How to Switch Electric Providers

When Should You Switch Your Electric Provider?  

Changing your energy provider might be the right choice for serveral reasons especially if you’re looking for more choices in your energy solutions. Here are some of the most common reasons you change your electricity provider: 

• If you’re experiencing poor customer service, it may be time to find a more reliable supplier.  

• If you’re looking for a more predictable monthly supply charge in your energy bill.  

• If you’re looking for a more competitive rate.  

• If you’re currently with a utility and you’re interested in more innovative options like renewable energy. Default utilities often offer one standard plan option. Suppliers often offer a variety of plan options including renewable energy options that can help keep things carbon natural. 

• If you’ve noticed sudden increases in your energy rates with your utility. Alternative suppliers may offer lower rates than the default utility and contract options to lock in a rate.  

Can I Change My Electricity Provider and Do I Have the Right to Choose?  

If you live in a deregulated energy market, you can change your energy supplier anytime; but your location does matter when it comes to the diversity of your energy options. 

When discussing energy regulation, in deregulated states, consumers can select their supplier, even though local utilities still handle electricity delivery and generally manage billing. This provides more opportunities for choice in energy plans and flexibility in rates.  

In a regulated energy market, a single utility company has exclusive control over generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity or gas to consumers within a specific region. In regulated states, customers are often limited to purchasing electricity or gas from a utility company, which sets the rates and terms and doesn’t offer flexibility. 

Deregulated markets include states like Illinois, Ohio, and Pennslyvania while regulated markets include U.S. states like Kentucky and Wisconsin. 

How to Find the Right Electric Supplier  

Finding the right electric supplier is crucial to ensuring you receive the best value for your energy needs. With various options available, let’s explore some effective strategies for comparing electricity suppliers and where you can start with your selection process: 

1. Understand Your Energy Usage: Start by reviewing your past electricity bills to determine your average energy consumption. This will help you understand your needs better and identify the type of plan that will be most beneficial to you and which rate will be right for your budget. 
2. Consider Your Lifestyle and Energy Goals: Think about your lifestyle and energy goals. Do you prefer to support renewable energy sources, or are you looking for the lowest possible rates? If you value sustainability, look for suppliers offering earth-friendly energy plans that source electricity from renewable resources like wind or solar.  
3. Research Available Suppliers: Many suppliers provide detailed information about their services, plans, and rates online that make it easier to choose.  
4. Evaluate Plan Options: Electric suppliers often offer various plans, including fixed-rate, Unlimited Energy, and renewable energy options.  
5. 5. Check Customer Reviews and Ratings: Research customer reviews and ratings to gauge the reputation of potential suppliers. Review platforms can provide insights into customer experiences, including billing accuracy, customer service quality, and responsiveness to issues.  
6. Check out Supplier Promotions and Customer Incentives: Many electric suppliers offer incentives for new customers, such as referral bonuses or customer rewards programs. 

Factors to Consider When Comparing Electric Providers  

When comparing electric providers, several key factors can significantly influence your decision. Understanding the nuances of pricing structures, fees, and benefits of each plan option can prove for a more comforting energy experience. Here are some important factors to consider: 

Rates and Plan Types: Understanding the different rate structures is essential when selecting an electric provider. Fixed-rate plans lock in a specific price for electricity over a set period, providing stability and predictability. Unlimited Energy or flat fee plans provide a budget-friendly option for a stable monthly supply charge no matter how much you use.* 

In contrast, variable-rate plans fluctuate with market prices, which can lead to lower costs in times of low demand but are extremely risky. Variable plan pricing fluctuates based on market conditions, which can be unpredictable and lead to customers paying higher rates. 

Contract Length and Terms: Most energy contracts range from anywhere from 3 to 36 months long. The most common contact length is 12 months.  

Customer Reviews: Customer reviews are a valuable resource for gauging the quality of service by your potential electric supplier. A provider with a strong reputation often provides reliable customer service. 

