An energy supplier is the same as an energy retailer. Direct Energy and Direct Energy Regulated Services are energy suppliers and retailers. Being a supplier and a retailer means we can purchase electricity and natural gas on our customers' behalf in the energy marketplace. With Direct Energy Regulated Services, we supply it at a regulated rate reviewed and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission and with Direct Energy, we provide competitive fixed-rate plans for longer term price protection. In addition, Direct Energy offers variable products with different terms and initiatives. Both companies also provide retail services, including billing and customer service. An energy distributor, such as ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric, owns the infrastructure and distribution systems that transport natural gas or electricity to consumers' homes or businesses. With AUC approval, energy distributors set the delivery charge rates on the lower part of your bill. Distributors are also responsible for responding to emergencies or outages.