As the old adage goes: with choice, comes power. And it's true, in terms of purchasing electricity. For the first time in history, you have the power to competitively shop for your electricity supplier. It's all part of the move to restructure the electric industry, and to bring you choice, competitive prices and improved service. Best of all, it puts you in charge.

Changes to the Industry: The Past vs. The Future.
Prior to March 1st, all aspects of your electrical power had been handled by your local utility company -everything from generating power (converting energy into power) to transmitting it (sending it across power lines to your utility company) to its ultimate distribution (delivering it into your home). You, as a purchaser of electricity, had little or no say in where your electricity came from, how much it cost or the types of fuel and technology used to produce it.
As of March 1st, the combined services once provided by your local utility company have been divided into two separate aspects. Your regulated electric utility (called your distribution company) will continue to deliver power over the wires (transmission and distribution). Yet, the power (generation) running through those wires will be sold by competing firms, known as competitive power suppliers, who are now forced to compete for your business. Unlike your distribution company, the prices that competitive power suppliers charge will not be regulated by the Department of Public Utilities, now known as the Department of Telecommunications and Energy. Instead, they will set their own prices.

Same Reliable Service Despite these changes, you will still receive the same level of reliable service you have come to expect. In addition to delivering your power and maintaining the wires and poles, your distribution company will continue to read your meter, send you a bill, and restore your electricity in the event of a power outage. Your distribution

company will also be the one to contact you should you experience any service problems. Since the distribution and transmission portion of the electric industry will continue to be regulated, your choice of a competitive power supplier will not affect either the reliability of your power or the price that you pay for delivery service.

Government Agencies
The following government agencies are available to answer your questions and address any problems you may have:

• To request a Consumers' Guide To Understanding Changes In the Electric Industry, call the Division of Energy Resources at 1-888-PLUG-IN-99.
  
• Questions about Restructuring or Aggregation, call the Division of Energy Resources at 1-888-PLUG-IN-99.
  
• Questions about Billing or Termination, call the Department of Telecommunications and Energy at 1-800-392-6066.
  
• To report the Unauthorized Switching of Suppliers, call the Department of Telecommunications and Energy at 1-800-392-6066.