Beatrice Lang
Changing electricity suppliers is a simple process that can help you secure lower energy rates, better customer service, or plan features that fit your unique energy usage habits. If you're currently enrolled in a plan, you need to check to see if you have an early termination fee, as this varies depending on the company and plan. In some cases, there may be no cancellation fee, but it's important to review your agreement with your current supplier to avoid any unexpected charges. Once you've found a new plan that suits your needs, simply enroll with the new energy supplier, and your old electricity supplier will be alerted. You will then start getting billed at your new rate after the start date of your plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to switch | Choose a new electricity supplier with a good rate and sign up with them. |
| Who can switch | Residents in deregulated energy markets can switch. |
| When to switch | When you notice significant changes in your energy bill and would prefer the stability of a fixed-rate plan. |
| Benefits of switching | Lower energy rates, better customer service, and plan features that fit your unique energy usage habits |
| Things to consider | Early termination fees, contract duration, fixed or variable price, and renewable energy. |
| After switching | You will receive notifications about when your power is switched and when to expect your new bill. |
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What You'll Learn
You can shop around for a new electricity supplier
You can find out about retail electricity supply offers in a variety of ways. You can visit the PSC Shop for Electricity page or call their number for more information. You can also visit your utility's website or see ads in newspapers or magazines, or hear ads on TV or the radio. You can also use a free marketplace such as Choose Energy, which shows low rates from top providers in your area for you to compare.
Once you have found a new electricity plan, you can sign up for service by contacting the retail electricity supplier directly by phone or by visiting their website. Your old electricity supplier will be alerted that you have switched. Your new supplier will then put the switch into motion. You will receive a notice of your enrollment from both your utility and your new supplier before the switch occurs.
If you live in a regulated energy market, a public utility commission or other government agency regulates the energy supply and rates for residential and commercial buildings, and you will not be able to choose your energy provider. As of 2024, 31 states have some level of energy choice, with certain states having deregulated only natural gas or electricity.
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You may be charged an early termination fee
When changing electricity suppliers, you may be charged an early termination fee (ETF). This depends on the agreement you have with your current supplier. Fixed-rate plans often have such fees to encourage customers to stick with the plan for its entire duration. The fee varies depending on the company and plan; sometimes, there isn't a cancellation fee, but it can be several hundred dollars or more.
Before shopping for a new electricity supplier, review your agreement with your current supplier to see if there are any penalties for early cancellation. If you are unsure, call your current supplier to clarify the terms of your agreement. You can also ask about the language in your plan to understand exactly what it will take to cancel.
If you live in a deregulated energy market, you have the power to choose your electricity supplier, which can lead to potential savings and better customer service. In a deregulated market, multiple electricity suppliers compete for your business, offering different rates and plans. This competition can drive innovation and better services. However, some states allow you to switch gas and electric providers, while others may have limitations.
When you switch electricity suppliers, your utility company and power delivery remain the same—only your billing changes. You will start getting billed at your new rate after the start date of your plan. Your new supplier will reach out to confirm the account changes and provide additional information about your rate, plan, and customer perks.
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Your utility company and power delivery remain the same
When you change electricity suppliers, your utility company and power delivery remain the same. This means that the physical delivery of electricity to your home or business does not change. Utility companies, also known as Transmission and Distribution Service Providers (TDSPs) or Electric Distribution Utilities (EDUs), are responsible for delivering energy to your home, restoring power after an outage, and maintaining energy infrastructure, such as power lines and substations. They also send your monthly gas or electric bill, which includes utility service fees that account for 10-15% of your bill.
In a deregulated energy market, where multiple electricity suppliers compete for your business, you have the freedom to choose your electricity supplier. However, the utility company that delivers the energy remains the same. This means that the infrastructure and maintenance of power lines, poles, towers, and other equipment are still managed by the same utility company.
When switching electricity suppliers, you can compare offers and promotions from different providers to find the best deal for your needs. You can consider factors such as price, contract duration, renewable energy options, and customer service. It is important to review your current agreement for any early cancellation fees before making the switch.
Once you have selected a new electricity supplier and enrolled with them, they will initiate the switch to their services. You will receive notifications about the changes, including when your power is switched to the new plan and when you can expect your first bill from the new supplier.
By changing electricity suppliers, you can often secure lower energy rates, better contract terms, and greener energy options. However, it's important to remember that the actual delivery of power to your home or business will remain unchanged, and you will continue to receive the same reliable service from your utility company.
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You can switch to a green energy plan
Switching electricity suppliers is a great way to take control of your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint. If you're considering making the change to a green energy plan, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check if you live in a deregulated energy market, as this will determine whether you have the option to switch. As of 2024, 31 states have some level of energy choice, with certain states only deregulating natural gas or electricity. You can check if you're able to switch by entering your ZIP code on websites such as Choose Energy.
Once you've confirmed that you're able to switch, it's time to start shopping around for a new supplier. Look for a company that uses renewable resources and offers a plan that aligns with your values and energy usage habits. You may want to consider factors such as price, contract duration, and whether the rate is fixed or variable. It's also important to review your current agreement to see if there are any penalties for early cancellation.
When you've found a green energy plan that suits your needs, signing up is easy. You can contact the new supplier directly by phone or through their website. Your new supplier will then put the switch into motion. You will receive a notice of your enrollment from both your utility provider and your new supplier, confirming the details of your new plan and the date of the switch.
In addition to switching to a green energy plan, there are also some simple lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your environmental impact. For example, you can install low-e window film to reflect the sun's heat, add a faucet aerator to reduce water flow, or plant trees around your home for natural shade. These small changes can make a big difference in reducing your energy consumption and lowering your monthly energy bills.
By switching to a green energy plan and adopting more eco-friendly practices, you can take control of your energy bills and play a part in mitigating climate change.
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You will be notified when your power is switched
When you switch electricity suppliers, you will receive a notification from your new supplier confirming that your power has been switched to the new plan. This notification will also include information about your new billing rate and when you should expect your first bill under the new plan. In some cases, you may also receive a notice from your utility provider confirming the switch.
It is important to note that the process of switching electricity suppliers may vary depending on your location and the specific providers involved. However, in general, you can expect to receive some form of notification when your power is switched.
Before initiating the switch, it is recommended to review your agreement with your current supplier to check for any early cancellation fees or other penalties. Additionally, make sure to compare offers from different suppliers and understand the terms and conditions of the new plan before signing up.
Once you have selected a new supplier and plan that meets your needs, you can enroll with the new supplier by contacting them directly or signing up on their website. After enrollment, your new supplier will handle the necessary changes to switch your energy supply to their services.
By staying informed about the switching process and keeping an eye out for notifications from your new supplier, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new electricity plan.
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Frequently asked questions
Find a supplier with a good rate and sign up by calling them or signing up on their website.
Your new supplier will send you a written disclosure statement explaining your terms and conditions. Your old electricity supplier will be alerted that you have switched energy suppliers.
Switching electricity suppliers can be quick. In Pennsylvania, for example, you can likely change electricity suppliers in three business days once the electric distribution company (EDC) is notified of the switch.
By changing electricity suppliers, you can secure lower energy rates, better customer service, or plan features that fit your unique energy usage habits.
Yes, there may be early termination fees (ETFs) for changing electricity suppliers. ETFs are dependent on the company and plan. It is important to check your agreement with your current supplier to see if there are any penalties for early cancellation.
