Thanks to energy deregulation, consumers can now choose their electric and natural gas suppliers. For example, an Ohio resident can stick with their default supplier, Duke Energy, or switch to a competitor like Columbia Gas or Just Energy.
Not only can you change suppliers, but you can do so without having to change your equipment, such as your gas line, electrical lines, or meters.
Changing suppliers can help you save money on your utility bills, but how do you initiate the process?
Before you switch, you should do your homework. Who are your alternate suppliers, and what plans do they offer? In Ohio, Duke Energy provides a list of alternate suppliers, and their contact information, at their website. The list not only tells you who the suppliers are, but which have local offices, and which are out of state.
You can then pick one supplier, or several, and review their websites for information on their rates, and how to transfer your service. Some providers might require a contract, others might charge a fee to transfer, and others might offer incentives for switching. You can also find out if you need to contact your old supplier to discontinue service with them, or if that will happen automatically when you transfer your service.
The more you know about each provider, the better you will be able to make your decision.
These lists are not comprehensive, however, and it is possible for some suppliers to fall through the cracks. If you know of a supplier that is not on the list, you can still find information by searching for the supplier’s name. For example, Ohio residents have Columbia Gas as an option, even if it does not appear on the Duke Energy list. A simple web search of Columbia Gas Ohio will bring up the company website, and from there residents can search for Columbia Gas information.
Once you have decided to change suppliers, avoid doing so through a door-to-door salesman. The reason is because there is no way to tell if the individual at your door is truly a representative of the supplier in question. Many gas suppliers use several third-party companies that hire door-to-door staff, so there is no way for the gas company to verify that the person’s identity. And it may be difficult to identify or contact the company that has hired them.
These door-to-door individuals often ask to see your current gas bill, which contains account and address information that could make your vulnerable to identity theft. For your protection, your best option is to contact the supplier directly.
Once you change suppliers, you may continue to get bills from your old supplier, especially if you are using your previous supplier’s equipment. When you receive your bill, don’t just look at the amount due, make sure you pay close attention to the line items on the bill — they should reflect the new gas supplier’s rates.
If your bill does not reflect the correct rates, contact your new provider to verify they have initiated service with you, and then contact your old provider to notify them of the change.