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Discover Your Power to Choose
While energy choice empowers households and businesses to lower their energy costs, it’s not always easy to find the right plan. Instead of spending hours researching options from dozens of providers, Price To Compare offers an easier solution. Our online energy marketplace simplifies the process with side-by-side plan comparisons from the best energy suppliers in your area. In just a few clicks, you can start saving more on your electricity or natural gas costs.
What’s the Difference Between Utilities & Suppliers?
In deregulated energy markets, power generation and delivery are separated to create a competitive market. This means your local utility manages energy infrastructure and delivers power while consumers can compare options from multiple energy suppliers to find the best deal. Knowing the difference between energy providers and utility companies can help you better understand your monthly bills.
Electricity & Gas Suppliers
- Retail energy providers are responsible for generating and selling electricity or natural gas through a variety of rate structures and plans. Market competition typically leads to lower rates, better plan options, and improved customer service. When you compare electricity or natural gas rates, you’re comparing the supply rate from multiple providers. Supply costs represent about 60-70% of your bill, which is why it’s so important to choose the right plan.
Local Utility Companies
- Your local utility company is responsible for delivering power to your address, responding to outages, and managing energy infrastructure, such as power lines, meters, and gas pipelines. In most deregulated markets, utilities are also responsible for monthly bill payments. Your electricity and natural gas bills will also include utility service and delivery fees, which are non-negotiable and account for about 10-15% of your monthly bill.
Can You Switch Energy Providers in Your Area?
To switch energy suppliers, you must live within a deregulated market. Some deregulated energy states allow you to switch both gas and electricity providers while others may have restrictions.
If you’re not sure whether you can choose an electricity or gas provider, simply enter your zip code into our online marketplace. If energy choice is available in your area, you’ll be able to explore suppliers, rates, and plans within seconds.
Will Service Be Interrupted if You Switch Energy Suppliers?
No, your service will never be disrupted if you choose to switch electricity or gas suppliers. Your utility company will continue to deliver power while we change your provider behind the scenes. You’ll still enjoy a reliable power supply – the only difference will be the supplier and rate listed on your next bill.
What to Know Before Changing Electricity Suppliers
Before making the switch, it’s important to understand your current contract details and utility account information. This information will help you avoid unexpected fees or service interruptions.
Residential customers should ask themselves the following questions:
- Am I currently under contract with a retail energy provider?
- When will my current energy contract end?
- Are my current energy rates fixed or variable?
Businesses typically have more complex energy needs and should consider the following questions:
- Are all my accounts or locations covered under one contract?
- Are demand charges or usage patterns impacting energy costs?
- Does my current plan align with my budget and business goals?
How to Switch Energy Providers in 5 Simple Steps
1. Understand Your Current Plan
In order to find better electricity or gas rates, you need to know what you’re currently paying. Your monthly energy bills will include a section with your current energy provider and rate per usage. Electricity bills will include a price per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while natural gas will list a price per hundred cubic feet (Ccf). If you haven’t chosen a retail energy provider, your bill will list your utility standard service offer, or default rate. These prices are what you should use as a baseline for comparing options in the market.
2. Research Suppliers in Your Area
Once you know your current rates, you can start comparing them with available electricity or gas providers in your area. Each provider will offer a unique range of rate structures and plans to choose from. With Price to Compare’s online marketplace, you can compare your options side-by-side. We make it easy to find the best energy providers and rates in your area with just a few clicks!
3. Compare Energy Rates & Plans
Simply enter your zip code and confirm your utility company to gain access to our online marketplace. Our top recommendations are listed at the top of the page, but you can continue to explore electricity or natural gas plans by supplier, rate, or contract length to find the best fit. We provide the plan details and terms of service upfront, so you can make an informed decision for your home or business.
4. Finalize Enrollment
Once you’ve chosen a supplier and plan, you can complete enrollment in just a few minutes! You’ll just need to provide your contact information and utility account details to finalize the switch. Afterwards, you’ll receive a welcome email from your new provider. Your chosen provider and rates will show up on your utility account within one to two billing periods.
5. Enjoy Your New Energy Plan
After signing your new agreement, our team provides a stress-free transition to your new plan. Now, you can sit back and enjoy long-term stability and predictable monthly bills. Before your contract ends, your supplier will reach out to let you know it’s time to shop again. From there, you can head right back to the Price to Compare marketplace to compare options and lock in another great rate.
