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BBB TIPS FOR CHOOSING AN ELECTRIC SUPPLIER
As a Pennsylvania resident, consumers have the ability to switch electric suppliers and shop around for better rates. When you shop for an electric supplier, you are choosing the company that generates your electricity. However, the electric utility that distributes your electricity will remain the same.
While switching electric suppliers can save money, it ' s important to be cautious and do your research. Thoroughly review any contract before signing and understand all terms and conditions, including rates, fees and contract length. Before switching suppliers, BBB recommends reviewing your current contract.
Check for any early termination fees or contract expiration dates. Have an understanding of your typical electricity consumption as well to be able to better compare the price you’ ll pay per kilowatt hour.
TIPS TO CONSIDER SHOPPING FOR A NEW ELECTRIC SUPPLIER
Determine what’ s important to you. Are you shopping on current prices alone, or is being locked into a certain rate for a longer period of time important? Are renewable energy options important to you? Research a prospective supplier with your Better Business Bureau at BBB. org to see what kind of reputation and complaint history an electric supplier has. Compare offers directly at PAPowerSwitch. com. This is the official electric shopping website of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and you can compare your available electric supplier options here.
What is the length of the agreement and is there a cancellation fee or penalty for switching suppliers during that time frame? Will you be notified once your agreement is up or does it automatically renew and if there is a change to your rate upon renewal, how are you notified?
Pay close attention to fixed vs. variable rates, contract lengths and any fees. One supplier’ s rate may appear to be significantly lower than the others, but it could be an introductory or variable rate as opposed to fixed for a specific amount of time and you could end up paying substantially more in future months.
BBB also warns that well-known utility companies are commonly mimicked by scammers and can contact consumers using the same methods as independent representatives- such as through door-todoor solicitation, phone calls, emails and direct mail offers.
Unsolicited contact requesting utility account information is a red flag, as well as high pressure requests to get you to pay by gift card, wire transfer, mobile app or any other specific untraceable method of payment.
For additional resources on researching companies and safeguarding against scams, visit BBB. org or call 877-267-5222. Report any scams you encounter to BBB. org / ScamTracker to help prevent further instances of fraud.
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