How does switching energy providers work?

Yes, if you live in an area of the country where energy is deregulated. Fifteen states currently have some level of energy choice, though some have deregulated natural gas instead of electricity while others limit access to commercial customers. To check your status, please visit our service areas page, find your state below, or enter your ZIP code above.

Switching providers doesn’t change anything about how your electricity is delivered – you’ll just be billed by a different company at a different rate. Learn more about Choose Energy and electricity rate options here.

You can switch your electricity provider in a few easy steps with the Choose Energy marketplace. Available 24/7, the marketplace shows low rates from top providers in your area so you can compare, choose, and switch hassle-free.

Switching to a competitive energy supplier is a quick and easy way to take control of your energy bill – for a home or business. When you shop around, you can choose the electricity plan that works for you, instead of the default. A few examples of when it might be time to switch:

Your bill varies widely from month to month.

• If your bill feels unpredictable even though you use a similar amount of energy, you may want to consider a fixed rate plan. These plans let you lock in your electricity rate for a set period of time. They don’t fluctuate with spikes in the market so you can rest assured that your bill is stable.

You want to protect the planet.

• Going green doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many renewable energy plans in the Choose Energy marketplace that are cost-competitive with conventional plans. If you want more control over where your energy comes from, a green energy plan might be the choice for you.

You don’t like your current provider.

• The great thing about energy deregulation is that you aren’t stuck with one company. If something isn’t working with your current provider or you just want to try something new, there are many others with comparable plans and prices.

You’re not reaping the benefits of your current plan.

• What’s the point of getting free electricity in the evening if you work the night-shift? What if you never use enough electricity to get the bill credit your plan offers? If you find this happening to you, consider looking for a plan that better fits your needs. That’s the benefit of having so many providers on the market!

Ready to switch? Enter your ZIP code above to get started or keep reading for a step-by-step guide.

It can be. Because electricity rates fluctuate so often, it’s possible that you may be paying too much for your energy supply. If, for example, you bought in the summer when prices are often higher, you may be able to search again in the fall and find a lower rate.

To see if switching could be a good decision for you, grab a copy of your most recent bill and enter your ZIP code above. If you find a plan you like with a cheaper electricity rate than you’re currently paying, it might be time to switch.

This changes all the time, every day. Electricity rates change daily, so what you see in the Choose Energy marketplace today may not be the same tomorrow.

Energy companies compete for your attention in a few different ways. Many offer a variety of variable rate and fixed rate plans to suit different lifestyles. Some match customers’ values by offering options such as green energy sourcing and schedule flexibility with “free use” periods.

Energy deals and promotions are also an option. At Choose Energy, we try to avoid gimmicks like these as they often are not truly the best value. It’s important to read the fine print and make sure the cheap sticker price doesn’t come with a catch before committing to one of these deals.