A common question is:
If I switch, where will my electricity come from? Is there a benefit in going with the larger companies.
Your Electricity still comes from the same power plant(s) and over the same distribution network (wires). The only thing that changes is your retail service provider (billing company). The same organizations respond to problems or power outages or turn the power on or off. Electrical line maintenance and repair work is ordered by the state with no consideration of who the billing company is. Some of the companies that own or operate the power plants have separate companies (required by law to be totally separate) that maintain electrical distribution or sell (bill) electricity. Since all work must be ordered by the state there is no preference given to customers of any company. Get caught giving preference to own customers behind the states back and your company can lose their license to sell energy in the state and your executives can face racketeering charges. This is deregulation (fair play).
Another common question is:
What happens if I have an emergency or power outage?
Because your electric utility or "Local Wires Company" is still responsible for the maintenance and repair of the poles and wires, you will call these regulated firms in the event of an emergency or outage at the number provided on your bill.
