ELECTRICITY SUPPLIERS - A MAZE FOR CONFUSION?

08.13.09

An insert with my electric bill last month outlined the option to choose an electric supplier OTHER than CL&P or UI if you so choose. Since my last comment on this topic, the list of suppliers has 'exploded', numbering 45 in this latest insert.

What should you know? First, only the supplier side of your electric bill is variable. On the delivery side, it all comes to your home through the lines of CL&P or UI. Your electric bill is divided into these two main sections and you are charged differently in each section.

Second, suppliers may offer plans only to residential and some to commercial, users. Several will do either.

If you have been solicited, as I was, by an individual supplier, the initial tendency is to be non-responsive, as I suggested here a couple of years ago when options first came out. This time, I listened more carefully, pulled out an electric bill and started to calculate possible savings if I changed my supplier from CL&P. Without a call, you probably are happy leaving things the way they are. It certainly is easier, if not on the wallet.

The process can still be confusing and paperwork is involved. Some simple suggestions may help you decide.

If your total monthly bill is (well) under $150.00, you may not care about savings, which are very limited in my view, at this level. Higher bills can show more significant annual savings. Remember the DELIVERY source is not an option, only the SUPPLIER SIDE. Rates vary and a calculator is needed to compute benefits. You can opt out of many of them after a year, if not sooner. .

©2009 R. Leech features.