Begin by looking where you are. Your current electric company has probably implemented new policies and rate plans since you signed your last contract. There may be an opportunity to switch to a better plan without penalty, but you have to ask first.

1. Tips On Choosing An Electric
Company

2. • Begin by looking where you are. Your current electric company has probably implemented new policies and rate
plans since you signed your last contract. There may be an opportunity to switch to a better plan without
penalty, but you have to ask first.
Most providers post a great deal of information on their website. Start by looking up the newest rates, terms of
service, and incentive plans. Then, call and ask questions and see if you can negotiate a better contract, or if you
can renew at a lower rate if your current plan is up for renewal.
If you current electric provider cannot fulfill your expectations, then you will need to shop around. Do not get in
too big of a hurry, and do not make an impulse buy. Use the process of elimination in your favor.
Start by looking at prices and simply eliminate from your list anything you already know is too high. Be aware that
the cheapest rates may not be all that they seem, but for the time being, keep them on your list pending further
investigation.
Next, check consumer reviews of each electric company you consider. Be aware that you will find negative reviews
on all of them because there are people in the world who thrive on negativity and look for nasty things to say
about others. Normally, the personalities of these people are revealed in their words, so you should not take
seriously anything that is written by an excessively venomous person.
Look for candor in both the negative and the positive reviews and base your judgment on fact, not regurgitated
emotions.

3. • Next, put the customer service of the electric company you are considering to the ultimate test.
Call them yourself and ask them questions about the rates and plans in which you are interested. If
you cannot get a live person to intelligently and patiently answer questions when you are trying to
give them money, do not expect it to be any better once they actually have your money.
Think beyond price at this point. Look carefully at the terms of the contract. You do not want to get
into something that will cost you a fortune to get out of if your job asks you to move, or if some
unforeseen circumstance gets in the way.
It is becoming increasingly easy to find an electric company that offers rebates, incentives, specials,
and customized ways to pay your bill. It is possible in this marketplace to find something very close
to what you like, if not something that is exactly what you like.
Choose an electric company that has been around for a while. If a new company suddenly bursts
onto the scene with glowingly low rates, they may have the best of intentions, but they also may
lack the delivery power. Experience is necessary for companies just as much as it is for individuals.
Finally, if the way a company operates is really strange, and seems to fit no reputable business
model, this is a red flag that does not need to fly over your house. Move on toward an organization
with a sound business model.