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?
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?
A: Yes. You can switch from one company to another, or you can return to your current utility company for your electricity supply at any time. You should consider the terms and conditions of the ESCO agreement before you decide to switch.
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?
A: No. However, you may wish to compare prices and services offered by ESCOs. Your gas supplier will continue to provide your gas if you prefer not to change suppliers.
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?
A: If you choose an ESCO, you may receive two bills - one bill from the ESCO for the gas commodity, and one from your gas supplier for gas delivery services and maintenance of the system.
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?
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?
A: No. However, if you do not choose a specific long distance company, you must inform your local telephone company that you don't want to subscribe to any particular 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?
A: Call the company that provides your basic local service, which is responsible for maintaining service to your home or business. If you have a problem with your other services, contact the company that provides the service. Remember, you are responsible for the telephones, inside wiring, and jacks in your home unless you have a maintenance plan with your telephone company or an independent contractor.
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?
Q: What is "slamming?"
A: Slamming is the switching of your local, regional or long-distance service from one company to another without your permission. You can check with the telephone companies that provide your services on the options available to you to prevent switching without your knowledge.
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?
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?