Selecting the right energy supplier to light your home, operate your heating and cooling system and power your appliances can save money on your utility bills and provide good, reliable service. Utility choices still are limited in some areas, but competition has opened up in many places to allow consumers to compare suppliers and consider factors such as price, contracts and fees. Consumers who are concerned about the source of their energy also have more information and options about how their power is generated.
Related Searches:
Difficulty:
Moderate
Instructions
1
List the energy companies that service your area and their consumer contact information. You can get some guidance about approved suppliers from your state public service or public utility commission.
2
Ask each company what it charges per watt of electricity. Also inquire whether this rate is fixed or variable. For example, does this rate increase with demand on hot summer days, or is the rate quoted the average per watt?
3
Inquire about contracts and terms. Some suppliers require you to remain their customer for a specified period and impose early termination fees if you choose to switch to another company. The supplier also may renew your contract automatically. Find out about any incentives for new customers and termination notices required.
4
Find out whether the company requires a start-up fee or security deposit for new customers. Ask about the amount of the fee and whether the company will waive it if you agree to switch your business from another supplier.
5
Inquire about how each supplier generates the energy it produces. Does it use coal, natural gas, wind or nuclear sources? If clean, renewable energy is important to you, ask about emissions levels and choose a supplier that relies on eco-friendly production.
6
Check to see what avenues are available to customers with questions, complaints or concerns. Can you call for service and get a timely response, or do you have to submit requests in writing?
Tips & Warnings
Asking friends and family about their experiences with energy suppliers can help you make a decision.
The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act---passed by Congress in 1972---laid the groundwork for providing consumers with utility provider options, according to the...
All sources of energy--including coal, nuclear, solar and oil--have their advocates and detractors. Each creates energy by different methods and impacts the...
Homeowners and---in some cases---renters in the greater Dallas, Texas, area may choose from a range of energy providers. While larger providers such...
Donating electrical supplies helps individuals and charitable organizations in need, and donating used supplies also benefits the environment by promoting reuse ...
Energy-efficient light bulbs are becoming more widespread in homes and businesses throughout the country. While these bulbs have a slightly higher price...
The ever-increasing demand and ever-depleting supply of energy resources has created a complex array of natural gas and electricity providers in many...
Seventy-three percent of American households receive their electricity from a corporate-owned company. Twenty-seven percent of households receive electricity from a ...
Many states have a deregulated energy market, allowing customers to choose electricity companies based on price and other factors. Online sources are...
Whether because of economic or environmental concerns, energy efficiency has become an increasingly important issue for many people. One of the simplest...
