce heat and power use at home.

Our expert panel

Salwa El-Maghwry has seen hundreds of Enmax and other utility bills in her work as the utilities expert on the Rise Calgary team. She regularly calls Enmax staff to advocate on behalf of families struggling with theirbills, giving her a read onwhat payment plans and options are possible.

Chris Hunt leads Alberta's office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate. His staff take thousands of calls from Albertans seeking advice as they navigate Alberta's power and gas market. He also argues on behalf of consumers when utility companies try to increase fees.

Mehrdad Zabihi is an Energy Mentor with Empower Me, which runs workshops to help community members minimize their utility bills. He hasdirect experience learning the ropes in a new climate, aftermovingto Canada from Iran six years ago.