Choosing Among Electricity Suppliers Can Save Everyone Money

Imagine if you could select an electricity supplier that provided cleaner, greener energy, and saved you money in the process.

As a Pennsylvanian, you can.  Pennsylvania is one of the states breaking the utility monopoly.  You can now choose among electricity suppliers who are fighting for your business by dropping rates and improving services.   

But competition in electricity will only work if consumers take advantage of the choices offered.  By shopping among competing suppliers, you force each company to cut rates to lure you.  Others will offer the kinds of green or renewable energy resources you desire.  Others will focus on improving and expanding services.  

But you must play an active role.  Do not accept the status quo.

Think of shopping for electricity as you would for any household item. Shop for the best deal and the best service for your needs. Remember, saving just one cent per kilowatt hour could mean more than $100 a year in savings.

As you shop for electric suppliers think about what is most important to you, and be sure to ask plenty of questions.

Make sure that the supplier you choose is licensed by the Public Utility Commission (PUC).  Also, compare the companies’ price per kilowatt hour, the length and terms of your agreement, and whether there are any fees or penalties for switching suppliers.

The process of choosing a supplier is relatively simple.  You can call the electric supplier or sign up through the supplier's website. Your new supplier notifies your electric utility of the change. The electric utility will then contact you by mail to make sure you selected this company to be your electric supplier.

Electricity is still distributed through local utility companies, which continue to service and maintain poles and wires, and assist with day-to-day reliability and service issues.

To further help you in this decision, I will host a Shopping for Electricity Supplier workshop on Wednesday, Aug, 10, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Schuylkill Township Building, 111 Valley Park Road, Phoenixville. 

My workshop will give you the chance to ask questions, walk you through the selection process, detail consumers’ choices, showcase rebates that are available and much more. For more information, call my office at 610-251-2876. 

I have already taken advantage of this competition by changing electric suppliers for my legislative district office to help save your tax dollars.  I urge you to attend my workshop to find out more and do the same.