UGI Utilities » Electric Service » Customer Choice » Choice Customers » Choice Consumers
Choosing an Electric Supplier
Q: What is the Pennsylvania Electric Choice Program?
A The Pennsylvania Electric Choice Program provides electric customers with the opportunity to select the company that generates their electricity - their electric generation supplier (EGS). The program includes the notification and education of customers about the benefits of electric choice, customer enrollment, and the selection of electric generation suppliers.
Q: How do I enroll?
A: Enrolling is easy. Simply choose a new electric generation supplier. Once the supplier receives your permission, they will then contact UGI to inform us of your decision and your new rate for generation service.
Q: How do I choose a new supplier?
A: Open Enrollment Period begins November 1 and ends December 18. You will receive an information packet in the mail providing you with shopping instructions. You can shop for a new electric generation supplier just like you would other services - making a decision based on your own needs and preferences. You can shop for the lowest price. You can shop for a certain type of electric generation, like "environmentally friendly" generation. Or you might want to shop for a company that offers special services.
What You Need To Get Started:
- The average amount of electricity your household uses in a month. You can find usage information on your electric bill. It is shown in kilowatt-hours. Because your energy use may vary during the year due to heating or air conditioning, you may want to look at your electricity use over several months.
- A list of licensed electric generation suppliers serving UGI can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-888-782-3228.
Q: How much should I expect to save on my monthly bills?
A: Savings will vary depending on your level of use and upon how much you pay now for electric generation.
With your shopping instructions, you will receive "price to compare" information which you can use to compare the prices offered by other suppliers and see how much money you may be able to save.
Q: What questions should I ask a supplier before making a choice?
A: You should ask the questions that are important to you. If, for example, you are concerned about the source of supply, you should ask how the power is produced. If you are interested in billing options, make sure you get a clear explanation of options available to you.
Some questions you should consider asking include:
- Is the supplier licensed by the PUC?
- Does the supplier require a contract agreement, and if so, what are the length and terms of the agreement?
- Will the price offered by the supplier remain the same throughout that time?
- Is there a penalty for canceling an agreement before its term is up?
- What steps must you take to switch suppliers?
- Must you pay a fee or penalty to switch suppliers?
- Are there restrictions on how much electricity you use and when you use it?
- Is the supplier's price per kilowatt-hour the only charge, or are there other fees involved?
- Are taxes included in the supplier's price for generation supply?
- Do you need a special meter and is there an added charge for that meter?
- Can you have an interruptible rate if you want one?
- Is there a basic or limited service rate that is less expensive?
- Will you still get service from a supplier if you have an outstanding balance or bad payment history?
- Does the supplier offer a budget billing plan?
- Will you receive one bill or two?
Q: How do I know if a supplier is reliable?
A: All suppliers doing business in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the PUC, which has developed strict operating requirements. Among these are the conditions that suppliers are financially sound, able to provide service, and meet their obligations to Pennsylvania consumers.
