What are ESCOs/energy suppliers? | Back to top
Energy suppliers, or ESCOs, sell electricity or natural gas to retail customers. These suppliers may be small companies or large corporations, but they must be deemed by the PSC to be eligible sellers before they may make sales. As suppliers of electricity and/or natural gas, they may offer different energy service options, and other products and services. With respect to the utility service, the rights and obligations of residential customers are the same whether they take service from an ESCO or from their utility.
What is the average savings?
The average savings for a commercial account is 7-12% annually.
Are utilities OK with me buying electricity and gas from other energy suppliers? | Back to top
Utilities primary business role is energy delivery, and ESCOs are in the business of energy supply. Of course, even after you choose an energy supply company, your utility will still be there to read your meter, handle service calls, and provide emergency assistance. And you will still receive the same safe and reliable service you have come to expect.
How do I enroll with an ESCO? | Back to top
Elite Energy Consultants will find the ESCO that best meets your needs. That supplier will ask you for your utility account number to obtain your usage history and, with your agreement, may enroll you as a customer. Once you are enrolled, you will be notified by the ESCO and by the utlity that your future energy supply will be provided by the ESCO and delivered by the utility. You may be eligible for a PowerMove discount. At your request, the utlity will either enroll you with the ESCO of your choice..
Once I enroll with a new supplier, how soon will my service begin? | Back to top
Generally your energy supplier will begin providing your electric service on your next meter-reading date, as long as you are enrolled at least 15 days before that date. As a supplier of natural gas, your ESCO will begin your service on the first calendar day of the following month, if you are enrolled by the 15th of the previous month.
If I receive my energy from an ESCO, may I still contact the Public Service Commission (PSC) if I have a complaint ? | Back to top
Yes. If you have been unsuccessful in resolving a complaint with an ESCO you may contact the PSC for assistance. The PSC requires all energy suppliers to offer convenient complaint-handling procedures and clear information on switching.
Am I required to stay with my new supplier for a predetermined amount of time? | Back to top
That depends on the particular contract that company offers. For example, some ask that customers enroll for no less than one year and may impose an early-termination charge if the customer stops taking service before the end of that period. Elite Energy Consultants will guide you through this process..
How do I cancel my service with an ESCO / Energy Supplier? | Back to top
Before you cancel your service with an ESCO, you should read the terms and conditions of the contract for supply that you have established with the ESCO. Once you have reviewed these terms and conditions, it is recommended that you contact your ESCO to ensure that you fully understand all potential cancellation fees, if applicable.
I enrolled with an energy supplier, but now I have decided to leave. How can I do that? | Back to top
Customers can discontinue purchasing their energy supply from an ESCO by either contacting the ESCO or their utility.
If I switch to another supplier, can I decide later to switch again to a different one, or switch back to the utility? | Back to top
You can switch from one energy supplier to another or back to the utility, but it is important that you learn about all of the terms and conditions of the service to be provided. That way, if you decide to switch, you’ll know what to expect.
Is there a fee if I switch to an energy supplier or back to the utility? | Back to top
The utility never charges for switching — from the utility to an energy supplier, from an energy supplier back to the utility, or from one energy supplier to another. While some companies offer month-to-month agreements, others may require that customers stay with them for one year or more. You should check the terms and conditions of your agreement with your energy supplier if you decide to switch, in order to determine if ESCO-imposed fees apply.
What should I look for when considering switching to an energy supplier? | Back to top
It's best to comparison shop, check out what deals each energy supplier has to offer, and then choose the company that makes the most sense for you. Keep in mind that energy savings should always be calculated over the long term — give it a year or more — to get a realistic picture of savings, based upon seasonality, market conditions, and weather factors.
Is it true that I will save on sales tax if I switch? | Back to top
Yes. There is no sales tax on utility electricity delivery charges and the natural gas delivery charges will be lowered significantly.
What about pricing? | Back to top
Energy is a commodity that is bought and sold. This means that the price of energy (which includes crude oil, heating oil, natural gas, electricity, and unleaded gas) can fluctuate. As a result, it is difficult to show accurate pricing information here. For up-to-date pricing information, please contact the individual ESCO through its Web site or by telephone.
What about billing? | Back to top
Currently, there are three (3) billing options:
- Utility-combined: one consolidated bill from the utility that includes both your ESCO's supply charges and your utility delivery charges.
- Supplier-combined: one consolidated bill from the ESCO that includes both the ESCO's energy supply charges and the utility's delivery charges.
- Two bills: one for supply purchased from an ESCO and one for delivery from the utility.
An ESCO may offer more than one billing option. Make sure you ask the Elite Energy Consultants representative which of these billing options they offer, so you can choose one that works best for you
Will my billing remain on the same schedule as it is now? | Back to top
Yes. You'll receive your bill on the same schedule as you do now.
What is this 7% discount I've heard about? | Back to top
It's the PowerMove discount of 7% off many utilities' prices for commercial energy supply. |
