Your Energy, Your Choice |
List of Eligible ESCOs
Introduction
In the past, most New Yorkers have purchased electricity only from their local utility, but that is changing. The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has opened the state's electric industry to competition, bringing new choices to consumers across the state. While your local utility company will continue to deliver your electricity through its wires, energy service companies (ESCOs) may now compete to sell electricity in New York State.
To benefit from the competitive electric market, you may want to shop among the ESCOs providing service in your area for one that best meets your needs. If you choose to have an ESCO supply your electricity, you will enter into a contract for service, and you should understand all of its conditions and requirements. Each ESCO in New York must provide customers with a description of the terms of the ESCO's offer as well as the customer's rights and responsibilities.
What to Consider
Once you decide to shop for electricity, you can obtain a current list of eligible ESCOs serving your area from your local utility or the Department of Public Service. The list of eligible ESCOs is available on the Department's Web site and is updated regularly. You can also call 1-888-NYS-PSC4. Only ESCOs that meet certain criteria may sell electricity in New York State. When considering an ESCO, make sure the PSC has said it is eligible.
With your list in hand, you can contact ESCOs to compare prices and service options that are important to you. This is an information-gathering process and you shouldn't make a commitment, in writing or by telephone, until you are satisfied with the information you have received. A good technique is to ask the same questions of each ESCO. Here are a few you should ask:
Price: |
If you are concerned about price, you should ask the ESCO for its price of electricity based on how much it will cost per kilowatt hour of electricity used (usually expressed as cents per kWh). Make sure the prices you get include taxes. Ask if the price is fixed or if it varies by month or day. Are there fees for service besides the cost of electricity? If you use natural gas, you might also ask if the ESCO can sell you gas as well as electricity. |
Contract Terms |
If you are concerned about price stability, you should ask about the length of time the price will remain in effect or how long the electric service contract remains in place. What additional contract terms apply to this offer? What are your responsibilities as a customer of this ESCO? |
Special Needs: |
If you have special electric needs, you should ask if the ESCO has any services that might help you save energy or use it more wisely. |
Environmental |
If you are concerned about the environmental impacts of electricity generation, you should ask what types of power plants are used to generate the electricity the ESCO is selling. |
Billing: |
If billing simplicity is important to you, ask if you will receive separate bills from the ESCO and the local utility for the energy and the delivery services, respectively, or if you will receive one bill for all services. Does the ESCO offer budget billing arrangements? |
| Remember, before you finalize your agreement with an ESCO,whether in writing or by telephone, you should know the terms and conditions of the offer. If an ESCO uses a written contract, it must contain certain information such as billing and payment arrangements, customer service locations and hours, toll-free phone numbers, complaint handling procedures, and any required fees or deposits. If a written contract is not used, the ESCO must provide you with a written description of these issues. Read these documents carefully. Also, you should check with your utility about fees it might charge for switching back to the utility in case you might want to do that in the future. | |
Acting on Your Decision
If you decide not to switch to an ESCO, you don't have to do anything. Your utility will continue to sell you electricity.
If you do decide to buy electricity from an ESCO, your utility company will need to know. Your utility company has a procedure for you to follow when switching electric providers. The ESCO you have chosen may also contact your utility for you. Ask your utility for notification procedures, and be aware of any sign-up schedule that may apply to customers in your area.
After you agree to buy electricity from an ESCO, your utility will send you a verification letter to confirm that you have chosen an ESCO for your electricity supply. If the ESCO in the letter is not the ESCO you chose, or you did not intend to switch, contact your utility immediately.
Checking Your Bill(s)
To avoid any problems after you switch, carefully read the bill(s) you receive. Whether you get a single bill from your utility or separate bills from the utility and your ESCO, make sure the ESCO you chose is correctly identified on the bill and that the charge for the ESCO's services is correct.
If you have any questions about your bill, contact the consumer information numbers listed on the bills.
Additional Information:
- Your energy service can't be switched without your approval.
- ESCOs cannot physically disconnect your service. You can only be disconnected by the local utility after it follows PSC rules.
- Local utilities will continue to deliver your electricity, and the PSC will continue to oversee system reliability.
- The PSC will handle complaints against utilities and will monitor complaints against ESCOs.
If You Would Like More Information or Would Like to Comment on Energy Competition, You May:
Call*Toll-Free for a List of Eligible ESCOs: |
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1-888-NYS-PSC4 (1-888-697-7724) |
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Call*Toll-Free to Information on registering a Complaint Against an ESCO: |
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1-888-NYS-PSC8 (1-888-697-7728) |
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| Call Our*Toll-Free Opinion Line: |
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1-800-335-2120 | |
| Send Us an E-mail: |
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by filling out our consumer comment form. | |
| Or Write to: |
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New York State Public Service Commission Three Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12223-1350 |
