Choosing Energy
Americans are never without a plethora of options from food choices to technology to choosing which energy provider one may enlist on the monthly bill. Yet much personal time is being rapidly depleted due to comparing the best prices of gadgets and services. And sometimes, it is energy literally well spent. At other times, it can waste time and money. With the advent of increased technology including the plethora of cable television choices, smart phones, kindles, tablets, etc., people don't have the time to fully research and appreciate what the best product is or what the most cost effective plan would be for many of the above items.
Hidden Options
In the past ten years, a new choice has emerged. This one doesn't dazzle, glimmer or make a loud noise. In fact, unless a consumer is really paying attention, he or she may not realize the choices at hand when it comes to energy. Electricity has become a major source of headaches and happiness depending on the person either supplying it or receiving it.
As deregulation of energy continues to move across America, many companies are taking advantage of the new opportunities. Currently, there are well over twenty electric companies selling their "power" to the public in Pennsylvania. While PECO has been a main supplier of energy in Pennsylvania until recently, it holds competitive prices but it must allow for consumers to choose. There are "right to know" policies and procedures though the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Best Bet for Consumers
Choosing which provider to give business to can be a difficult decision because of verifying rates and the fees associated with joining. Not every vendor has a fee to join for the year but some do and it is especially important to compare prices and read the fine print. Energy choice comes in many forms. Sometimes companies have sales divisions for associates to present the option for an energy switch primarily through word of mouth and with family and friends. Other companies send out mailers or advertise on the internet.
Pros and Cons of Energy Deregulation
At least twenty four states have deregulated electricty in the union. There have been numerous studies and articles around deregulation. Some experts have said that deregulation has ruined the market and caused prices to go up for consumers. Others have been happy that there are no longer monopolies holding the supply of energy. Businesses are estactic when another state opens up for deregulation. New bills need to be made to protect the consumer on the advent of change that was supposed to help him or her in the end. Like anything that is meant for good, it doesn't usually last forever. In this case consumers may start out with a lower rate with a new company but get locked when prices go even lower. And businesses will flourish while the "light" still shines.
Schultz, Sue. (2008,March).Energy deregulation 'a total failure' . Baltimore Business Journal, Retrieved May 16, 2011, from http://www.bizjournals.com/stories/2008/03/24/story1.html
Laura Pastuszek - Currently, a high school special education English/resource teacher, I also teach a college writing course. Previous career endeavors have ...
