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What Happens to My Bill When I Switch Away from My Utility?

You may have noticed that the price for energy is sometimes cheaper when it comes from someplace other than your local utility company in North America. But you're just not sure about the idea of switching, and you have lots of questions about it.

  • Does your service suffer?
  • What happens to your bill when you switch?
  • Do you have to pay two bills?
  • Is there an overlap in service?
  • Do you have to dig up your bank routing number so you can keep auto-pay?

You've Got Questions? We've Got Answers.

What Happens to My Bill When I Switch Away from My Utility?

The good news about switching is that nothing happens to your bill. In fact, people are pleasantly surprised to discover just how easy to switch to a new competitive supplier with a better energy rate.

Even better, the act of switching is a simple, coordinated hand-off between your local utility and your new provider, and it won't interrupt service to your home. The same energy will be there to power your home.

You see, no matter whether you stay with your utility company or switch to a competitive supplier, the local utility company for your area still owns all the equipment and infrastructure needed to transmit and deliver energy to your home.

Thanks to deregulation, you have the option to purchase energy from a competitive supplier. Sure, that electricity and/or natural is still delivered by the local utility company, but the idea is to foster competition and give energy companies an incentive to provide better service and keep prices in check.

What Does This Look Like on Your Bill?

Even if you switch to a competitive supplier, your bill will still be generated by your local utility company. You still see the same fees for transmission, distribution, taxes, and other assorted fees, but you'll also see one new one – consumption.

When you were with the utility company, this information was wrapped up into the transmission and distribution fees. But after you choose a competitive supplier because you wanted a multi-year fixed-rate plan, the amount of energy you used during a billing cycle will appear as a new line item on your bill. You'll see your competitive supplier mentioned by name, along with the rate you're paying for your electricity or natural gas.

So when you switch, even though you are technically now paying two entities — your local utility and your supplier – those charges are consolidated into one bill for your convenience. To make things even easier, your local utility will still process your payment, including paying your competitive supplier. Hence, it's the same bill you've always paid!

Now are you ready to switch to a competitive supplier like Direct Energy?

Have a question about a plan or need help placing an order?

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