Deregulated energy is accessible to millions of homes and businesses in America. It enables consumers in numerous states to shop for electricity just as one shops for cable, mobile phone service, or well, groceries.
New to deregulation? Energy deregulation is the process by which utilities are required (by law) to give up supply related services to organizations known as retail energy providers (also commonly referred to as suppliers). There are hundreds of providers throughout the country.
What can make energy deregulation a better option? Well, first and foremost it generates competition. In situations where there is only one company that handles all elements of a process, there’s not much incentive for that company to keep rates low. If the consumer doesn’t have another company to choose from, they don’t really have a choice but to patronize that company — whether they like that company or not.
Therefore, opening up the market to competition and allowing energy providers to offer services and plans, consumers can pick and choose the option that best suits their needs. It shifts the focus to customer satisfaction and support. If the customer isn’t happy with their current services they can find another company that caters more to their needs.
Deregulated Natural Gas and Electricity
Energy deregulation refers to both consumers of natural gas and electricity. That being said, some states only offer one or the other, while some states offer both. Some of the states that offer only electricity deregulation includes:
- Delaware
- Oregon
- Texas
- Massachusetts
Some of the states that only offer natural gas deregulation includes:
- New Mexico
- Nebraska
- Kentucky
- Indiana
- Georgia
States that provide both electricity and natural gas deregulation includes:
- Washington DC
- Virginia
- Rhode Island
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- New Jersey
For a complete and comprehensive list of all states and their current energy deregulation status, check out this map of deregulated states. It is also important to note that some states are only partially deregulated (whether natural gas or electricity). Texas, for example, is approximately 80-85% deregulated. Some major areas of the state — like Austin — remain regulated.
State Deregulation Programs for Consumers
Many deregulated states have official programs that help consumers. Examples of these programs include, Apples to Apples Ohio, PA Power Switch, and Power to Choose Texas. In addition to these types of state programs, there are also a few sites that provide tools and applications that help consumers to see plans and rates offered by local energy providers.
ElectricChoice.com
Our site — ElectricChoice.com — is one of the oldest, largest, and most reputable ways to find cheap electricity rates and plans online. If you’re searching for an electricity supplier, you need to start (and end!) your search with us.
Step 1: Enter your ZIP code for your home or business.
When you arrive on any page of ElectricChoice.com, you’ll see an option right at the top of the screen to:
- Enter your ZIP code
- Indicate whether you are looking for home or business electricity rates
In order to use our app, you need to enter your zip code (or, if you’re moving the new zip code of your home or business). You must then select whether you’re looking for residential or commercial rates.
In the example below, you can see that someone has searched for electricity rates in Houston (zip code 77001) and is looking to view rates for their home:
Step 2: Review your Options
To view the best electric prices available in your area, click on the SEE RATES button. A list of all options will appear. You’ll see a list of plans offered in your area by numerous providers. You’ll see details like:
- Energy Provider Name
- Term Length
- kWh rate
- User Reviews/Ratings
To help narrow your results, our tool provides search filters. You can filter by:
- Average Monthly Usage
- Pricing Type
- Provider
- Term Length
If you see a plan you like, click on the available VIEW PLAN DETAILS button. It is important to review all plan details thoroughly before you sign up for any services.
Step 3: Sign up!
Once you decide on the plan you want to sign-up for, click on the ORDER ONLINE button (highlighted below).
At this point, we’ll ask for some basic information including:
- First Name
- Last Name
- Phone Number
- Address Information
- Date of Birth
- Utility Account Number
After you complete the form, clicking on the SUBMIT ORDER button at the bottom of the page will submit your information to us. We’ll facilitate the signup with your new electricity provider and make sure that you’re up and running with your new service without any problems. We only step aside when you’re completely happy and satisfied with your new service.
And remember, signing up online for electricity does not immediately interrupt your current service. Your current service (if you’re transferring to a new company) will not terminate the second you sign up on our site. Your current service will be in place until your new service takes effect — this way you’re not left in the dark!