Participation will be limited, however. If the number of volunteers in a customer group exceeds the number of available opportunities, a lottery may be used to determine who participates. Competitive services begin October 1. AEP will launch its Customer Choice Pilot Program in two phases. In phase 1, involving approximately 22,000 customers, service from a new provider can begin as early as October 1, 2000.
Customers can choose a new electricity provider.
AEP will continue to deliver that electricity safely and reliably through the equipment and facilities in use today. Companies also may offer competitive billing services. Billing services include processing bills and collecting payment. The pilot program will help us prepare for full Customer Choice. AEP s Customer Choice Pilot Program will help AEP, the SCC, competitive service providers and customers gain experience with the programs, data exchange systems, practices and new customer and supplier relationships that will enable implementation of customer choice on a full scale to all customers.