Ever turn on a lamp to read a book, light a Christmas tree, or microwave leftovers? If so, you can thank electricity.
One service we all need within our home is electricity, as we depend on it to power our lives. However, if you’re moving to a new area, how can you find the right electricity provider?
There are plenty of companies out there, but they all offer different rates, plans, and service areas—making it tough to work out which is right for your home.
If you’re in the market for a new electricity plan, we can help. To learn more, keep reading to find the key things to consider when looking for a new electricity company.
Rates
It’s no secret that home electricity can be expensive, so one of your first considerations should be financial. The average apartment in the US pays around $110 per month for electricity bills, and these costs can quickly rise—making it worth taking the time to shop around.
Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours, with companies charging a set rate. This rate may be standard or may vary at certain times of the day.
For this reason, it’s important to read the fine print when it comes to pricing. Try to think about your home’s power needs, along with the times of day when you might be using the most power.
If you’re curious about how to save on electricity, comparing prices from various companies is a good starting point. However, it can also help to install energy-efficient lightbulbs, turn off appliances when you’re not using them, and add weather stripping if you have drafty windows.
Another factor to look for is pay-on-time discounts. Some companies offer a small discount if you pay in advance of your due date, which can be an easy way to save, as long as you’re organized with your bills.
Plan Options
Next, think about what type of electricity plan you prefer. If you’re renting or only in the area for a short time, you may prefer a prepaid electricity plan.
This lets you only pay for the electricity you need, without being locked into a lengthy contract. However, if you’re not moving anytime soon, locking into a contract can give you more reliability when it comes to your rates.
Most contracts will require you to sign up for a set duration of time, usually between 6-18 months. If you have to cancel before that, you might be subject to fees.
Although, if you move homes during that time, you can usually take your plan with you without any penalty.
Customer Service
The best electricity providers take customer service seriously—but the bad ones will leave you on hold for hours.
You always want to think about customer service when signing up with a new electric company. You depend on your provider to keep the lights turned on, so if you have any issues with your power, you need to be able to reach your company as soon as possible.
Research companies online and look for reviews that discuss the company’s customer service. While no company is perfect, look for a provider with a majority of positive reviews.
You can also look at the company’s website to see how seriously they take customer service. Ideally, you’ll want 24/7 support, as power outages can happen at any time.
Look for multiple ways to reach the company, including live chat support online, email, and telephone support.
Reviews and Reputation
Not all electric companies are created equal, so don’t automatically sign up with the cheapest provider. Instead, take the time to read reviews and references from other customers.
Each provider is sure to have reviews on their own website, but it’s also a good idea to browse unbiased, third-party review sites like Google Reviews and Yelp.
After browsing reviews, you should be able to form a better opinion about whether or not the company is reliable and trustworthy.
Another great way to find the best company is by asking friends and neighbors for advice. Find out which electric company they’re with, and whether or not they enjoy the service.
Recommendations from those we trust tend to be some of the most effective, so don’t be afraid to call on your local network.
Service Area
It seems obvious, but before signing up with a new company, always check their service area. If you live on the border of a company’s service area, it can sometimes be confusing, so always give them a call to confirm.
If you might be moving in the near future, you’ll find it helpful to pick a provider with a vast service area. This way, you can keep the same electricity company when you move.
Find the Right Electricity Provider for Your Home
You need to have power, which means you need to sign up with an electricity provider. However, with the tips above, you can make the process as smooth as possible.
Once you’ve done enough research and you’ve found the best company for your needs, give them a call and sign up for a plan. Within a day or two, the company should be able to have your lights switched on—which may involve a visit to your home.
Get started today and you’re sure to find the right electricity plan for your needs.
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