Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of questions people often ask us. If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact us here.

General Questions

• Why is electric choice happening?
• Do I have to choose a supplier right away?
• Now that there are new electricity suppliers, will service reliability change?
• Who do I call if the power lines are damaged or the power goes out?
• Why are cooperatives opening to choice at different times?
• What happens to municipal electric utilities?
• Can an electricity supplier switch my service without telling me?
• Will I get one or two electric bills?

General Questions

Electric choice can offer several benefits to consumers. It gives you the power to choose the electricity supplier that provides your energy. You can choose a supplier based on price, terms and conditions of service, reputation of the supplier, billing, or use of renewable resources. Competition among electricity suppliers may help lower prices over time. It should also encourage suppliers to develop and offer new products and services.

No. You can choose a supplier at any time afteer your utility opens to electric choice. If you do not choose a supplier right away, your electric company will continue to provide power for you, through what is called standard offer service.

No. Although the PSC will no longer regulate the price of energy, the delivery of energy will still be regulated. This will ensure that you will receive safe power with the same service reliability you have always known.

Even if you choose a new electricity supplier, you should still call your electric company. This is the same company you have always called when the power goes out.

All electric cooperative utilities are required by law to bring choice to their customers by July 1, 2003. Some cooperatives have decided to open to choice as early as 2001. These later start dates will give all cooperatives time to educate their customers about choice and allow the market to being taking shape. These utilities, which are member-owned and non-profit, already purchase energy wholesale and pass these savings to their customers.

Municipal electric utilities have the choice whether or not to participate in electric competition. These utilities are community-owned, non-profit utilities. Municipal utilities already purchase energy wholesale and pass these savings to their customers ast cost. This is one reason municipal utilites have decided not to participate in electric choice at this time.

No. An electricity supplier must have your permission to switch your service.

You will receive the exact same bill as you have always received.