For many years, the electricity market in your state was regulated, which meant that consumers did not have the option to choose their electricity supplier. In a competitive market, multiple companies compete for customers in the areas they serve. Instead of having to accept the prices, the plan options and the service of your area’s one-and-only supplier, you can compare companies and select the one that best meets your needs.
Your electricity supplier is responsible for obtaining the electricity for your home. Your local distribution company—also called a utility company—is responsible for delivering the electricity to your home. Each month your local distribution company sends you a bill that includes your supplier’s electricity supply charge.
Each area has a designated supplier who agrees to accept the customers of any company that stops providing service. Should your supplier stop serving your area for any reason, you would automatically be switched to that supplier, and you would then have the choice to stay with that supplier or select a different one.
Each state has its own commission dedicated to overseeing its electricity market; for more information, please visit your state agency’s website.
Washington DC: DC Public Service Commission
Delaware: Delaware Public Service Commission
Maryland: Maryland Public Service Commission
New Jersey: New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
New Hampshire: New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission
Make sure you read the fine print. Some companies may offer a very low price per kilowatt hour (See "What does 'price per kilowatt hour mean?" below), but also charge monthly customer fees. If you have any questions about the company’s pricing, call their customer service line.
You can sign up for electricity services with NextEra Energy Services by calling customer service at (855) 262-3596, or click here to enroll online
Contact your local utility company to report emergencies or outages; you’ll find their phone number on your electricity bill or view a list of utility companies and their phone numbers here.