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What is electricity deregulation?
Electricity
deregulation involves the
unbundling of functions traditionally
served only by regulated utilities.
Historically utilities owned
and/or controlled the generation,
transmission, and distribution
of electricity. However, customers
in deregulated energy markets
are now able to choose the
company that supplies the
electricity. The transmission
and distribution functions
are still regulated and as
such will still be controlled
by the local utility. Likewise,
the local utility will continue
to respond to emergency situations.
Electricity deregulation enables you to shop for the best price of electricity just as you do for your long distance phone service today.
Who will read and maintain the meters at my business?
Your utility will continue to handle metering. However, as competition evolves, metering may become a deregulated and competitive service.
What is a supplier?
A supplier is a company that provides electricity or natural gas to commercial and/or residential customers in a competitive market. For example, SUEZ Energy Resources NA is a supplier. To operate in a service territory, suppliers must be accepted by that state's regulatory agency and must meet certain criteria, which varies across utilities and states.
A supplier also may offer other energy-related services such as energy efficiency programs. A competitive supplier can be a company affiliated with your local electric utility company or an independent electricity supplier.
How do I find other suppliers in my area?
Visit your utility's Web site for a list of electricity or natural gas suppliers operating in your service area. You should then contact the suppliers and compare offers to determine which one is right for you.
What if my supplier cancels its contract with me?
If a supplier breaks or dissolves its contract with you, the supplier must notify both you and the utility, in advance, that it will no longer be your supplier. In this case, you will be switched back to your utility. Should a supplier go out of business or become ineligible to operate in your service area, you will immediately be switched to your utility until you select another supplier.
Can a competitive supplier turn off my service?
No. Only your current utility is authorized to connect and/or disconnect your service. If you lose your supplier for any reason, you will be given advanced notice and allowed time to choose a new supplier or return to the local utility.
Can customers prevent their historical billing information from being provided to a competitive supplier?
Yes. A competitive supplier can only obtain historical billing information from the utility if the customer has signed a customer authorization form, revealing the customer's electric account number. The supplier should only be able to obtain the customer's account number from the customer.
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Do I have to choose a new electricity supplier?
No. However, it's in your best interest to at least compare prices and services offered by competitive suppliers. Then you can make an informed decision based on what best suits your energy needs.
Will I save money if I switch suppliers?
Your savings will depend on several things, including how much you currently pay for electricity or natural gas, how much electricity or natural gas you use, and your agreement with the supplier.
If I do switch, will I have to worry about the reliability of my energy service?
No. Regardless of who supplies your energy, the utility will continue to deliver it uninterrupted, ensuring that sufficient electricity and natural gas are available. You will continue to have access to customer service representatives, and utility crews will still respond to emergencies and power outages.
Is there a chance I will lose power when I switch companies?
No. There will be no interruption of service if you switch to a competitive supplier or from one utility to another.
How do I enroll in a competitive supplier's program?
Once you have researched suppliers and determined the one that best meets your needs, you must contact the new supplier to notify them of your decision. The supplier will then contact your current utility to transfer your account.
Once I choose another supplier, may I switch back to the utility?
Each utility may have different procedures for returning to their service. Contact the utility's Web site or customer service for more information.
How will I be billed?
If you choose a competitive supplier, you may receive two bills: one bill from the supplier for the electricity or generation portion, and one from the utility for the delivery of the power.
Other options also are possible - the utility may bill you on behalf of the competitive supplier and include the supplier's charges as a line item on its bill, or the supplier may bill you on behalf of the utility and include the utility's charges in the supplier's bill. If you stay with your local utility, you will continue to receive one bill.
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Please refer to the toll-free numbers on your bill. If your questions relate to the delivery portion of the bill, please call the utility. For questions about the supply portion of the bill, call the supplier at the number provided.
What if I have a complaint with my electricity supplier?
Contact your electricity supplier for their procedures on filing a complaint. The applicable state regulatory agency requires all suppliers to offer convenient complaint handling procedures and clear information on switching to another supplier or utility.
What if I have a complaint with my local utility?
Because the local utility that transmits and delivers your electricity will continue to be regulated by your state's Public Utility Commission, you may continue to register complaints with the Commission's staff. They can assist you in resolving complaints against the regulated transmission and distribution company.
Who will provide service if I have a problem with my electricity?
Your existing electric utility company will continue to provide all services to maintain your electric system, including outage repair.
Whom do I call if there is an emergency?
You will continue to call your utility in case of an emergency, such as a power outage or natural gas leak.
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Who is SUEZ Energy Resources NA?
SUEZ Energy Resources NA is the retail energy arm of SUEZ Energy North America and a licensed provider of retail electricity and natural gas. We deliver energy risk management products and services to commercial and industrial customers in select deregulated markets.
For more information, please contact SUEZ Energy Resources NA at 866-999-8374.
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I signed up for a Webinar but did not receive instructions. How can I attend?
- Email suzanne.childre@suezenergyna.com with 'webinar' in the subject line
- You will be emailed a link to join the event as well as instructions to teleconference into the meeting
- You may join the webinar up to 10 minutes before the scheduled start time by clicking on the link and hitting the 'Join Now' button. You will be prompted to provide your contact information and meeting password. To connect to the audio portion, please dial the conference line and provide the confirmation number.
- Do not close any browser and wait for the event to begin
What kind of technical equipment do I need to attend?
- A 56Kbps Internet connection or better
- Netscape 4.x or Internet Explorer 4.x+ (AOL users: AOL5.0 and above only)
- A separate telephone line for the audio
Why do I keep getting an error message when I try to enroll?
This is most likely because the security settings on your browser are too restrictive and the plug-in was unable to install. If you are using Internet Explorer, go to Tools>Internet Options>Security and click on Custom Level and enable all the Active X plug-ins and controls (as the WebEx client is an Active X plug-in) and enable the cookies. Close your browser, and click the link provided in your email invite.
I'm not available during this Webinar, is there another available time?
While there is not another scheduled webinar, all registrants will receive an electronic copy of the presentation within two business days of the event. If you did not register for the event and would like a copy sent to you, please email suzanne.childre@suezenergyna.com.
I'm having technical difficulties viewing the presentation over the Internet.
Please call technical support at 1-866-779-3239.
What if my question isn't covered here?
Simply send an e-mail to suzanne.childre@suezenergyna.com and we'll answer as quickly as possible.
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