Whitecourt town council has approved a 2.05 per cent increase to the current franchise fee for FortisAlberta Inc.’s electricity services.
Franchise fees are charged to FortisAlberta in exchange for the exclusive right to supply power in Whitecourt.
The current rate is 7.09 per cent. Council approved an increase to 9.14 per cent, which is expected to generate approximately $1.5 million in revenues in 2027.
For the average residential customer, that’s an annual change of about $20.91, or $1.74 per month. For the average non-residential customer, it will be an estimated increase of $100.73 per year, or $8.39 per month.
According to administration and the council agenda, this is still below the average of 13.40 per cent for 14 comparable municipalities.
Council also reviewed the franchise fee for gas provided by ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. and maintained the current rate at 33.55 per cent.
These decisions were approved by council during its regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 13. The new electricity franchise fee goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
