ATCO Electric Net Metering Guide 2026: How to Connect Solar
Everything you need to know to connect a residential solar system to ATCO Electric: net metering rules, connection process, fees, timeline, and contact info.
Last verified:
Short answer
ATCO Electric follows Alberta's Micro-Generation Regulation for systems up to 5 MW. Export credits are applied at the retail energy rate on your bill and roll forward as an account credit. ATCO Electric serves rural Alberta including the north, east, and southeast regions of the province.
ATCO Electric Solar Connection Process
Application
Submit the ATCO Electric Micro-Generation application. Your installer typically handles this.
Wire owner review
ATCO Electric (the wires owner) reviews technical requirements and issues connection conditions.
Retailer notification
Notify your electricity retailer that you are becoming a micro-generator. The retailer manages the credit application on the bill.
Install and inspect
Complete installation and obtain electrical inspection sign off from the province.
Bi-directional meter and activation
ATCO Electric installs a bi-directional meter and activates the connection.
ATCO Electric Solar Connection Fees
| Fee item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Connection application fee | Not published — contact ATCO Electric | Charged by the local distribution company at time of application. |
| Connection Impact Assessment | Varies | Applies to larger systems when local distribution capacity requires study. |
| ESA inspection | Varies by province | Province-specific electrical inspection body handles this. |
| Bi-directional meter installation | Included or varies | Some utilities include the meter change in the standard connection; others charge separately. |
Fees change without notice. Confirm current amounts with ATCO Electric before signing an installer contract.
Connection Timeline
Set by the utility and it varies with site and system size. No connection date is promised until approvals are complete.
Contact ATCO Electric
Phone
1-800-668-2248
Service territory includes: Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat (parts), Northern rural Alberta.
Calculate Your ATCO Electric Solar Savings
Enter your address to see how much you could save with solar on the ATCO Electric rate structure.
Get a free estimateATCO Electric Net Metering FAQs
Related Resources
Solar in Alberta
Complete 2026 solar guide for Alberta.
Learn moreNet Metering Canada
Compare net metering programs across every province.
Learn moreAlectra Utilities Net Metering
How to connect solar with Alectra Utilities.
Learn moreElexicon Energy Net Metering
How to connect solar with Elexicon Energy.
Learn moreHydro Ottawa Net Metering
How to connect solar with Hydro Ottawa.
Learn moreWaterloo North Hydro Net Metering
How to connect solar with Waterloo North Hydro.
Learn more