Electricity

Q: How will electric competition affect me?
Q: Do I have to choose a new electricity supplier?
Q: What are energy service companies (ESCOs)?
Q: Who will come if I have a problem with my electricity?
Q: Will different companies need to put up power lines in my neighborhood?
A: No. The local electric utility company will continue to provide the delivery system. All suppliers will continue to bring electricity to your home using existing power lines.

Q: Who will read and maintain the meters at my home or business?
A: Initially, your utility will continue to handle metering. However, as competition evolves, this may change. The utility or ESCO will be able to supply you with this information.
Q: Is there a chance I will lose power when I switch companies?
Q: How will I be billed for service?
A: Whether you choose to buy power from your utility or an ESCO, you bill for electricity may itemize (unbundle) charges. If you choose an ESCO, you may receive two bills: one bill from the ESCO for the electricity product, and one from the utility for the delivery of the product. Other options are possible - the utility may bill you on behalf of the ESCO and include the ESCO's charges in its bill, or the ESCO may bill you on behalf of the utility and include the utility's charges in the ESCO's bill. If you stay with your local utility, you will continue to receive one bill. Regardless of who supplies your electricity, you will always have access to your utility usage and billing history, and that information can only be released by the utility with your permission.
Q: Can I switch companies more than once?
Q: Will I be protected from being switched from one power supplier to another without my knowledge or approval?
Q: Can an ESCO shut off my power?
Q: What if I have a complaint with my electricity supplier?
Q: What if I have a complaint with my local utility that delivers my electricity?

Natural Gas

Q: Do I have to choose a new gas supplier?
Q: Who do I call if I smell a gas odor?
Q: Is there a chance my gas supply will be interrupted when I switch companies?
Q: How will I be billed for service?
Q: Who will read and maintain the meters at my business?
A: You gas supplier will continue for now to be responsible for reading and maintaining meters.
Q: Can I switch companies more than once?
A: Yes. However, you should consider the terms and conditions of the ESCO's gas supply contract before you decide to switch.
Q: Can an ESCO shut off my gas?
Q: What if I have a complaint with my gas supplier?
Q: What if my service gets switched without me asking?

Telephone

Q: Can I choose more than one company for different telephone services?
Q: Do I have to pick a long distance company?
Q: How can I make long-distance calls?
Q: Will I still be able to find the phone numbers of people or businesses that have a different local phone company?
A: All local numbers will be included in the same telephone book you currently receive, regardless of which company provides your local service. There are also a variety of directory assistance services that should have updated listings of all local phone numbers.
Q: Are there different sources for directory assistance?
Q: What company do I call for repairs if more than one company provides my telephone services?
Q: How will I be billed?
Q: Can I lose my basic local telephone service if I do not pay other charges, such as long distance charges?
A: No. You can only lose your local telephone service if you do not pay local telephone charges. Failure to pay other charges, such as custom calling charges or long distance charges, may result in the disconnection of those particular services.
Q: What is "slamming?"
Q: What is "cramming?"
Q: What do I do if I've been slammed or crammed?
Q: What should I consider if I want to use a wireless phone instead of traditional telephone service?

Cable TV

Q: Is a landlord required to allow a cable television company access to a building for the purposes of installing equipment...
Q: Is compensation provided for allowing a cable television company to install cables, switches, and other equipment in a bu...
Q: What are my rights with respect to a cable company’s access to my property?
Q: What is an Order of Entry?
Q: What happens if cable television company personnel damage any property during an installation?