Shopping for an electricity company can be confusing, especially in deregulated markets. Rates and plans can vary significantly. Some things to consider include special add-on offers, the type of power used to generate your electricity, and contract terms.
Many companies offer features like online billing management and power outage reporting, which can make the process easier. Learn how to choose the right electric company for your home.
Customer Service
Customer service is the assistance and advice a company provides its customers. It includes courtesy and politeness, empathetic understanding of a customer’s concerns, fair and reasonable answers to questions, and alternative options to satisfy a particular situation or need. A good customer service experience creates a sense of value and appreciation for clients, which can result in recurring business and referrals.
When choosing an electric company Nassau County NY, please learn about customer service policies and practices. Ask about how they price their plans, whether there are any early termination fees or contract terms, and a process for switching to a different method. This information can help you determine which company best fits your energy needs. Read more about choosing an electricity supplier in a deregulated market here.
Rates
The rate structure of an electricity plan is one of the most important considerations when choosing a provider. Find out whether a company offers fixed rates, which ensure that the price per kilowatt-hour will remain stable and predictable for the duration of your contract.
On the other hand, variable rate plans are based on energy market prices and can result in bill fluctuations. To avoid surprises, consider strategies to help you manage your energy costs, like evaluating your usage pattern and selecting a time-of-use rate plan.
When shopping for rates, compare apples to apples using the tool to find the best-priced plan for your usage profile. Additionally, read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) and review the contract terms.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is all about eliminating energy waste – for example, using LED bulbs that produce the same brightness as incandescent bulbs but require up to 80% less electricity. It’s one of the cheapest and easiest ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower demand for energy imports, and cut energy costs on a household or economy-wide basis.
Most of our electricity is produced by fossil fuel-burning power plants, releasing carbon dioxide and other air pollutants contributing to climate change. Financial incentives like rebates can make these technologies more affordable by encouraging consumers to choose more efficient appliances and equipment.
Energy efficiency also helps alleviate the burden of high energy bills on families, especially those in low-income households. These families frequently have to choose between putting food on the table and paying their electrical bills, which is problematic.
Installation
Thanks to deregulation, most regulated utilities are now competing with Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) for your business. These companies also have competitive rates and are often less expensive than your utility company.
The electric company is responsible for running the power lines to your house. They will send an engineer to look at the property and determine how to run the new line(s). This will cost you; they’ll need to clear trees, etc. They’ve been burned before by people who say they’ll build a house and buy electricity every month but never do. So, they want to ensure you’ll follow through with the plans. This is why they require a deposit, a checking account, and bank information when you sign up for the service.
