Perhaps you’ve asked yourself how to choose an electricity provider before, but you still don’t know the correct answer. Or perhaps you’re simply tired of your current electric company not fully meeting your needs. Whatever the scenario, you don’t have to settle for less.
First of all, why is it a good idea to get your energy through a supplier rather than from your local utility? This option can be cost effective in several ways. If your state has deregulated energy, the free market creates competition between energy companies, and that can drive the price of electricity down. Not only can you get a better price, but oftentimes suppliers can manage price fluctuations in the market better than larger utilities can, making your monthly expenses more predictable. If predictability is important to you, electricity providers may also offer a fixed price option that guarantees a stable price even when the market prices fluctuate.
Energy companies are a great green option as well. If you’re concerned about the environment, you can choose to have more of your energy (or even all of it!) come from renewable sources. Thanks to market deregulation, electric companies can embrace innovation, tailor their products to the buyers’ needs, and ultimately benefit both the customer and the environment.
In this article, we’ll help you identify and select the best electricity provider in 4 easy steps.
1. Knowledge is Power
This advice is probably the most underrated yet the easiest to follow. You should know the terms and conditions of your current electricity provider before selecting a new one. This may sound obvious, but most people don’t know the content of their contract, and they might not be certain about what they signed up for. Go ahead and read those papers and emails that you saved for later because they contain valuable information that will help you make a wise decision about whether or not to switch electricity companies. Some good questions to ask are:
- How much is my bill each month?
- How much energy do I use each month?
- What’s my rate per kilowatt hour (kWh)?
- Is the rate fixed or variable?
- How much comes from renewable sources?
- When does my contract expire?
- Is there a cancellation fee?
Whether you have a fixed or variable rate can make a huge difference in your expenses each month. You can use the chart below to compare the differences and decide which is right for you.
Variable:
| Pros | Cons |
| You can save money by adjusting your energy usage when prices rise or fall | It may be difficult to predict monthly expenses |
| Usually does not have a cancellation fee |
Fixed:
| Pros | Cons |
| You can plan your budget around a stable monthly expense | More likely to have a cancellation fee |
2. Conduct a thorough search and shop around.
Once you’ve reviewed the terms and conditions of your current electricity contract and have decided that you’re ready to switch electricity providers, it’s time to explore the market and see what options are available.
So what exactly makes an electric company a good fit? When suppliers provide similar services, it can be hard to tell which one is right for you. This is why making comparisons is so important: it’s the best way to exercise your power to choose. While price is probably your main concern, there are also other services to consider if you want to have a positive experience with your company. Here are some points of comparison to look at between different electricity providers:
- What is the quality of their customer service?
- Does the company respond promptly to complaints?
- Are there fees for cancelling or switching providers?
- Are there promotions for new customers?
- How much electricity comes from renewable sources?
- Does the electric company give back to the community?
If you find a company that you like, be sure to contact them for additional information about their current plans.
3. Pick your favorite and verify its background.
Make sure you choose an electricity provider with a straightforward plan that fits your needs. Also, make sure that the electricity company is socially responsible, environmentally friendly, and ethical. That way you can be confident in your dealings with them.
One good tool to use is an internet search. Enter the company’s name in a search engine such as Google or Yahoo. After the company name, add the word “scam,” “rip-off.” or “complaints.” If the company has a troubled history, you’ll find out before you switch electricity providers.
4. Customer service is key.
The old saying “the customer is always right” applies to the energy industry as well, and you should never forget that when switching electricity companies. You may have trouble with any service once in a while, but the key to satisfaction is the way the company handles the issue and provides you with answers.
At SmartEnergy, our commitment is to reliable service, the best possible price, and 100% customer satisfaction. We respect and appreciate that our customers decided to choose us over other electricity providers in the market, and we work hard to gain their trust.
If you’re ready to switch your electric service provider, please visit our website www.smartenergy.com, give us a call, or send us an email. You can find our number and address on our website, and we will be happy to guide you through our different options. We hope to hear from you soon!
