Welcome to the “Shopping for Electricity” page on Connecticut's Energy Information website. Please take a minute to read the information below to choose an electric supplier. Or, just click here to shop. You can use the following link to view a complete list of alternate suppliers.
Note that the offers you will view on this website represent prices that are generally available to most residential and small business customers. This information is meant to simplify shopping for these customers. In addition to the offers, suppliers, and aggregators listed here, many suppliers offer competitive options for larger business customers. Large business customers should scroll to the bottom of the page to link to a complete list of suppliers and aggregators.
The Effects of Restructuring
Under electric restructuring, in 1999 The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) and The United Illuminating Company (UI) were required to sell their power plants. As a result, CL&P and UI no longer produce electricity. Instead, they purchase it from private companies and deliver it to their customers.
Because CL&P and UI no longer own power plants, other companies are allowed to compete to sell electricity to Connecticut consumers. This is the reason you can shop for electricity. CL&P and UI encourage their customers to select a competive supplier to reduce their electric costs.
It is important to know that regardless of the generation supplier you choose, CL&P or UI will continue to deliver your electricity, bill you for service and respond to power outages.
Your Electric Bill
There are two major costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business:
- Generation - Producing electricity
- Delivery - Transmission over high voltage lines and distribution over local poles and wires
Only the generation portion of your electric bill, the Generation Service Charge or GSC (the first item on your bill), is open to competition.
It's Easy to Shop
Simply compare your current GSC price to the GSC price offered by competitive suppliers, then contact a supplier to switch.
Like shopping for any other product or service, you should be informed about the choice you make. Some things to consider are price, additional services, if the power is produced from clean or renewable energy sources, and whether the price is fixed or variable. Also, be sure to check each supplier's Terms and Conditions before enrolling for service.
If you have any questions or need help "shopping for electricity" you can speak to someone at the Department of Public Utility Control's Consumer Outreach Unit at (1-888-922-3782) or TDD (860-827-2837). Or, follow these links to FAQs about choosing a competitive supplier or for questions to ask a competitive supplier or to get more information about electric deregulation.
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