How to Switch Electricity Companies Without Interruption
You can choose your electricity supplier if you live in a deregulated area. The switch is effortless and can usually be done without interruption in service.
You may be subject to a penalty if you change providers before your contract ends, but long-term cost savings can sometimes make this worth it. Here are the steps to switch without interruption:
Contact Your Current Provider
The electricity market is competitive, and companies are trying to win your business by offering different rates and plans. If you’re not 100% confident that your current provider is right for you, it’s time to shop around. However, finding your current energy supplier can be difficult if you’re unfamiliar with the process. You may have to spend hours or days researching providers to find the contact information you need. If you need more time to do a thorough manual search, the marketplace can help.
The first step in finding your current electricity supplier is to determine whether or not you live in a deregulated area. In regulated areas, your utility company is responsible for delivering energy to your home or business. However, in deregulated areas, you can choose your electricity supplier.
You can usually find the name of your electricity supplier on your most recent energy bill. The total amount due is broken out into line items, and the supply charge should have a description such as “electric supply charges” or “supply services.” If you don’t have an energy bill, you can log into your online account with your electric utility. Alternatively, you can call your electric utility or use the Electric Network Association’s tool to search by postcode for a list of local network operators.
Find a New Provider
The process of switching to a new provider is simple and quick. Choosing your new supplier can be done online or over the phone. Once you select a company to switch to, they’ll notify your electric utility that you’re changing providers. It typically takes up to three days for the switch to occur.
Whether moving into a new home or tired of your current energy provider, shopping around is the best way to find the right deal. There are many options to choose from, including fixed-rate plans, prepaid plans, and renewable energy options. Consider your current energy usage, budget, and other preferences when choosing a plan.
When you choose electricity companies in Houston, get all the details in writing. Ensure you understand the length of your contract, rates at different consumption levels, any bill credit or time of use tiers, and any fees charged (such as a one-time application fee). You may also be required to pay a deposit if your credit could be better.
Depending on the time of year, you can find lower rates by switching to a new provider. Be sure also to check out your new choice’s customer service ratings. Before making the switch, you’ll want to know how they handle complaints, outages, and other issues.
Notify Your Utilities
Contact the new power company to begin the process when you find a plan that suits your needs. They will verify that they can supply power to your home and work through the signup process with you. This often includes providing a start date, billing information, and plan type and helping you set up an online account.
Before committing to the switch, reviewing your contract and understanding any potential stipulations for leaving your agreement early is essential. It is also a good idea to compare the plans available and determine whether any potential penalties are worth paying to save on your energy costs.
Your local utility company is responsible for the service lines that run to your house and are ultimately responsible for any issues like outages or brownouts. This should be noted by any supplier that promises better service or fewer outages, as these are not the provider’s responsibility.
If you are moving to a new home, you must inform your local utility company that the services must be transferred from your name to another person’s. This can help prevent any confusion on the bill and avoid additional fees for changing names on utilities. Sometimes, you may need to take a meter reading on the day of the move to give to your new provider so that you don’t incur any charges for energy used before the switch.
Switch to Your New Provider
Getting a new power company to take over your service is pretty straightforward. There are some things you should know, however. First, if you’re moving into a home where the previous occupant had a past-due bill with your regional energy provider, the switch may be on hold until resolved. In these cases, you’ll need to supply an affidavit from your landlord and a few recently paid electric bills to start the changeover process.
You should also check your existing contract to see what cancellation stipulations are. Depending on the amount of time left in your agreement and the type of plan you’re currently on; an early termination fee might need to be paid to cancel your services.
Other reasons people want to switch their electricity providers include better customer service, cheaper rates, or the ability to choose green energy options. Luckily, deregulation means many different REPs to choose from, and finding the right fit is easy with just a little research.
Once you’ve found a new provider that offers the best deals and services, contacting them to set up your account is as simple as an email or phone call. They’ll handle the rest, including notifying your old provider and arranging an on-site meter reading (smart meters automatically send this information). From there, you’ll start paying your new provider for power and receive a final bill from your old one.
