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Choosing an Electric Supplier
By shopping for competing suppliers, you may be able to save money, find suppliers that use green/renewable energy resources, or get different types of services. As you shop for electric suppliers, think about what is most important to you, and be sure to ask plenty of questions.
You want to make sure that any electric supplier from which you purchase services is licensed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC). You will also want to find out the "price to compare" (the price per kilowatt hour your electric distribution company will charge), the length and terms of your agreement and whether there are any fees or penalties for switching suppliers.
When You Choose an Electric Supplier
When you choose a supplier, you can switch by calling the electric supplier or by signing up through our website or directly through your supplier’s site. Your new supplier will notify your electric utility of the change. The electric utility will then contact you by mail to make sure you selected this company to be your electric supplier.
There is no deadline for selecting an electric supplier. While you may begin to receive offers from competitive suppliers for your area, this does not mean that you must choose a different electric supplier before the rate caps expire. The effective date of the supplier switch should occur within three business days once your utility receives notification from your new supplier.
Learn how to shop for electricity
Working with a Third Party
Some people choose to work with a third party that provides assistance in finding new electric suppliers. This could be a consultant who helps customers obtain and review supplier offers, or an intermediary who is actually involved in the receipt and payment of bills for his or her clients. The PA PUC urges customers to use caution when paying their electric utilities or electric suppliers through a third party. In general, if the consultant accepts payment or handles the billing function, he or she must be licensed by the PA PUC.
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