Since the beginning of the 20th century, the electric industry had been controlled as a regulated monopoly in franchised territories. In 1992, the United States Congress passed the National Energy Policy Act, opening the industry to competition in wholesale markets. Over the past decade a number of individual States and Canadian provinces have initiated and passed legislation to allow for competition in their retail utility markets. Option Energy has been producing competitive prices, quality customer service and product innovation in the United States and Canadian Provinces that have opened to competition.

What Choices Do I Have?

Over the past decade a number of individual States and Canadian provinces have initiated and passed legislation to allow for competition in their retail utility markets. Option Energy has been producing competitive prices, quality customer service and product innovation in the United States, and Canadian Provinces, that have opened themselves to competition.

Buying Utilities Directly from Utility Providers

In this case, you will continue to pay the variable gas rate charged by the utility. This rate reflects the utility's cost of gas, plus their administrative costs in buying and supplying that gas. This utility rate can change at any time, though most utilities have a quarterly schedule for doing this. To change rates the utility applies to the regulator to show that their costs are either higher or lower than they are charging customers. The utility can also charge retroactively. If they find that it has cost more to serve you than they have collected from you, you will be charged the difference, either as a lump sum at the end of the period, or as a surcharge over a period of several months.

Buying from Option Energy

Option Energy offers a variety of short and long term contract options. If you choose a fixed-price for your natural gas over a fixed period of time, you will know your future energy costs for that time period. The marketer buys energy for the same term as they sold to you. A fixed price allows you to budget and know what your expenses are. If you choose to purchase from Option Energy, your utility will continue to be delivered to your home or business by the same utility. Your current utility provider will also continue to provide you with emergency response services. There is no risk of being without gas, as long as you pay your bill. The bill will still be directly sent to you by the utility.

What Advantages Can I Be Offered?

Option Energy will provide you with the power of choice. You have a choice between short-length terms or longer terms. Additionally other incentives or extras such as rebates or credits on your bill are sometimes offered. Also, utilities cannot offer fixed term utility contracts. We can. Due to our smaller overhead we can offer the same products for less. Working directly with many different suppliers we will work to find a supplier and a contract that is best for you and your energy needs. To learn more about the different type of contracts we can offer, please visit the Pricing Plans page.