How Choice Can Help You Save.
The main goal behind switching to consumer choice is to help lower electric bills over time. Since energy suppliers will have to compete for customers, they will look for new ways to lower their costs and then lower prices.
When Does Choice Begin?
New Hampshire's electric market will open gradually to consumer choice. This means that some utilities will make this change before others, offering their customers the choice of an energy supplier and the opportunity for savings. Your electric distribution company will let you know when the switch to consumer choice will happen in your area.
Once you know when the change will happen, you can begin contacting energy suppliers and choose the one that best fits your needs to provide your electric energy. While the competitive market may take time to develop, it should work to produce long-term savings. In the short-term, it will also be possible to lower your electric bill in other ways such as choosing to buy energy through a buying group or by conserving energy. For more information on conservation, call the Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services at 271-2611 or your electric distribution company.
How Can a Buying Group Help Me Save?
A buying group is a group of customers who join together with an aggregator to buy their electric energy. They may find lower prices by buying the energy in bulk. Customers may join buying groups for the potential savings, for the convenience or to support a specific cause.
Need Help With Your Bill?
If you need financial help to pay your electric bill, it may now be available. A new income-based Energy Assistance Program is being developed by the Commission. If you already receive financial assistance, the changes that are taking place should not affect your other programs. For more information on the new Energy Assistance Program, call your electric distribution company or the Commission's Answer Center at 1-800-528-2070.
