As of Friday, the grace period for late payers is over, which means providers can disconnect services, something the moratorium has prevented during the winter months.
The number of Alberts experiencing downtime is unclear, but it is estimated that at least 1,000 ENMAX clients could be affected.
CTV News contacted several energy companies for more accurate numbers, but many did not respond to the request or would provide official numbers.
In a statement, ENMAX spokeswoman Chinta Puxley said, “We do not provide specific customer account information as all customer information is confidential.”
For those in financial difficulty, government officials and energy companies advise customers to contact their provider for payment options.
“We understand that financial times are tough for many customers, no matter what service they are in,” Puxley said.  “We also know that the needs of individual customers vary and we always encourage our customers to contact the customer service team at 310-2010.”
The UCP government plans to offer a $ 150 retro discount for most families and small businesses to help with winter energy bills as part of the county’s latest budget, however, there is no clear timeline for when this will happen. .
However, the official opposition says the discount is not enough and the UCP government must take further steps to protect the Alberts.
“We would like to see them introduce a real discount on gas, we would like to see them introduce either an interest rate cap or a real discount on electricity,” said Kathleen Ganley, energy critic for the NDP and MLA. for Calgary- Mountain View.
Ganley says unpaid bills speak to affordability in Alberta.
“They are not people who choose, you know, to spend their money on luxuries,” he said.  “We have heard from people who choose between paying for their heat and buying their groceries.”
The opposition tried to extend the moratorium to the next period – essentially in April 2023 – but the attempt was defeated in the legislature.

RETAILS COMMITTED TO HELP CONSUMERS: UCP 
The UCP government said in a statement to CTV News on Friday that it had contacted a number of major energy retailers across Alberta who were told there were not many customers in Alberta who could discontinue their services.
Even so, Deputy Secretary of State for Gas and Electricity Dale Nally says he is “extremely sympathetic” to the challenges facing residents.
“I want to make sure they contact the Alberta Consumer Ombudsman for advice on how to navigate these difficult situations and to learn about the programs available to them,” said Nally. have access to specialized support programs to avoid public benefit disconnections through the Alberta Disability Assistance Program, the Direct to Tenant Supplemental Rental Program, Alberta Works and Alberta Supports. “
Nally adds that the “disconnection” introduced by the NDP government would result in higher utility rates for all Alberts, given the “rapidly growing payer debt”.
“For anyone who is afraid of disconnecting, the most important thing they can do is stay in touch with their retail store. Retailers have assured me that they are committed to exploring all options to keep their customers connected through flexible repayment plans. or other solutions. “
Nally said Utility Consumer Advocate is also available to help alleviate consumer concerns.