Communication and Contact: Is your energy provider easy to access if you have questions about your energy plan? Do they have multiple points of contact like online chat to help you when you need it? Multiple lines of communication makes answering problems about your energy plan easier to take care of. 

How to Change Your Energy Supplier  

Switching electricity suppliers is a straightforward process once you know what you’re looking for. Once you’ve researched and found an electric supplier you like that will for your needs:  

1. First, contact the new supplier directly to enroll in their service. You can typically sign up through the supplier’s website or over the phone. Be sure to have your utility account number handy from your most recent bill. This will help you sign up for your new plan!  
2. Next, select a plan. If you already have a specific plan in mind, inform the supplier of your choice. Be clear on whether it’s a fixed-rate, variable-rate, or flat-fee/unlimited plan. Energy supplier websites usually have multiple plans to choose from to fit your needs. If you’re still unsure about which plan to choose, your new supplier can guide you in selecting the best option for your energy usage, budget, and preferences. By calling or online chatting with your new supplier, representatives can explain the benefits of each plan and help you find one that aligns with your lifestyle and energy needs.  
3. Typically, from here, you’ll enter your utility account number and your personal information to switch over to your new supplier if you’re doing an online enrollment. Most energy providers only need this information to complete your enrollment and make your switch (Santanna included!) This completes your online enrollment! 

Canceling Your Old Plan: Your new provider will take it from here and your utility will typically handle the cancellation of your old plan on your behalf. 

Confirming Your Timeline: The timeline for switching energy providers is often determined by your utility rather than the supplier you choose. Typically, utilities process the switch at your next meter reading or billing cycle, though some may experience delays.  

It’s a good idea to confirm with your utility to know exactly when the change will take effect. With Santanna, there’s no extra equipment that needs installation when you make the switch to us.  

If you’re moving: You’ll need to call and coordinate with your utility to ensure your energy plan will be available in your new home. Be sure to confirm that if you’re moving from an area with one utility to an area with a different utility, the supplier you’ve chosen covers your area.  

After the switch is complete, check your utility bill to ensure the new supplier and rate are correctly listed. You should see the name of your new supplier on the bill, along with the new rate per kWh.  

What Do You Need to Switch Energy Supplier?  

To change your energy supplier, you’ll need a few things to get you started. One of the most important things you’ll need to make your switch is your Utility Account Number. This unique identifier links your account with your local utility company, verifies your service location and sets up your plan. 

While not required to complete your enrollment or switch your electric supplier, be sure to know your preferred contract and plan type. This will help speed up switching your electricity provider. 

How long will it take to switch my energy supplier?  

Switching your energy supplier typically takes about one to two billing cycles depending on utility.  

After you’ve selected a new supplier and completed the enrollment process, your new supplier will coordinate with your current utility to ensure a seamless transition.  

In general, you should expect to see your new supplier reflected on your utility bill within one to two months after the initial switch.  

Pros and Cons of Switching Energy Suppliers (Choosing a Supplier vs. Staying with Your Primary Utility)  

Switching to an energy supplier over sticking with your primary utility can offer significant benefits. When making the decision to change your electric supplier, it’s important to weigh all pros and cons of switching energy suppliers. 

Pros of Choosing a Supplier  

1. Competitive Pricing: Suppliers often offer competitive rates that can save you money compared to standard utility rates.  
2. Flexible Plans: Energy suppliers typically provide a variety of plans, including fixed-rate and Unlimited options, allowing customers to choose what best suits their needs.  
3. Customized Energy Solutions: Many suppliers offer tailored energy plans that align with your specific energy consumption patterns, providing more control over your energy budget.  
4. Renewable Energy Options: Suppliers often have programs for renewable energy sources, allowing you to support sustainable practices and reduce your carbon footprint.  
5. Better Customer Service: Suppliers may offer more personalized customer service and support, including dedicated account management and easier access to assistance.  
6. Bundled Services: Some energy suppliers allow you to bundle your gas and electricity in one convenient plan.  
7. Your Energy Choices Can Aid Your Local Community: Some energy suppliers allow your energy plan to directly contribute to local charities.  
8. Rewards Programs: To show their appreciation to their customers, some suppliers have rewards programs! While the exact parameters vary from supplier to supplier, some programs offer chances to win special prizes just for being a customer.  

