Deregulation: The Switching Process

Switching is simple
Deregulation offers more options. Once you've decided which company and offer is right for you, switching is simple. Just contact the Retail Electric Provider you’ve chosen and tell them you'd like to switch, or sign up on their web site.

They’ll send you a “Terms of Service” agreement, which is your new service contract. Review it carefully because after you receive it you'll only have three business days to cancel without penalty, if your Terms of Service provides for a penalty. You will also receive a postcard in the mail telling you that the switch request has been received and processed and will tell you how to cancel the switch.

When will my switch occur?
Your new electric service plan won’t take effect until your next scheduled meter read, which could take up to two billing cycles. You can ask for your meter to be read earlier, which will allow your new provider to start serving you sooner, but your provider will most likely charge you an early meter reading fee. Check with your provider to see how much this fee will be.

Uninterrupted service
Rest easy – switching providers will not interrupt your electricity service. All that changes with deregulation is the company that sells you power, not the company that maintains the poles and wires that deliver electricity to your home or business. The reliability of your service will not be affected by your choice of provider, and if a power outage occurs for any reason, your service will still be restored just as before regardless of which company you’re with after deregulation.

http://www.powertochoose.org/_content/_switch/switching_process.asp

Deregulation