Almost every electricity decision comes down to this. Neither is a trick, they just suit different temperaments.
A fixed plan secures your energy rate for the full term (1 or 2 years at Flux). Your price per kWh won't move with the market, so your bill is predictable month to month. Good if you'd rather not think about wholesale prices at all.
A variable plan tracks the Alberta wholesale price and resets each month. It tends to be cheaper on average over time, with more month-to-month movement. Good if you can ride the swings to chase the lower long-run cost.
Either way, at Flux there are no exit fees, so you can switch between fixed and variable any time without a penalty if your situation changes.
A retailer only controls the energy charge and the admin fee. The rest is regulated and identical no matter who bills you, so a fair comparison is about the parts a retailer can actually change.
Your rate times the kWh you used. This is the part a retailer actually competes on, and the number a plan locks (fixed) or floats (variable).
The cost of moving power over the wires to your home, around 10.3¢/kWh on a typical Calgary bill. Set by your local utility and the same no matter which retailer you choose.
A flat account fee, charged per meter. Flux charges $0.31/day, so a home taking both electricity and gas pays it on each. Some retailers charge more, or tuck extra service fees in here, so it's worth checking alongside the rate.
Regulatory adjustments, a municipal fee, and 5% GST, layered on top. Set by regulators and your city, not your retailer.
If a competitor quotes a low rate but adds a fat admin fee or a long lock with an exit penalty, the headline number isn't the real number. Run any plan through this list before you sign.
Instant, no signup. A real number for your address, with the fees shown, not hidden.
