Our lives run on electricity. We use it to entertain ourselves, light up our homes, cook food, heat and cool our homes and everything in between. However, all of this usage can come with a cost. While it varies from state to state, the average American pays well over $1000 annually for their electricity.
If you feel you are paying too much, or simply need a change for another reason, you’re in luck. As long as you live in a deregulated market, you have the freedom to choose your provider. But what sorts of things should you look for and consider when choosing a new provider for your electricity? Well that is exactly what this article is going to take a closer look at.
The Plans They Have
The initial thing you need to consider are the types of plans that the providers offer. Of course, you will want to look for a plan that has the lowest electricity rates. Rates differ from provider to provider, so don’t get stuck paying more than you need.
But in addition to cost, there are a few other important factors to consider. This includes the length of the plans as well as whether the rates are fixed or variable. Some plans may even come with extras like a smart thermostat, so keep all of that in mind during your search.
The right plan for your friend might not be right for you, so know your needs and preferences before starting to shop around and compare plans.
Look at Their Reputation
When choosing a company, you need to take a long hard look at their reputation. You want to work with a company that has a long track record or success and many happy customers over the year. If a company has nothing but bad reviews and a lot of bad press, it is generally a good idea to steer clear.
A simple Google search can often help show you just the kind of reputation a provider has. Be sure to look a bit into their history and always be aware if they have ever been involved in a scandal or another notable occurrence.
In addition to looking online, consider reaching out to friends or family members who have worked with the company in the past. They will give you a true and honest opinion that can be incredibly valuable in your choice.
How Helpful They Are
While it would be lovely if you never experienced an outage or other power-related problem, this is not often the case. There may come a time where you will need to reach out to the provider for assistance. Of course, you want this experience to go as smoothly as possible. That is why it is crucial to work with a provider who is known for providing good service.
While every company knows about the benefits of good customer service, unfortunately not everyone provides it. If a company is slow to respond, not empathetic, or isn’t helpful, trying to deal with them can be a nightmare.
In many cases, it’s good to test out the customer service of a provider before working with them. Sending them an exploratory email about their services can help you judge based on the quality and timeliness of their response.
In conclusion, we hope that this article has been able to help you choose the correct electricity provider for your needs. By considering the plans, their customer service and their reputation, you should have a good idea of which provider is best for you.
