Energy deregulation offers new opportunities for home and business owners to choose energy providers perfect for their needs and budget. As energy deregulation continues to expand across the United States, understanding the basic concept and process assists in recognizing the amazing benefits.
Here’s everything you need to know about energy deregulation:
Energy deregulation restructures the current energy market by encouraging competition to prevent monopolies. Competitors purchase energy from producers and create competitive prices and packages. Customers then choose from multiple providers based on prices, payment plans, and products.
Traditional energy markets regulate energy by allowing utilities to monopolize markets. Energy prices and processes are completely controlled by utility companies, meaning customers can only access one price and product. Energy deregulation seeks to provide customers choices and beneficial savings as opposed to regulated energy markets.
Energy deregulation continues to increase across the United States. Currently, 26 states possess some form of energy regulation regarding natural gas and/or electricity. States without any form of deregulation include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. No state offers complete deregulation, but Texas provides a close option with over 85% of the state able to choose energy providers.
Deregulated energy markets began in 1978 when the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act was passed, which diversified energy supplies to encourage competition. Deregulation continued to grow during 1992 when the Energy Policy Act was created, which outlined the restructuring of the current market and allowed customers to choose energy providers.
Gradually, energy deregulation spread across the United States forming a retail energy market thriving on competition.
Energy deregulation requires energy providers and utility companies. Providers purchase energy from producers and sell energy to customers at competitive rates. Utility companies deliver energy to customers using existing infrastructure, mainly distribution systems. Utilities also manage regular and emergency energy maintenance, including reading meters or handling power outages.
Providers determine rates and utilities deliver energy, resulting in customers receiving reliable service at cheaper prices.
Energy Deregulation offers numerous benefits for customers, including:
- Power to Choose: Just as customers can choose eco-friendly products to make their homes more green, customers can also choose providers to better control energy usage and expenses.
- Significant Savings: Customers select energy providers based on rates, reducing energy expenses by an average of 20% yearly.
- Personal Payment Plans: Customers pick payment plans based on their needs and contract preferences.
- Increased Awareness: Considering energy providers creates a greater awareness of energy usage, meaning customers develop conscious habits for promoting energy efficiency.
- Improved Environment: Energy providers offer green energy options for improving the environment on a larger scale.
Understand the amazing benefits of energy deregulation for you, your home, and your budget.
Change energy providers to access the financial and environmental benefits of energy deregulation. Compare prices, payment plans, and products to discover an ideal energy provider for you.
Compare prices by determining your current energy rate. Review previous monthly bills and yearly statements to calculate your average energy rate. Review multiple providers featuring cheaper rates to guarantee you choose a better deal.
Learn available payment plans for energy providers, primarily fixed rates and variable rates. Fixed rates secure a rate over an extended period of time, usually involving contracts lasting anywhere between 6 months and 3 years. Variables rates fluctuate based on the market demand to either raise or lower prices. Find a fixed-rate contract to ensure better budgeting and avoid market fluctuations during high demand.
Review products offered by energy providers, specifically regarding green energy. Green energy offers a sustainable and clean alternative to traditional forms of electricity by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants to effectively combat global warming. Energy providers display a percentage of green energy supplied by their business, meaning environmentally-conscious customers can affordably reduce their home’s carbon footprint.
Officially change providers by contacting your preferred option and creating a contract outlining your price, payment plan, and product. Receive your new energy bill to improve the environment and save on Texas energy.
Learn everything you need to know about energy deregulation to understand the concept, process, and benefits for you, your home, and your budget.