Suppliers' Offers: HOW TO COMPARE

It's your choice to switch to another energy supplier or remain with your current utility. To make an informed choice, you may want to use this checklist.

INQUIRE ABOUT THE ESCO'S
*Make sure the ESCO is eligible to sell your energy by contacting the Public Utility Commission or your utility company.

COMPARE PRICES AND SERVICES
*What did the ESCO charge last month and what was included in the price?
*Is the price fixed or variable?
*If it's fixed, is it guaranteed?
*Does it include taxes?
*Are there any discounts, bonuses or credits?
*Are other services available?

REVIEW TERMS AND CONDITIONS
*What is the length of the agreement?
*Are there penalties for breaking the agreement?
*Are there additional fees?
*Is a deposit required?

CONSIDER UTILITY-SPECIFIC CHOICE PROGRAMS
Utilities offer choice programs such as Power Switch, Energy Choice, and Power Move. You can contact your utility and sign up for the choice program where:
*You could receive guaranteed savings (typically around 7%) provided by ESCOs off of your current utility supply portion of your bill for at least two months.
*You can extend the relationship with the ESCO on mutually agreeable terms and conditions.
*You can return to the utility after two months if you choose.

CONSIDER CUSTOMER SERVICE
*What are the office hours?
*What is the compliant-handling process?
*Are there toll-free numbers?

CONSIDER ENERGY OPTIONS
*Are environmentally-friendly generation sources such as solar, wind, or hydro power available?
*Are you a member of a group that has a program in place to purchase energy together to increase buying power?

CONSIDER BILLING AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
*Will I receive separate bills from the utility and the ESCO?

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU CHOOSE A SUPPLIER?
*You will receive a confirmation letter from the ESCO with the contract and terms conditions.
*You will receive a confirmation letter from the utility with the effective date of the contract. That date is usually the day after your meter reading date.
*Your supply will continue uninterrupted.