Article: Call your current energy provider and ask them if you're able to select the company that supplies your electricity. Around half of the states in the U.S. and some countries in the European Union allow citizens to select their energy provider. If you live in the U.S., visit http://competitiveenergy.org/consumer-tools/state-by-state-links/ to determine if energy choice is available in your state. Find your energy company's phone number on your billing statement. Read the contract that you signed when you applied for electricity, or call your utility company to inquire about exit fees. Some electric companies will charge a fee to switch your energy provider. Enter your zip code in different comparison websites to compare prices and find companies that will fit your needs. Before you switch your energy provider, research local companies to find the best rates. Some companies will offer fixed rates over a period of time, while other companies will send you a variable rate based on how many kilowatts you use. If you use a lot of electricity, you may want to find a fixed rate plan. If your energy usage changes a lot month to month, you should get a variable rate plan. Some floating plans will change the rate per kilowatt depending on the market. This can cause your bill to fluctuate over time. Popular sites in the U.K. include Quotezone, The Energy Shop, Energylinx, Money Supermarket, Unravel It, and Energy Helpline. Once you determine which provider you want to use, make sure to do all your research on the company. Make sure that they are accredited by your local energy commission or government and read user reviews. If you want to help the environment, it may also be beneficial to choose a company that uses renewable sources of energy. Determine which plan you want to switch to and save the link to the page. If you have any questions about an energy supplier, call their customer service number to get them answered. Renewable energy sources include solar and wind power.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Call your utility company and ask if energy choice is an option. Ask your electric company if there are any exit fees. Compare prices on an accredited energy comparison website. Choose a new energy provider option that fits your needs.