Learning About Your Choices.
Once consumer choice is available in your area, you are likely to receive information and offers from different energy suppliers in the mail and by phone. You may also learn about energy suppliers through advertisements. Whether you're interested in choosing your own energy supplier or purchasing your energy as part of a buying group, you should check to make sure the company or buying group has registered in New Hampshire. A list of registered energy suppliers and buying groups is located on this site. You can also call the Commission's Answer Center at 1-800-528-2070 or your electric distribution company.

Making a Choice.
As you learn more about the different energy suppliers and options available, you will have a number of choices. You may choose your energy supplier based on things that are important to you, such as low price or the environmental impact of different energy generation sources (e.g., coal, gas, nuclear, hydro, etc.). Another option is to join with a group of consumers to purchase your energy. The comparative shopping worksheet on this site will help you compare the offers and information you receive and match them to your needs.

After you have made your choice, the switch is easy. All you have to do is notify the new energy supplier. Your new energy supplier will contact your electric distribution company for you.

Transition Service.
When consumer choice begins, consumers who do not immediately select an energy supplier will receive transition service. Transition service is designed to allow consumers time to become familiar with the competitive electric energy market before selecting an energy supplier. Transition service is available for a limited time. The price is structured to increase over time to encourage customers to choose a competitive energy supplier. For more information, contact your electric distribution company or the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission Answer Center at 1-800-528-2070.

Default Power Service.
This is a safety net service designed to provide energy for short periods of time. However, there is no limit on the length of time you may remain on this service. Default power service will always be available to ensure that consumers receive uninterrupted power when they switch from one energy supplier to another. If for any reason you are temporarily without an energy supplier or, in some cases, if you choose not to choose an energy supplier, you will automatically receive default power service. Both transition service and default power service are obtained from the competitive market.