FAQs
Am I allowed to seek an alternative source for my energy requirements?
Numerous states have already deregulated or are looking into deregulating their energy markets. As a business owner, if you are aware of this opportunity, you can obtain a substantial cost savings for your business. UEC can help you determine if your business is in a deregulated market.
Has there been a change in electric service as a result of deregulation?
No your current transmission and distribution utility continues to deliver electricity to your business. Your local utility company still responds to service interruptions and continues to maintain the poles, wires and pipelines. You will continue to receive the same reliable service you are used to with your local utility company, regardless of which energy provider you receive supply from.
What has changed in electric service with deregulation?
As a result of deregulation, you can now choose to buy your energy from a different provider than the local distribution company in your area. These competing companies are called retail energy providers and now own the power generation plants.
Because of deregulation, will the reliability of my electric service change?
Regardless of which energy provider UEC helps you choose, your electricity will continue to be delivered safely and reliably by the local utility company which is still regulated by the Public Utility Commission.
What happens if I have an emergency or power outage?
Since your local utility company is still responsible for the maintenance and repair of the poles and wires, you would call them in the event of an emergency or power outage.
Who will the bill come from?
Once you have chosen an energy supplier, there are two different scenarios that can occur. One is that you will receive two separate bills, one from your distribution company and one from your energy supplier. The other scenario would be a single combined bill, that would contain both the distribution company’s charges and your energy supplier’s charges. This depends on the supplier and their agreement with the distribution company.
Does everyone have the option to choose a new electricity provider?
No. City owned utilities and member owned electric cooperatives have the option of giving their customers a choice of providers, or keeping things the same.
When I switch my electricity provider will I notice a change of service?
No. No matter which energy provider you choose, your energy will continue to be delivered safely and reliably by the local utility company.
What happens if my electricity provider stops serving customers?
In the unlikely event this were to happen, your local distribution company would continue to deliver energy to your facility. UEC would work with you to place you with a new electricity supplier as quickly as possible.