Electricity

Q: How will electric competition affect me?
A: You may choose who will supply your electricity. Different companies will be able to compete for your business.
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?
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?
A: No, there will be no interruption of service if you switch to an ESCO, or from one ESCO to another.
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?
Q: Can an ESCO shut off my power?
A: No. The control of your electric services remains with your utility company. If you lose your supplier for any reason, you will be given 15 days' notice to allow you time to choose a new supplier or return to the local utility.
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?
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?
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?

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?
A: To make long distance calls from most homes or businesses, you can use your chosen long distance company. You can also use a calling card (prepaid or from a company that bills you), one of the advertised "10-10" ("dial around") services, or a toll-free telephone number that connects you to a specific long-distance company.
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?
A: Yes. Directory assistance is provided by a number of sources, including telephone companies, Internet-based companies, and other advertised directory assistance companies.
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?"
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?