Record-high regulated rate option could push Alberta power bills even higher

About 35 per cent of Alberta households -- many of them low income -- could see record high prices power prices next month.

Those paying the regulated rate option (RRO) will be facing down a rising default rate in August. It'll result in an estimated average monthly bill add of $115, compared to those on a fixed rate.

If approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission, the Enmax RRO for Calgarians will rise from 27.5 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) in July to 31.9 cents next month. 

In Edmonton, that rate through Epcor could go as high as 32.5 cents. 

"Wholesale market prices are very high right now, and they're expected to be high for the next few months at least," consumer advocate Jim Wachowich said.