How to Change Your Electric Supplier in CT
Empower yourself with a clear guide to choosing and switching your electric supplier in Connecticut, ensuring a smooth transition and informed energy choices.
Connecticut residents can choose their electric generation supplier, separate from their electric distribution company. While companies like Eversource and United Illuminating deliver electricity, maintain infrastructure, and respond to outages, consumers can select a different company to supply the actual power. This option offers varying rates, contract terms, or opportunities to support renewable energy sources.
Understanding Your Current Service and Options
Making an informed decision begins with reviewing your current electric bill. It contains essential details, including your account number, service address, and meter reading date. For Eversource customers, the 11-digit account number, 9-digit service reference number, and four-letter name key are typically on the first page.
EnergizeCT.com, maintained by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), is the official resource for comparing licensed electric suppliers. This online tool allows residents to compare current offers against the standard service rate provided by their electric distribution company.
When evaluating supplier offers, consider factors beyond just the per-kilowatt-hour rate. Connecticut law requires residential electric supplier contracts to be fixed for a minimum of four consecutive billing cycles. Variable rate contracts for residential customers were banned in 2015, ensuring greater price stability. Suppliers must notify customers between 30 and 60 days before a fixed-price term expires, detailing any changes to the price or renewal terms.
Residential customers in Connecticut cannot be charged early termination fees as of July 1, 2021. This provides flexibility, allowing customers to switch suppliers without financial penalty. Many suppliers offer plans that incorporate renewable energy.
The Process of Switching Suppliers
Once a new electric supplier is chosen, the switch is typically handled by the new supplier. They manage the necessary coordination with your electric distribution company. Customers do not need to contact their previous supplier or distribution company to initiate the change.
To facilitate the switch, provide your new supplier with specific information from your current electric bill, including your account number, service address, and the name associated with the account. Accurate information helps ensure a smooth enrollment process.
The transition typically becomes effective on your next scheduled meter reading date. Enrollment usually needs to be completed at least two weeks prior. While processing can take approximately 3 to 5 business days, it may take one to two billing cycles for the new supplier’s rates to be reflected on your bill. Your electric service will remain uninterrupted, as the distribution company continues to deliver power.
You will continue to receive a single, consolidated electric bill from your distribution company. Charges from your chosen electric generation supplier will appear as a distinct line item on this existing utility bill.
Managing Your New Electric Service
After switching, carefully review your monthly electric bills. This helps ensure the new supplier’s charges are applied correctly and allows you to monitor your electricity usage patterns.
Your distribution company (Eversource or United Illuminating) remains responsible for the physical delivery of electricity, maintaining the poles and wires, and addressing power outages. If you experience a power outage or any issues with your service delivery, contact your distribution company directly. For Eversource, call 800-286-2000. For United Illuminating, call 1-800-7CALLUI or 203-499-3333.
Any questions or concerns regarding generation charges, contract terms, or billing specifics should be directed to your chosen electric supplier. This flexibility allows for continuous optimization of electricity rates.