City’s utility pricing, fees well below average

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on August 9, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

In a report released Thursday, the city says its residential electricity and natural gas customers have paid on average $688 less than customers in other Alberta cities in 2025.

According to the report, this is due in part to the city’s lower distribution costs, such as administration, service, distribution and MCAF (Municipal Consent & Access Fee) fees, which account for $613.

On average, Hatters paid $385 less than the provincial average in electric distribution costs, and paid approximately $90 less than average in MCAF fees this year.

Compared to Lethbridge, the average electric and natural gas customer in Medicine Hat has paid $550 less on their utility bill this year.

The information reported is based on residential consumption of 3,519 kWh and 66 GJ in 2025.

Distribution costs include transmission, distribution and applicable riders like load balancing and weather. MCAf fees include local access fees, as well as municipal property tax fees.

According to the report, residential customers in Grande Prairie paid the most expensive fees in the province this year at $2,427.69, almost twice as much as fees in Medicine Hat ($1,237.62.)

9
-8