Residential and commercial customers living in Stratford, CT can change electric suppliers and save money on the electric bill. Stratford electricity rates fall under the United Illuminating utility service area. The city is located in a deregulated electricity market which allows competing energy suppliers to offer services to Stratford residents. The increase in energy companies entering the market has the effect of pushing down prices. For those who do not want to select a new energy supplier, United Illuminating will continue to provide service with the standard offer service. The standard offer service (SOS) is the default rate for generation services.

The city of Stratford is located 65 miles northeast of New York City and has a population of just over 50,000. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is the largest employer in the town. The company is credited for developing one of the first commercial helicopters.

Stratford Utility Companies

United Illuminating

The United Illuminating Company (UI) is the utility responsible for delivering electricity to homes and businesses in Stratford. The delivery charge represents the regulated section of the electric bill and is overseen by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). Given the logistics of the power lines, a customer will not be able to switch over to another utility company. UI is also responsible for providing customers the standard offer service (SOS) which is the default rate charged to consumers who have not switched over to another electric supplier. The SOS changes every six months.

Contact United Illuminating for Power Outages

Since UI is responsible for maintaining the lines and wires, they are the company to call if you experience a power outage. Even if you have already changed electric suppliers, UI will still be responsible for assuring the reliability of the power lines. 

  • United Illuminating contact information: 1-800-722-5584

What to Look for When Choosing an Electric Supplier?

While energy choice has opened the door to more options for Stratford residents, knowing what to look for while shopping for energy plans can save you from hidden surprises. If a supplier is advertising a rate too good to be true it probably is. Many plans will have base fees and other charges that will be added to the supply rate. Here are a few things you need to consider while shopping for energy plans.

What is the Standard Offer Service (SOS)?

The Connecticut utilities are required to offer generation services to their customers who have not switched over to another electric supplier. United Illuminating changes the standard offer service (SOS) charge every six months. If you’re with an electric supplier and you cancel, by default you will go back to the utility company and be charged the SOS. This default rate is also what the customer should use while comparing energy suppliers.  

Will There be a Disruption of Service During the Switch?

When you change electric suppliers, you will not have to worry about your lights going out. There will be no disruption of service and the change will be seamless. UI is responsible for overseeing the switch and will continue to deliver customers power during the switching process.

Do I have to Cancel my Old Electric Supplier?

If you decide to sign up with a new electric supplier, you will not have to notify your old electric supplier of the switch. The old electric supplier will be notified by the utility company. For residents in Stratford, this will be the job of United Illuminating. The switch will happen during the end of the billing cycle for the selected month.

Can I be Charged Twice by Two Different Suppliers?

It will be impossible to receive two separate electric bills from different energy companies for the same billing period. If you recently changed electric suppliers and received a bill from your old supplier, then check the billing period in which you are being charged for. It will most likely be the last billing statement from the period before the change.

Read the Terms and Conditions!

Most people don’t like reading long agreements. However, taking the time to read through the terms of the energy plan can save you from headaches down the road. The terms and conditions will lay out the details of the plan including the energy rate, term length, early cancellation fees, and any other charges that might be included in the plan.

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