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?
A: You existing local electric utility company will continue to provide all services to maintain your electric system, including outage repair.

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?
Q: Is there a chance I will lose power when I switch companies?
Q: How will I be billed for service?
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?
A: Yes. To minimize the potential for the unauthorized switching of providers of electric service, a practice known as "slamming," the PSC requires ESCOs to disclose in writing - before a customer receives service - their terms and conditions for obtaining, maintaining and stopping service from that ESCO. These provisions, copies of which are filed with the PSC, include a ban against the transfer of a customer to another provider without the customer's permission. Preventive measures have been taken by the PSC. ESCOs, which "slam", must pay all costs and fees incurred by the customer and the utility arising from the unauthorized switch in providers, as well as switching the customer back. In addition, ESCOs will be subject to penalties imposed by the PSC.
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?
A: Because the local utility that transmits and delivers your electricity will continue to be regulated by the PSC, you may continue to register complaints with the Commission's staff. Staff can assist you in resolving the complaints against the regulated transmission and distribution company. If you wish to register a complaint, call 1-800-342-3377.

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?
Q: Can I switch companies more than once?
Q: Can an ESCO shut off my gas?
Q: What if I have a complaint with my gas supplier?
A: The Public Service Commission requires all ESCOs to offer convenient complaint handling procedures and clear information on switching. If you are not satisfied, you may still contact the Public Service Commission to register your complaint. The Commission will track complaints against ESCOs, and it may take action against companies with high complaint levels. If you are unable to resolve a complaint against your ESCO, call: 1-877-661-9223.
Q: What if my service gets switched without me asking?
A: Regulations are in place to prevent this from occurring. When an ESCO asks your gas supplier to make a switch in service, your gas supplier is required to notify you five days before they would make any switch, so that you have time to respond.

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?
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?
A: Billing methods vary among companies. Ask each company how you will be billed for services so you know what to expect.
Q: Can I lose my basic local telephone service if I do not pay other charges, such as long distance charges?
Q: What is "slamming?"
Q: What is "cramming?"
A: Cramming is when a company places unauthorized charges for optional telephone and non-telephone related services, such as charges for psychic hotline subscriptions, personal 800 telephone numbers or chatline membership fees on your telephone bill without your consent. Some of these charges may appear on your telephone bill in unclear terms, such as "enhanced services" or "activation."
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?
A: The Public Service Commission may grant an order of entry, after notice and opportunity for interested parties to be heard, authorizing a cable television company to enter the building despite a landlord’s objection in order to provide cable television service to a customer. The Public Service Commission establishes a proceeding to consider any documents, comments, and other information submitted by interested parties.
Q: What happens if cable television company personnel damage any property during an installation?