There’s a New Sheriff in Town, and He’s Got Four Paws

By: Darren Chu

As Trump continues to disrupt Canada’s economy with tariffs, Albertans find themselves with a choice. Will they continue to support foreign-owned companies or support local businesses?

When it comes to electricity and natural gas, one retailer in particular has roots in America. Don’t be fooled — they may have offices here, and they may employ Albertans, but profits end up on an American balance sheet.

SPOTpower, on the other hand, is based in Calgary’s historic Inglewood neighbourhood. We’ve had offices all around Calgary (17th Avenue, the Beltline, Downtown), but Inglewood has been our home for over 15 years, and we have no plans to leave. The company’s founder moved to Alberta from BC in 1978, raised a family, and built a business here.

Since 2008, we’ve retailed electricity, natural gas, Internet, and solar rates to Albertans. Competing against incumbents like the “Big 4” has forced us to be competitive with our rates, develop innovative programs like our Solar Club™, and be the first utility retailer to include Internet as a bundled service with energy.

Our systems are housed here. The billing engine was built in-house and remains in-house. SPOTpower invoices are produced here. We are as Canadian as any company could possibly be.

When SPOTpower customers pay their bills, they’re reinvesting in local charities. We’ve supported the Calgary Food Bank, Fear Is Not Love, the Skipping Stone Foundation, Made By Momma, Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society (CSRS), and many more. In 2024, our customers donated over $84,000 to CSRS to help pay for their Emergency Fund. Our Solar Club Members donate to a local food bank as the cost of entry.

We are built on Canadian values. We are true North, strong and free.

That company founder I mentioned is my mother. And I am a fourth-generation Canadian operating an Albertan business. I was born in the Calgary General Hospital. I grew up watching “Heritage Minute” commercials. I know what a house hippo is. I have skied the slopes of every resort in the Rockies. I drink maple syrup instead of coffee… ok, maybe not that last one, but I don’t eat pancakes without it.

If this week revealed anything about President Trump, it’s that his “house” is in disarray. Albertans know what’s up — and it’s not just our elbows — we know that supporting local businesses is the way forward.

It’s time to take a stand. Be like SPOT the Dog; let’s stand on guard for Canadian businesses, and save some money while we’re at it.

SPOTpower – You’re in the right spot for Alberta energy.