Cons of Choosing a Supplier  

1. Potential Fees: Some energy suppliers may impose early termination fees or other charges that could offset potential savings.  
2. Contract Terms: Some suppliers require long-term contracts, which can lock you in for a period, limiting your flexibility.  
3. Limited Availability: Not all suppliers operate in every region, so your options may be limited based on your location.  

Pros of Staying with Your Utility  

1. Familiarity: Customers may have a long-standing relationship with their utility, leading to a better understanding of the utility’s billing and service practices.  
2. Local Knowledge: Utility companies usually have a strong understanding of local energy needs and conditions, enabling them to provide tailored services and support.  

Cons of Staying with Your Utility  

1. Higher Rates: Utility companies often have standard rates that may be higher than those offered by competitive suppliers, potentially leading to higher monthly bills.  
2. Limited Plan Options: Utilities typically offer fewer plan choices compared to suppliers, which can restrict your ability to find a plan that fits your specific energy needs.  
3. Lack of Flexibility: Staying with a utility may mean being tied to a fixed plan without the flexibility to switch rates or terms easily.  
4. Less Innovation: Utilities may be slower to adopt new technologies and energy solutions, resulting in fewer options for smart energy management and renewable energy programs.  
5. Customer Service Challenges: Larger utility companies may provide less personalized customer service, leading to longer wait times for support and less attentive service.  

When is the Best Time to Renew Your Electricity Contract or Switch Providers?  

The timing of your switch to a new energy supplier can greatly impact the rates and terms you receive. Off-peak seasons, like spring and fall, are often ideal times to switch, as demand for energy tends to be lower, leading to potentially reduced rates. Another optimal time to make the switch is at the end of your current contract; transitioning at this point helps you avoid early termination fees that might otherwise apply. 

Overall, is it Worth it to Switch Electric Providers?  

Whether or not it’s worth it to switch energy providers largely depends on your individual circumstances. If you are currently on a variable-rate plan that fluctuates significantly or you have recently experienced price increases, switching could save you money and provide more stable rates. Furthermore, if you prioritize customer service or renewable energy options, exploring different suppliers can enhance your overall energy experience.  

FAQs  

Can I end my energy plan if I move?  

Yes, you can end your energy plan if you move.   

Most energy suppliers allow customers to end their energy plan if they’re moving, but it’s important to get in contact and sign up with a new supplier to enroll in a new plan before you make your move. Once you have your new utility account number, you can sign up with a competitive supplier to secure the best plan for your lifestyle as you settle in.  

How do I switch energy utilities if I’m moving homes?  

Switching energy suppliers when moving homes is usually straightforward. Start by contacting your new utility to inform them of your move and coordinate with them on when you’re moving in to transfer your energy.   

Can I switch energy suppliers if I rent?  

Yes, renters can switch energy suppliers if they pay their own energy bills directly to the provider. Before switching, check with your landlord or property manager to confirm there aren’t any restrictions on changing suppliers in your lease agreement.  

Can I bundle my gas and electricity plan if I switch electric providers?  

Yes, you can bundle your gas and electricity services! When switching electric suppliers, check if they also offer gas services to see if you can bundle both.   

If you’re looking to seek better service or find a plan better for your lifestyle, exploring alternative energy suppliers is worthwhile.  Keep abreast of market trends and changes in rates, as energy providers frequently update their offerings. Regularly reassess your energy needs and options, as switching may offer ongoing savings and benefits over time.  

If you’re ready to make the switch, Santanna Energy Services has served customers in Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. 

* Restrictions apply. Enrollment based upon program eligibility. Customers using more than 125% of normal monthly usage as determined by Santanna may be required to switch plans.