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| Q: How will electric competition affect me? |
| A: You may choose who will supply your electricity. Different companies will be able to compete for your business. |
| Q: Do I have to choose a new electricity supplier? |
| A: No. However, it's in your best interest to at least compare the prices and services offered by energy service companies. Your local electric utility company will continue to supply your power if you prefer not to make a change. |
| Q: What are energy service companies (ESCOs)? |
| A: Energy service companies can be large corporations or very small businesses, which can compete to sell you electricity. They may also offer other energy-related services such as energy efficiency programs or natural gas service. An ESCO may be a company affiliated with your local electric utility company or an independent electricity supplier. |
| Q: Who will come if I have a problem with my electricity? |
| A: You existing local electric utility company will continue to provide all services to maintain your electric system, including outage repair. |
| Q: Will different companies need to put up power lines in my neighborhood? |
| A: No. The local electric utility company will continue to provide the delivery system. All suppliers will continue to bring electricity to your home using existing power lines. |
| Q: Who will read and maintain the meters at my home or business? |
| A: Initially, your utility will continue to handle metering. However, as competition evolves, this may change. The utility or ESCO will be able to supply you with this information. |
| Q: Is there a chance I will lose power when I switch companies? |
| A: No, there will be no interruption of service if you switch to an ESCO, or from one ESCO to another. |
| Q: How will I be billed for service? |
| A: Whether you choose to buy power from your utility or an ESCO, you bill for electricity may itemize (unbundle) charges. If you choose an ESCO, you may receive two bills: one bill from the ESCO for the electricity product, and one from the utility for the delivery of the product. Other options are possible - the utility may bill you on behalf of the ESCO and include the ESCO's charges in its bill, or the ESCO may bill you on behalf of the utility and include the utility's charges in the ESCO's bill. If you stay with your local utility, you will continue to receive one bill. Regardless of who supplies your electricity, you will always have access to your utility usage and billing history, and that information can only be released by the utility with your permission. |
| Q: Can I switch companies more than once? |
| A: Yes. You can switch from one company to another, or you can return to your current utility company for your electricity supply at any time. You should consider the terms and conditions of the ESCO agreement before you decide to switch. |
| Q: Will I be protected from being switched from one power supplier to another without my knowledge or approval? |
| A: Yes. To minimize the potential for the unauthorized switching of providers of electric service, a practice known as "slamming," the PSC requires ESCOs to disclose in writing - before a customer receives service - their terms and conditions for obtaining, maintaining and stopping service from that ESCO. These provisions, copies of which are filed with the PSC, include a ban against the transfer of a customer to another provider without the customer's permission. Preventive measures have been taken by the PSC. ESCOs, which "slam", must pay all costs and fees incurred by the customer and the utility arising from the unauthorized switch in providers, as well as switching the customer back. In addition, ESCOs will be subject to penalties imposed by the PSC. |
| Q: Can an ESCO shut off my power? |
| A: No. The control of your electric services remains with your utility company. If you lose your supplier for any reason, you will be given 15 days' notice to allow you time to choose a new supplier or return to the local utility. |
| Q: What if I have a complaint with my electricity supplier? |
| A: The Public Service Commission requires all suppliers to offer convenient complaint handling procedures and clear information on switching. Companies are required to send customers a statement disclosing the company's complaint resolution process. Customers must also receive 15 days' notice before termination of service. You may still contact the Public Service Commission to register a complaint. The Commission will not resolve our complaint, but it will track complaints against ESCOs, and it may take action against companies with high complaint levels. If you have a complaint against your electricity supplier call 1-888-NYS-PSC8 (1-888-697-7728). |
| Q: What if I have a complaint with my local utility that delivers my electricity? |
| A: Because the local utility that transmits and delivers your electricity will continue to be regulated by the PSC, you may continue to register complaints with the Commission's staff. Staff can assist you in resolving the complaints against the regulated transmission and distribution company. If you wish to register a complaint, call 1-800-342-3377. |