Questions? (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about utility choice for the commercial market in general, and about Electric Advisors in particular.

Overall Questions

What is energy deregulation?

Deregulation unbundled some of the functions traditionally provided by regulated utilities. Historically, utilities owned and/or controlled the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity and natural gas. Now, customers in deregulated energy markets are able to choose the company that generates (or supplies) their energy. Transmission and distribution functions are still regulated; as such, they are still controlled by the local utility.

What is a supplier?

A supplier is a company that provides electricity or natural gas to commercial and/or residential customers in a competitive market. For example, Pepco is a utility, while SUEZ Energy Resources NA is a supplier.

Do I have to choose a new energy supplier?

No, but it is in your best interest to compare prices and services offered by competitive suppliers. Your utility company buys energy from the same suppliers, but usually includes a markup in the rates it charges you.

Will I save money if I switch suppliers?

Electric Advisors can generally help you save anywhere from 10% to 25% on your electric and/or natural gas supply rates. Your savings will depend on several factors, including:
* Your current rate for electricity or natural gas
* Your current consumption of electricity or natural gas
* Your current agreement with the utility/supplier

It is important to note that any dollar-to-dollar comparisons are based on current energy rates ONLY. Since it is impossible to forecast rate changes in the future, we do NOT offer any kind of guarantees regarding future savings.

How can I supply other suppliers in my area?

When you use Electric Advisors, you don’t have to find energy suppliers or negotiate with them. We do all the legwork for you, at no charge. If you were to undertake this project yourself, you’d have to:
1. Navigate your current utility’s web site, and eventually find a list of electricity and/or natural gas suppliers in your service area.
2. Wade through each supplier’s voice mail system to find the right department and person to speak with.
3. Repeat Step 2 with each supplier.
4. Gather offers from each supplier.
5. Compare offers to determine which one is right for you; keeping in mind that a lot of these offers won’t be in layman’s terms.
6. Sign the offer that’s best for you.

With Electric Advisors, you don’t have to worry about any of these complicated, time-consuming steps. We do all of the “heavy lifting.” You just approve the paperwork.

Switching Suppliers

If I switch suppliers, will I have to worry about the reliability of my energy service?

No. Regardless of who supplies your energy, the utility will continue to deliver it uninterrupted.

Will I lose power/gas service when I switch companies? During the switchover?

No. There will be no interruption of service when you switch to a competitive supplier or from one utility to another. The actual switch is just an accounting change that happens between your current utility and your new supplier.

Once I choose a new supplier, can I switch back to the utility?

Each utility may have different procedures for returning to their service. Contact the utility’s Web site or customer service for more information. Be aware, though, that there may be a substantial penalty for breaking your contract with your supplier.

How will I be billed?

Depending on the utility and supplier involved, you may see:
* One bill – from either your current utility or your new competitive supplier
* Two bills – one from the supplier for energy generation, and one from the utility for delivery

What if my supplier cancels its contract with me?

The supplier must notify both you and the utility -- in advance -- that it will no longer be your supplier. In some cases, a supplier may go out of business or become ineligible to operate in your service area. In either case, your service would be switched back to your utility. EA would then negotiate on your behalf a new contract with a different supplier, based on rates at the time when the new contract is signed.

Can a competitive supplier turn off my service?

No. Only your current utility is authorized to connect and/or disconnect your service.

Electric Advisors' Role

Okay, what is your role?

Put simply, we negotiate your rate for electricity and/or natural gas that comes from the generator or supplier of those forms of energy, just as you do today for phone services or mortgages. As brokers, we put together the best deal for your company from our large network of suppliers who compete with each other for your business. We also provide “green” or “renewable” energy sources. Please ask your EA energy-services advisor for details.

Does EA take over my company’s utility services?

No! We are only brokers of energy supplies between you and your suppliers. We do not:
1. Read your meter.
2. Service and maintain the power lines/gas mains into your business or property.
3. Provide emergency services, if your utility service goes out or you smell gas.
4. Bill you.

Your current utility provides these services. After you switch, the contact numbers for these services are provided on your monthly bill(s).

How does EA make money?

On the commercial side of our business, we are directly paid by the electric and natural-gas suppliers in our network. As our client, you are never charged for the negotiation of your energy rates. We also do not take any portion of the difference between your current rates and your new rates.

Let us provide you with a no-cost, no-obligation energy analysis. We’ll analyze your energy consumption pattern and shop our supplier network for you. You’ll then receive an easy-to-understand comparison to your current supplier, so you can start managing your energy bills today.

If you’re ready to examine your energy options and see how EA can help your business, we have some next steps for you. You can also read more about The EA Advantage, and why our unique way of working with you is the best way to procure energy. You can also view our testimonials.

And if you are a member of a chamber of commerce, an organization that represents a particular business segment, or an association/non-profit, our Affinity Partners Program is especially for you.