Wiktor Wise
If you're moving into a new home, you might not know which electricity company to contact for your address. In the United States, you can find this out fairly easily by searching based on your address or zip code. In some states, like Texas, you can choose your electricity provider, while in others, like Georgia, you can choose your natural gas provider. In some cases, you may have a different company that delivers the power to your home and handles emergencies, and another that provides power, handles customer service, and sends your bill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Massachusetts, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Colorado |
| Determining factors | Address, zip code, ESID number |
| Number of electricity companies | Over 40 in Texas |
| Regulated by | Department of Public Utilities (DPU) in Massachusetts, Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in Colorado |
| Choice of electricity company | Yes in Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Colorado |
| Utility company | Handles outages, delivers power to the home |
| Retail electricity provider | Sells electricity, manages customer service, billing, and plan options |
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What You'll Learn
Using your address or zip code to find your electricity provider
If you're unsure about who your electricity provider is, you can easily find out this information by using your address or zip code.
In the United States, you can find utilities by address or zip code. Often, there’s only one electric utility for a region, which may also serve as your gas utility. However, in some states, you’ll have additional energy choices to choose from. For instance, in Texas, the electricity market is deregulated, meaning you must shop for an electricity provider. You will have one electric company, the utility company, that delivers power to your home and handles emergencies. Then you will have another electric company that provides power, handles customer service, sends your bill, and coordinates with the utility company.
You can use an ESID Lookup Tool (Electricity Service Identifier) to find your utility company and see offers from retail electricity providers. Simply enter your address to look up this information. You can also enter your zip code in an energy comparison tool to see all the available electricity providers in your area.
If you live in Massachusetts, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates investor-owned electric and gas companies, along with some privately-owned water companies. The DPU also has limited oversight of municipal light plants (MLPs), which provide electric and/or gas service in some locations in Massachusetts. You can use the search bar on the DPU website to search for the name of your city or town to find the companies that provide electric service to that area.
In Colorado, customers may be served by an investor-owned utility, a cooperative utility, or a municipal utility. Colorado has two investor-owned electric utilities: Black Hills Energy and Public Service Company of Colorado, known as Xcel Energy.
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Understanding the difference between your utility company and electricity provider
If you've recently moved to a new place, you might be wondering, "Who is my electric company?" This is a common question, especially as some states have deregulated their energy markets, giving customers more choices in terms of energy providers.
First, it's important to know that your utility company is the company that delivers energy to your home. They maintain the electrical equipment, like power lines, and are responsible for ensuring there's no interruption to your energy supply. If there's a power outage, gas leak, or other emergency in your area, you'll want to contact your utility company. Your utility company is assigned to you based on your address.
Your electricity provider, on the other hand, is the company that sells you electricity. They purchase electricity at wholesale rates from the market and then supply it to consumers, often at competitive prices. They provide you with plans, rates, bills, and customer service. You can choose your electricity provider in states with deregulated energy markets, such as Texas, and this competition often leads to lower prices and more personalized service plans.
To find out which utility company services your area, you can search based on your address or zip code. Your state's website and/or your town hall may also be able to provide information on utility companies and energy providers in your area. Once you know your utility company and energy supplier options, you can use your energy bill to understand the pricing of your energy plan.
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How to find out if your energy market is deregulated
Energy deregulation allows consumers to choose their electricity provider. Unlike regulated markets, where you must buy electricity from your local utility company, deregulated markets allow multiple energy providers to compete for your business by offering affordable rates. As of 2025, nearly half of US states have introduced some degree of energy deregulation. Some examples of deregulated energy markets include California, Texas, Michigan, Oregon, and most states in the Northeast.
To find out if your energy market is deregulated, you can check your state's public utility commission website or contact your local utility company for information. Additionally, you can use online tools provided by companies like SaveOnEnergy and Choose Energy, which allow you to enter your ZIP code to explore deregulated electricity plans and providers in your area.
It is important to note that the market is not strictly divided between regulated and deregulated states. Some states, like California, have partial deregulation due to the nature of the grid, historical factors, and the geographic boundaries of utility territories in neighbouring states. Similarly, some states have deregulated wholesale markets but not retail markets, and vice versa.
If you are moving to a deregulated state for the first time, it is essential to understand your options. Deregulated markets offer various plan options, including fixed-rate and variable-rate plans, with contract lengths ranging from 6 to 36 months. You can also explore renewable energy options, with some providers offering partial or 100% green energy plans.
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What to do if you're experiencing a power outage
If you're experiencing a power outage, the first thing to do is to report it. In some cases, your electricity company may already be aware of the issue, but it's still worth making them aware of your individual situation. You can usually report a power outage by phone, text, or through a mobile app. You can also check for updates on the power company's website or social media channels.
If the power is out for more than a day, you should discard any medication that needs to be refrigerated, unless the label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice on getting a new supply. If you rely on power-dependent medical devices, you should follow a power outage plan provided by your medical provider.
To keep your refrigerator and freezer closed and preserve food and medicine inside, it's important to avoid opening them. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, while a full freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours. If necessary, you can use coolers with ice to keep food and medicine cold.
You should also unplug appliances and electronics to avoid power overloads or damage from power surges when the power comes back on. Generators can be useful in a power outage, but they should only be used outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a generator.
If the weather is very hot or cold, consider going to a community location with power to stay warm or cool.
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How to compare energy plans and pricing
Energy shopping can be confusing, with providers offering a range of plans and pricing that can be difficult to understand. However, there are several ways to compare energy plans and pricing to find the best option for your needs.
Firstly, it is important to identify the energy providers servicing your area. This can be done by using online tools such as Choose Energy, which allow you to compare all-inclusive rates, plans, and providers in your location. Simply enter your zip code to view the options available to you.
Once you have a list of potential providers, you can begin to compare their plans and pricing. Consider factors such as your budget, desired contract length, and whether you prefer a fixed or variable rate. Fixed-rate plans offer price certainty, while variable rates may be subject to daily changes. Additionally, look beyond the advertised rates and examine the fine print to understand any additional fees or charges that may be included in your bill. Some providers may include all energy and delivery charges in their pricing, while others may have hidden costs.
You can also use online tools such as Uswitch and EnergyBot to compare deals from multiple suppliers. These platforms allow you to filter results based on various criteria, such as plan type (dual fuel or electricity-only), payment method, and special features. Uswitch, for example, recommends considering your estimated energy usage over a year to determine the actual cost of a plan.
When comparing energy plans, it is also worth exploring any additional benefits or incentives offered by the provider. For instance, some companies may offer bill credits for using a certain amount of electricity per month, or they may provide outstanding customer service. Additionally, if you are interested in renewable energy, you can look for plans that offer energy generated by renewable resources.
Finally, remember to read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up for any plan. Understand the early termination fees, if any, and be aware of any potential issues with switching providers. Most suppliers adhere to the Energy Switch Guarantee, ensuring a hassle-free switching process and a quick resolution of any problems.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find out by searching based on your address or zip code. You can also check your state's website or contact your town hall for more information.
An ESID Lookup Tool (Electricity Service Identifier) is a tool that allows you to search for your utility company by entering your address.
The utility company, or power company, is responsible for delivering power to your home and handling emergencies. The electricity provider supplies the power, handles customer service, and sends your bill.
In some states, you can choose your electricity and/or natural gas provider. In other states, you may only be able to choose one or the other, or you may not have a choice at all.
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