What is Electric Choice and How Do You Navigate It?

Energy choice, also known as electric choice, provides homeowners and businesses the power to choose their own energy supplier. While your utility company delivers your power through existing infrastructure, where it comes from is up to you. This choice can lead to big savings on your energy bill, so it is important to choose wisely when searching for suppliers.

Deregulated Markets & Their Role in Electric Choice

Electric choice allows you to deviate from having your utility company handle both the supply and delivery of your energy. By having them only handle the delivery, it opens options for who supplies your power.  

There are many different providers out there, so it breeds competition. This healthy competition ensures these providers offer different types of rates, plans, and contract lengths. They do this so your home or business chooses them to supply your power. This freedom to choose is only available in states and areas where there is a deregulated energy market.

Which States Have Deregulated Energy Markets?

29 states, along with Washington D.C., have adopted deregulated electricity markets, giving the power of choice to consumers. However, only the following 18 deregulated states have their own electric choice program to help make the customer’s energy shopping experience easy and transparent:  

• California- Community Choice Aggregation

• Connecticut- Energize CT

• Delaware- Delaware Energy Choice

• Illinois- Plug In Illinois

• Maine- Electric Choice (Maine)

• Maryland- MD Electric Choice

• Massachusetts- Energy Switch MA

• Michigan- Electric Customer Choice

• New Hampshire- Electric Choice (New Hampshire)

• New Jersey- New Jersey Energy Choice

• New York- Power to Choose (New York)

• Ohio- Apples to Apples

• Oregon (Commercial Only)- Direct Access

• Pennsylvania- PA Power Switch

• Rhode Island- Community Choice Aggregation

• Texas- Power to Choose (Texas)

• Virginia- Electric Choice

• Washington D.C.- DC Power Connect

How Does Electric Choice Benefit You?

Living in a deregulated state and having the ability to choose your own electricity supplier comes with many advantages. The competition between different suppliers creates options and key benefits for homeowners and businesses to capitalize on.  

Price transparency

Up-front rates and easy comparisons between suppliers.

Contract term flexibility

Choose from short and long-term contract lengths.

Customizable plans

Different plan options available for any budget or unique need.

Renewable options

Green plan options to meet sustainability goals.

State-Specific Electric Choice Programs

There are different energy choice programs for each deregulated state, all with the same goal of helping residents and businesses choose their electricity supplier. These states understand that it can be overwhelming to curate your own plan, so they offer their guidance through these initiatives.  

Ohio: Apples to Apples

Ohio’s energy choice program is run by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), and it allows residents and businesses to compare energy supplier rates and plans in their area. This is done to promote transparency in Ohio’s electric choice market.  

Texas: Power to Choose

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is responsible for Texas’ electric choice program. They offer tips and insights about the shopping process and renewable options to ensure consumers are well-informed on Texas’ deregulated market.

Pennsylvania: PA Power Switch

The PA electric choice program is operated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). The program puts emphasis on business and residential customers having different factors that need to be considered when shopping for electricity in Pennsylvania.  

Maryland: MD Electric Choice

This program is overseen by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) with the goal of educating residents and businesses on their electric bill. There is an emphasis on energy saving tips so those residing in Maryland’s electric choice market can find multiple ways to save on their bill.

Can Businesses Take Advantage of Electric Choice?

Businesses, both big and small, operating in a deregulated market often greatly benefit from being able to choose their energy supplier. There are many different plans to choose from, each offering their own specific perks, rates, and contract lengths, so companies can find the best fit for their unique needs.  

Why Should You Use Price to Compare?

Easy-to-use marketplace

We provide simple, side-by-side comparisons so comparing suppliers is made quick and easy.

Top-rated suppliers

We only work with licensed, reputable suppliers.

Expert support

Our energy experts are available to answer all questions and provide personalized assistance.

Transparency

No hidden fees or mark-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Choice

What happens if I do not choose a supplier when I live in a deregulated market?

If you don’t choose a supplier, your utility company will, by default, be responsible for both the supply and delivery of your electricity. However, it is typically a more expensive option than choosing your own supplier.

Are there any fees for switching energy suppliers?

It depends on your current supplier. Some have early cancellation fees while others don’t, so it’s important to look over your current contract. Price to Compare’s free online marketplace can help you navigate fees and make switching suppliers seamless.  

What should I look out for when shopping for energy suppliers?

State energy choice tools can have hidden fees, rates that increase after short periods of time, and an overload of information to comb through. There are many things you need look out for so utilizing a trusted energy broker like Price to Compare saves you both time and money.  

What's the difference between my utility and my supplier?

Your supplier is responsible for generating and making your energy available for use, while your utility company is responsible for delivering the power to your address. Another key difference between them is that you can choose who your supplier is in a deregulated state, but you cannot change your utility company unless you move to a new service area.

Is renewable energy available through Electric Choice?

Absolutely, many major suppliers offer renewable and green energy options for those with sustainability goals. Our team can help you find the perfect renewable energy plan from a trusted supplier.

Will my electricity be interrupted if I switch suppliers?

No, switching suppliers is more of an administrative change. Your utility company still delivers electricity to you, and the only difference is which supplier provides your power.

Can renters choose their own electricity supplier?

Yes, in most deregulated states, renters have that power, but it depends on if they oversee the utility bill. If utilities are included in the rent, the property owner handles the utility bill, therefore barring the renter from choosing their supplier.