Enmax fixed vs. floating rates...

[Robotic]

Just curious what everyone has setup there electricity rates at? It looks like floating is jumping 38% next month.
http://www.calgaryherald.com/Power+p...269/story.html

Time to switch to fixed $0.08? Seems ridiculous that Enmax can change the rates to whatever they want.

It's also funny that fixed is not a true "fixed stuck for 5 year" thing. You can switch back and forth as much as you like.

[ken0042]

Enmax is the only one I'd stay fixed with; as you can cancel at any time.

I've been on 8¢ for a couple of years now.

[bizaro86]

I have a semi-related question about easymax. I know they say you get $100 back per year for using them for both electricity and gas, and you can still get the regulated rate option (floating rates). Are the administration or other fees higher than direct energy for gas?

If not, I can't think of any reason not to switch over.

[Rathji]

I would always be fixed, since you can always lower your rate to the current rate.

[THE SCUD]

Thanks for the heads up - I fixed in at $0.08 - it'll be 20% less than the floating rate, and I'll watch the rate monthly to see if it drops.

[Bill Bumface]

Thanks for the heads up, locked at 8 cents.

[THE SCUD]

Let's keep this thread bumped monthly with the fixed/floating spread, so those of us who locked in will be reminded to return to floating

[THE SCUD]

Originally Posted by Rathji

I would always be fixed, since you can always lower your rate to the current rate.

That's not true, they have been at 0.08 for a long time for the fixed rate, but it's never been that high on a floating rate, so you'd have been losing money for years, as compared to fixed.

I am fixed now, but will go back to floating the second the floating rates are better
80-90% of the time you are better to be floating, so the 1 month in 3 years that you were better to be fixed sure the eff doesn't pay for years of fixed rate pwnage.

[Bill Bumface]

I wish I could thank the OP twice. Looking at my Enmax account my EasyMax was screwed up. They owe me about $200. Free utilities next month!!!

[Robotic]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

I wish I could thank the OP twice. Looking at my Enmax account my EasyMax was screwed up. They owe me about $200. Free utilities next month!!!

Split it with ya! haha

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by THE SCUD

That's not true, they have been at 0.08 for a long time for the fixed rate, but it's never been that high on a floating rate, so you'd have been losing money for years, as compared to fixed.

I am fixed now, but will go back to floating the second the floating rates are better
80-90% of the time you are better to be floating, so the 1 month in 3 years that you were better to be fixed sure the eff doesn't pay for years of fixed rate pwnage.

Learn something new everyday. We screwed up our Enmax when my wife was on mat leave for our second child, so have been with Direct Energy ever since.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by THE SCUD

That's not true, they have been at 0.08 for a long time for the fixed rate, but it's never been that high on a floating rate, so you'd have been losing money for years, as compared to fixed.

OK, what was the floating rate before? For July it is 9.888¢ - so about 25% higher than fixed.

http://www.enmax.com/easymax/residen...ent+Prices.htm

When I first went fixed I compared it often, and never was the floating rate lower than 8¢.

[JustAnotherGuy]

Right or wrong I have the floating rate. I don't have the time or patience to keep an eye on the rates and opt out if they drop below 8 cents. Everytime they call me to see if I want to go with the fixed rate I get a little pissed. I figure. Why don't you just give me the best rate.

[TheyCallMeBruce]

Originally Posted by ken0042

OK, what was the floating rate before? For July it is 9.888¢ - so about 25% higher than fixed.

http://www.enmax.com/easymax/residen...ent+Prices.htm

When I first went fixed I compared it often, and never was the floating rate lower than 8¢.

I went back a full year on my bill and the average floating rate was 7.5cent. It wasn't until the past 3 months that I've seen it exceed 8cents.

[THE SCUD]

Originally Posted by TheyCallMeBruce

I went back a full year on my bill and the average floating rate was 7.5cent. It wasn't until the past 3 months that I've seen it exceed 8cents.

Me too, I went back 1.5 years and it's never been above 0.08. I watch it every few months (when I remember!) and never do I see it move.

Enmax's allowing you to jump in and out is great, so there really is no wrong answer here - group hug!

The best approach: When you see floating is going to go above fixed, go fixed. As soon as floating drops below fixed, go back.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Enmax makes money every time you switch. Every time.

[THE SCUD]

So apparently we're effed either way:

https://www.enmax.com/Power/Tariffs/...ergy+Rates.htm

It's been above $0.08 KwH for 6 out of 24 months - so you'd have been losing money 18 out of 24 months, you'd think....

But when I dump that data into excel and average it out, the average monthly rate?$ $0.076! So you'd have lost $0.004 or 5%. No big diff.

[Drury18]

Enmax's fixed rate for Electric is usually competitive. It's the fixed Gas rate that seems to be out of whack. It was $6.59 when they were charging $3 on floating.

Speaking of which, where is a reliable source to find out what the upcoming gas rates would be?

[Ducay]

Originally Posted by Drury18

Enmax's fixed rate for Electric is usually competitive. It's the fixed Gas rate that seems to be out of whack. It was $6.59 when they were charging $3 on floating.

Speaking of which, where is a reliable source to find out what the upcoming gas rates would be?

I'd assume keeping an eye on the AECO Spot and 30 day rates would be a good gauge; I've never looked so I'm not sure what leadtime they have from the benchmarks to when it actually hits your rates.

[Robotic]

Just bumping this thread to remind people to keep it fixed at $0.08 as the August floating is moving up to $0.12432.

http://www.enmax.com/Power/Tariffs/RRO+Energy+Rates/RRO+Energy+Rates.htm