How Do CT Residents Switch Electric Suppliers?

Did you know that almost one in five CT residents no longer receive electricity from a local utility company? Instead, over 250,000 savvy Connecticut home and business owners have switched to a lower-cost, independent electric supplier. This popular new way to save money is the result of a government program called electricity deregulation.

What is Electricity Deregulation and Why is it Important?

In order to combat Connecticut’s ever-rising electric rates, the state government chose to deregulate the utility industry and allow more competition from private electric suppliers. This means that CT residents in Hartford, Stamford, Danbury, and elsewhere, are no longer stuck with just one electricity option (i.e. their local utility company). Through electricity deregulation, CT residents can switch electric suppliers and potentially save each month on their electric bill.

Why is electric choice important? Having a say in who supplies your CT electricity means you can compare the electric rate and service that best suits your lifestyle. Like with any major purchase, different things are important to different people. When shopping for a new electric supplier in CT, you may want to consider the following:

types of services and the various rates offered;
the option to receive a personalized billing plan;
where the electricity is produced;
if the supplier uses renewable energy sources.

How to Switch your CT Electric Supplier

Switching your CT electric supplier couldn’t be much easier. Rest assured that your local Connecticut utility company will not charge extra or penalize your for switching suppliers. Switching is 100% legal and free - that’s why so many CT residents and business-owners do it!

Let’s suppose you’re currently living in New Haven, CT near I-95, and you’ve noticed that your electric bill increases every year. Or, perhaps you own a business in Norwich near the Thames River, and you’d like to possibly lower your electric bill. Now, there’s a way to control electricity costs and save money each year!

To switch your CT electric supplier, simply go online and research government-approved independent electric suppliers in your area. A great place to begin is at the State Department of Public Utility Control. Here, you can review a list of new, affordable CT electric suppliers, as well as Frequently Asked Questions regarding electric deregulation.

During your research, be sure to assess each supplier’s rates, terms, and service. When comparing rates, you’ll want to pay close attention to the supplier’s price per kilowatt hour. The lower this rate, the more you’ll save.

Once you’ve chosen a new CT electric supplier, simply fill out their online form (or call and speak with a representative) and request that your electricity be switched. Upon completion of the form and a signed agreement of service, the new supplier will contact your existing local utility company and inform them of the transfer. There’s nothing left for you to do. In a few billing cycles, you will receive the new price per kilowatt hour offered by your new electric supplier.
It’s that simple, Sign Up Now!

Top Questions to Ask Your New Electric Supplier

There are several new CT electric suppliers for you to choose from. It’s up to you, the consumer, to research and find the company you feel the most comfortable with. Below are a few questions you may want to ask your new CT electric supplier.

How do you generate electricity? Perhaps you prefer to purchase electricity generated by renewable sources, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric.
What are the terms listed in the service agreement? Connecticut electric supplier terms vary, but may include: price per kWh, beginning and ending date of term, initial promotions or discounts, cancellation and renewal regulations, and possible penalties or fees. Many CT residents prefer to switch to an electric supplier offering a fixed price per kWh and one that allows you to cancel or switch services at any time.
Does this mean I’m done with my local utility company? Not exactly. Your local utility company will continue to deliver electricity to your home. If you have a service-related issue (e.g. power outage), you’ll still call your utility company to resolve the issue. Your new CT independent electric supplier simply provides cheaper electricity to you, as reflected on your lower monthly bill.
Will I receive two bills, one from you and one from my local utility company? In a majority of cases, CT residents who switch electric suppliers will continue to receive just one electric bill. The bill will simply have the new, lower rate offered by the independent supplier.