What is Electric Choice?

Electric customers in Pennsylvania were among the very first in the United States to be able the ability to choose the company that generates their electricity. In 1996, the state legislature passed, and Governor Tom Ridge signed into law, the Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act, which gives Pennsylvanians this right.

What exactly are you choosing?

Depending upon the area where you live you may have the ability to choose the company that generates your electricity. This is called an "electric generation supplier" or EGS. Your current electric company ("electric distribution company" or EDC) will continue to provide the transmission and distribution parts of your electric service. Additionally, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) will continue to oversee electric service and competition in Pennsylvania. The quality, reliability and maintenance of your electric service will not change under Electric Choice.

Why would you want choice?

Having choice means you can shop around for the price and type of service that best suits your needs. Just like when you're shopping for a new car or television set, different things will be important to you.

Some things that might be important to you are:

• Whether the supplier offers different services and prices.
• Where the energy is produced.
• Whether the supplier uses renewable energy sources.
• Whether the supplier offers a budget-billing plan.