Making a Smart Electricity Choice
1. What do I need to think about before choosing an electricity
generation supplier?
Before making a choice, take a few moments to decide why choosing
an electricity generation supplier is important to you.
• Is
it the supplier who has the lowest price?
• Do
you want electricity generated by environmentally friendly
or renewable resources such as wind or solar?
• Do
you want flexibility to switch suppliers without a long-term
contract?
Knowing
the answers to these questions will help you determine which
electricity supplier best suits your needs.
2. What is my price to compare and why is it important in
choosing a generation supplier?
On the
bottom of page two of your electric bill, you will find your
price to compare number. This is the price you pay per kilowatt-hour
(kWh) of electricity. Each supplier provides the District
of Columbia Public Service Commission with its average price
per kWh, which enables you to see which supplier has the
lowest rate.
So if your price to compare is $0.0683 or 6.83 cents per kWh,
and you want electricity at the lower price, a new supplier
would have to generate your electricity for less than 6.83
cents per kWh.
When making cost comparisons, remember that the cost per kWh
could be only one part of the generation cost. Suppliers can
also include other standard fees in addition to the per kWh
rate that could affect the price you pay. Make sure you ask
about any additional fees.
Remember,
the generation supply is only one of three parts of your
electricity bill. Pepco will continue to charge you
for distribution and transmission services, regardless of who
generates your electricity.
3. Who are the licensed generation suppliers?
Before
choosing a generation supplier, make sure you know all of
the electricity supply choices that are available to you.
To find out about all of the licensed generation suppliers in the District of
Columbia, click
here to visit the District of Columbia Public Service Commission
(DCPSC) to see the list of suppliers or contact the DCPSC at
(202) 626-5100 or the Office of the People’s Counsel
at (202) 727-3071.
DCPSC and
the Office of the People’s Counsel can tell
you what companies are taking new customers and what their
rates are – remember to have your price to compare number
handy!
Currently, the number of electricity generation suppliers
for the District of Columbia is limited, but that number may
increase as competition develops.
Current suppliers are:
Washington
Gas Energy Service
1-888-884-WGES
Pepco Energy
Services
(703) 253-1800
If you decide not choose a new supplier or simply take no
action, Pepco ,as the default supplier, will continue to supply your electricity. This
is called Standard Offer Service.
You can contact Pepco at (202) 833-7500 or at www.pepco.com.
You may
also receive materials in the mail about new suppliers. Contact
DCPSC or the Office of the People’s Counsel to
learn more about any offers you receive.
4. Before I sign a contract, what details should I pay attention
to?
Before signing a contract with a new electricity supplier,
you should:
• Carefully
review the contract;
• Ask about additional fees;
• Determine the length of the contract
• Determine what happens if you need to break the contract;
and
• Ask for the generation supply to be included in your
monthly Pepco bill
Once you sign a new contract with a new electricity supplier,
your new supplier will notify Pepco that you are switching
suppliers. It will take approximately 30 days for the transfer
to occur. Your electricity service will not be interrupted
during this process.
By asking
your new supplier to include their generation cost in your
monthly Pepco bill, you will continue to receive one electric
bill from Pepco. The “Generation Services” section
of your electric bill will have the new suppliers name identified
on it. You will continue to make one monthly payment to Pepco
and then Pepco will pay the electricity generation supplier.
If you have already made a choice and have a contract with
an alternative supplier, make sure you understand any associated
fees with canceling your contract. Contact DCPSC for information
on your choices and for the steps outlined about before signing
another contract.
Choice
and the District Market
1.
Will there be more choices in the future?
Currently, there are a limited number of suppliers that are
active in the District’s competitive electricity market.
The number of suppliers, however, may increase as competition
in the market continues to develop.
2.
Will my bill eventually decrease as the District’s
competitive electricity market develops?
Currently,
it’s
hard to say. Competition historically leads to lower prices
over time. A major determining factor in electricity prices
is the cost of fuel. In the past year or two, the cost of
these fuels used to generate electricity such as coal and
natural gas has increased dramatically, impacting the price
you pay for electricity.
Energy
Efficiency Resources for Consumers
1.
Are there ways I can reduce my electricity bill?
You can
take charge of your electricity bill by taking simple, easy
steps to reduce your energy use. For example, you can clean
or replace air conditioning filters and forced air heating
filters once a month. You can also use compact fluorescent
bulbs to boost light output and use less energy. For more
tips and information go to www.pepco.com or call (202) 833-7500.
There are
a number of other resources available to consumers including
possible payment assistance for those who qualify and information
on energy efficiency and ways to lower your electric bill.
District residents seeking more information should contact:
American
Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
(202) 429-8873
DC Energy
Office
(202) 673-6750
District of Columbia Public Service Commission
(202) 626-5100
Energy
Star
(888) STAR-YES
Office
of the People's Counsel
(202) 727-3071
Pepco
(202) 833-7500
The Alliance
to Save Energy
(202) 857-0666
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