What is Electricity Deregulation?
Deregulation of U.S. energy entered the market place in the 1980’s. Initially, Natural Gas, followed by Electric markets in the late 1990’s. This made it possible for retail energy companies to compete for your business, breaking up the regulated utility monopolies and driving competitive prices and innovation through competition.
Can I select alternate supply and transmission ?
No, only the supply portion of energy service will be open to competition. However, the transmission and distribution of the energy will remain regulated and your local utility company will continue to maintain the pipes and wires, issue your bill and provide customer services.
How does this benefit me?
The competitive market for electricity means that you have a variety of choices for your energy supply provider, and the products they offer. As competition has increased, so too have the choices available to customers for managing their energy budgets.
Who is responsible for safety and reliability of power delivery?
The delivery system is still the responsibility of the utility and as such, its safety and reliability. The utility will maintain the lines and repair them if there is an outage or storm. The regulatory body overseeing utilities in your state will help to ensure that the utility continues to provide a safe, reliable delivery system for your use.
Where can I find my utility account number, meter number, and rate class?
Your account number, meter number, and rate class can be found on a recent electricity bill. If you do not have a recent bill, you can contact your current utility and ask for this information.
What are Transmission and Distribution charges?
Also known as T&D, these are the regulated charges originating at the Local Distribution Company that owns the poles and wires. Costs for T&D vary by market, and are established in the local tariff.
How will my current utility know that I have switched?
Your current utility company recognizes us as a licensed energy consultant. When your Enhanced Energy Solutions enrollment is approved, we tell your current utility about the switch.
What rate plans are available to me?
You can choose either a Renewable Energy fixed-rate plan, or a Traditional Energy fixed-rate plan. No matter which plan you choose, there is no application fee, and your rate can be fixed for the same duration as your contract term. Your cost per kWh will not change based on the season, time of day, or volume of electricity you consume.
How will I be billed?
In most cases, you will still receive the same single bill from your current electricity utility. The utility will send you a consolidated bill that now lists your new energy supplier.
How do I get a quote from Enhanced Energy Solutions?
You can scan and email us your most recent utility bill or fax it to us at 800-701-5075. The rate/savings calculator we provide is a good start. In many cases your rate and savings could be better.
When will my new service begin?
Enhanced Energy Solutions will process your switch with the utility. Unless otherwise indicated, service will start on your next available meter-read date after processing by your local utility. Typically, it takes 1-2 bill cycles before you start receiving your contracted supply charges.
How will my current utility know that I have switched?
Your current utility company recognizes us as a licensed energy supplier. When your Enhanced Energy Solutions enrollment is approved, we tell your current utility about the switch.
What happens if I move?
If you plan to move to an area that is serviced by your contracted supplier, then contact us and we will transfer your service to your new location.
What happens when my contract period expires?
You have the choice to enter into another fixed energy rate contract at current rates, or the account will go into month-to-month status with the current variable rate. We will contact you reminding you to renew but be assured that your service will not be automatically terminated simply because your contract period expires. You will have to take some sort of written action.
Is there a penalty if I break the contract?
If you close the account or switch Retail Electric Providers prior to completion of a Fixed-term contract, you may be subject to an early termination fee. The cancellation fees can be found on the Terms of Service for your particular product. Please see your Terms of Service for additional details.
Can I get Green energy?
When you purchase a green energy contract, you are purchasing the amount of energy that you would consume through your contract based on your volume. This energy is added to the entire grid, there is no way to determine if the energy you use is from green technologies. You are only contributing to the supply. No one can connect directly to the wind and solar farms. The power you purchase will be generated from 100% clean energy. As a green energy customer, your electricity generation will match your values and you’ll prevent local air and water pollution from being created on your behalf.
Who do I call if I have trouble with my service or if my power goes out?
Your local electric company is responsible for the delivery of power. Since they still own the wires and poles that deliver power to you, they will continue to read your meter and restore power after an outage. When you have a power outage or service emergency like a down wire or limited service in your building, you will need to contact your local utility to report the problem.
ComEd customers should call 800-334-7661.
Ameren customers should call 877-677-5740.