What Is Energy Choice?

Energy Choice Means You Decide Who Supplies Your Energy

Before competition was introduced, homes and businesses purchased their energy supply from the local utility company. In 1977, lawmakers in 17 states began changing regulations to allow energy suppliers to offer natural gas and electricity directly to consumers, usually at lower rates than those of the local utility company. For the first time, consumers had the freedom to choose their own energy supply and energy supplier.

This change means that you are able to search for the best price and potentially lower your energy costs; allowing you to act as your own energy expert. Energy Choice allows you to pursue pricing options and plans that may be lower and more strategic than what your utility currently offers. You may also find better customer service when you choose a new energy supplier.

What does energy choice mean for you? Find fixed-rate plans in your area:

States:

Cities:

Why Energy Choice Matters

For a long time, a single company provided all aspects of energy services to our homes – our utility companies. But in more recent years, states across the country have developed competitive markets for energy; providing the opportunity for energy suppliers to compete with each other over the price of the electricity and natural gas that powers your home or business. This competition drives innovation, provides choices for customers and helps keep energy costs as low as possible. Where this competition exists, there is an opportunity for you, the customer, to save.

You Get to Choose a Plan That Fits Your Needs and Budget

The point of Energy Choice is to know what other options exist. You can always keep your current plan if you like it, but choosing a new supplier is easy once you have a better idea about your options. With Constellation, energy choice options for each state are as follows:

How Your Utility Company Works with Your Energy Supplier
The utility company will ensure that your energy supply is safely delivered to your home, track your energy usage, maintain the infrastructure (pipes and wires) and, in most cases, send you your bill (only now, there will be a line item that also includes either your electricity or natural gas supplier). The utility company will continue to service all equipment, such as meters, wires and pipelines; as well as respond to any power outages.