Apex Utilities Inc. will file an application with the Alberta Utilities Commission, requesting approval to renew its franchise agreement with the Town of Drumheller.

The franchise agreement will continue to grant Apex Utilities Inc. the right to deliver natural gas to residents of the Town of Drumheller. The franchise agreement is proposed to be effective on November 1, 2025 expires on November 1, 2035, and includes an option for renewal. The existing franchise agreement was previously approved by the Commission in Decision 20723-D01-2015. 

The franchise agreement renewal includes a franchise fee to be collected by Apex Utilities Inc. and remitted to the Town of Drumheller. The proposed franchise fee is 27 per cent, which is the same as the existing franchise fee of 27 per cent. The franchise fee percentage is applied to the distribution tariff, typically consisting of both distribution and transmission charges. Based on the typical monthly consumption of 11.25 gigajoules, the average monthly franchise fee paid by an average residential customer is expected to remain the same at $26.52. 

You may send your objections, concerns about, or support for the application in writing to Apex Utilities Inc. or the Town of Drumheller on or before June 19, 2025, at: 

• Apex Utilities Inc., Irv Richelhoff, 5509-45th Street, Leduc, AB, T9E 6T6, phone: 780-980-7305; email: businessdevelopment@apexutilities.ca.
• Town of Drumheller, Darryl Drohomerski, 224 Centre Street, Drumheller, AB, T0J 0Y4, phone: 403-823-1347; email: cao@drumheller.ca.

Except for information designated confidential by the Commission, any information or materials, including personal information, that are provided as part of a Commission proceeding will become part of the public record. If no submissions are received, or if submissions are received from a party not directly affected, or if submissions are frivolous, vexatious or of little merit, the Commission may render a decision on the application without further notice or without a public hearing. 

For more information on how to file a submission, please contact the Commission directly at 310-4282 (in Alberta) or 1-833-511-4282 (outside Alberta), or by email at info@auc.ab.ca. An information package, providing an explanation of the process and assistance on how to participate in the proceeding, will be immediately provided to any person who inquires with the Commission. 

For a paper copy of the franchise agreement, please contact either the applicant or the municipality at: 

• Apex Utilities Inc., Irv Richelhoff, 5509-45th Street, Leduc, AB, T9E 6T6, phone: 780-980-7305; email: businessdevelopment@apexutilities.ca.
• Town of Drumheller, Darryl Drohomerski, 224 Centre Street, Drumheller, AB, T0J 0Y4, phone: 403-823-1347; email: cao@drumheller.ca

The Alberta Utilities Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial regulatory body responsible for making decisions about utility-related applications.  

Issued on June 5, 2025.

 
Alberta Utilities Commission 

Notice of application to be filed for approval to renew the franchise agreement between the Town of Drumheller and Apex Utilities Inc.