New Haven Electricity Rates
Contents
- 1 New Haven Electricity Rates
- 2 New Haven Utility Companies
- 3 Contact United Illuminating for Power Outages
- 4 Electric Suppliers in Connecticut
- 5 Direct Energy
- 6 Starion Energy
- 7 ClearView Energy
- 8 Public Power
- 9 Constellation Energy
- 10 How to Choose an Electric Supplier?
- 11 Read the Terms and Conditions!
- 12 Fixed vs. Variable Rates
- 13 Green Energy Plans
- 14 Short-Term vs. Long-Term Energy Plans
- 15 What Happens at the End of my Term?
- 16 View by City
- 17 Clean Energy
- 18 Electricity Rates
Connecticut residents living in New Haven will be able to lower their electric bills by switching energy suppliers. New Haven electricity rates are deregulated which allows consumers to shop around for lower supply rates. Thanks to PA 98-28, the responsibilities of the Connecticut utility companies became unbundled, opening the door to outside electric suppliers to provide generation services to New Haven residents. The increase in competition in deregulated electricity markets has the effect of pushing down energy prices. PA 98-28 requires the local utility company to provide a standard offer service (SOS) for residents who decide not to shop around.
The city of New Haven is located on the northern shore of the Long Island Sound and has a population of just over 130,000. New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut after Bridgeport and is home to Yale University which is the city’s largest employer. The city has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters.
New Haven Utility Companies
The United Illuminating (UI) is the utility company that is responsible for maintaining the power lines that safely delivers the electricity to its customers. This charge on the electric bill is known as the delivery charge and represents the regulated section of the bill. Connecticut residents living in the UI service area will not be able to change utility companies. The delivery charge is regulated by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). As mentioned above, UI is required to provide a standard offer service (SOS) to residents who have not switched over to a competitive electric supplier. The SOS charge is the default rate that changes every six months.
Contact United Illuminating for Power Outages
Since UI is responsible for maintaining the lines and wires, they are also responsible for fixing any power outages that may occur in their service area. If you recently changed to another electric supplier and experience an outage, then you will need to report the issue to UI.
- United Illuminating contact information: 1-800-722-5584
Electric Suppliers in Connecticut
To provide energy services in Connecticut, energy companies must be licensed by PURA. You will be able to find a list of licensed energy providers on PURA’s website. Many electric suppliers provide electric services in the state. Not every energy company is the same. Below are just a few energy suppliers that provide services in Connecticut who have built a reputation on their quality of service.
Direct Energy
Direct Energy is one of the largest energy suppliers in North America that provides energy services to over 4 million Americans. The headquarters is based in Houston, TX. The company currently provides energy services in 24 U.S. markets and eight Canadian provinces. The company has recently been acquired by NRG.
Starion Energy
Starion Energy is an independent electric retail provider that provides energy services to both residential and business customers in 11 U.S. states. Starion Energy provides renewable energy plans for customers who wish to cut their carbon footprint. The company is a proud member of the Retail Energy Supply Association. RESA advocates for energy deregulation as a better alternative for customers, than monopoly-protected utility regulation.
ClearView Energy
ClearView Energy offers customers competitive 100% renewable energy plans. The company is known for its quality service and great customer service. ClearView Energy’s headquarters are based in Dallas, TX.
Public Power
Public Power was founded in 2008 and is currently one of the largest energy providers in North America. The company provides energy services to both residential and commercial customers in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Ohio, and the District of Columbia.
Constellation Energy
Constellation Energy provides energy services to over 2 million Americans, serving both residential and commercial accounts. The company is considered one of the top three natural gas providers in the United States.
How to Choose an Electric Supplier?
If you don’t shop around for an electric supplier then you will be put on UI’s standard offer service (SOS). The SOS changes every six months and is not competitive. Choosing an energy plan can lower your electric bill so you can spend your money on things that matter most. Here are a few things to consider before locking in a rate.
Read the Terms and Conditions!
Most people don’t like reading long contracts. However, understanding the terms and conditions can save you from surprises on the electric bill. The terms and conditions will lay out the terms of the plan that will include the energy rate, term length, early cancellation fees, and any other charges that are included.
Fixed vs. Variable Rates
The most common energy plans are fixed and variable rates. Fixed rates protect the customer during a volatile market. If the market increases the customer will have a ceiling on the price. However, if the market drops, the customer may end up paying a higher rate. Most fixed rates will come with an early cancellation fee. Variable rates change on a month-to-month basis. Most variable plans do not have an early cancellation provision which will allow the consumer to switch energy suppliers without having to pay a penalty.
Green Energy Plans
More energy suppliers are offering customers in Connecticut 100% renewable energy plans. Renewable energy products generate power from sources that are considered environmentally friendly. The more common clean energy sources of power generation include wind, solar, and hydropower. If you’re looking to cut your carbon footprint then you may want to consider a green energy plan.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Energy Plans
The most common term lengths include 12, 24, and 36 months. However, it’s not uncommon for energy providers to offer a six-month rate or even a 48-month rate. Deciding whether to lock in a short-term or long-term rate mainly depends on energy prices. If the market is down, then take advantage and lock in a long-term rate! If the market is up, then you may be more inclined to lock in a short-term rate in hopes the market will drop.
What Happens at the End of my Term?
Most electric suppliers will change their customers to a month-to-month variable rate once the initial term expires. Once this happens, the supplier can charge you any amount they want. Don’t be surprised if your electric bill doubles or even triples in a single billing period. It’s a smart idea to start shopping for a new energy plan a month before your energy plan expires.
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