Since energy is a commodity and a need , more choices are better for all parties in the industry
IF “ GREED ” WAS THE BUZZWORD 20 YEARS AGO , one could argue that today it is “ choice .” In choice , there is power . When our founder , Jerry Dyess , had the vision for Choose Energy , his goal was to demystify the utilities business for the average consumer . Quite simply , energy is a commodity and a need . And , the more choices , the better it is for everyone involved . Traditional retail companies have long thrived by providing consumers with options . �e proliferation of online marketplaces has given consumers the ability to make smart choices and save money on everything from car insurance to healthcare . However , until recently , consumers didn ' t have a choice when it came to energy – one of the few things that they literally can ' t live without . In states where energy deregulation is becoming more and more prevalent as it has in other countries , many of the consumers in these states either do not know that they have
Page38 | May - June 2016 options , and if they are aware , they likely do not know what or how to choose . �at is where the power of the energy marketplace comes in . At Choose Energy , we not only provide the on l i n e plat for m to pu rchase t h e commodity of energy , but we act as a connector and facilitator , allowing customers to compare and shop for their electric , natural gas and other energy providers . Energy marketplaces provide consumers the ability to see all of the energy supplier ' s offers in one convenient place so they can compare one offer with another , side by side . O�en these same consumers receive offers from energy companies that sound like a good deal but there is no way for them to compare the costs or the bene ts with alternative options . We help them nd the right place and the right planwhether they are looking for a xed plan , a shortterm option , cost savings or a greener choice . Finally , the consumer doesn ' t have to blindly pay their
| FMDZ energy bill and feel like they have no choice when it comes to the provider who keeps their lights and their heat on . We also help the energy suppliers communicate their services through a trustworthy platform so they can attract and retain the right consumers . Suppliers now are competing for the customer ' s business , which puts the consumer in the driver ' s seat . Energy marketplaces bene t the consumer and the provider , by offering services such as comparison , transparency , ease of enrollment and strong customer service while guiding consumers through the decision-making process of comparing and / or switching suppliers . Imagine 20 years ago – even 10 – being able to go online and shop for energy needs . We are currently in eight deregulated electricity states and just announced in January that we have expanded into six deregulated natural gas states , with plans to launch our services in three more states this month . Education is a key factor in the expansion