Message from the Chairman Brown, New York State Public Service Commission

In the past, New Yorkers had no choice of who provided them with natural gas and electricity supply - it was the local utility. Well, things have changed. In recent years, New York State has been working to promote a more competitive energy industry where homeowners and businesses can shop for their energy providers much as they do for any other product purchase. Companies other than the local utility, called Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), can compete to provide you with your energy supply.

Competition between Energy Service Companies, or ESCOs, gives customers greater choice and better value for your energy dollar in purchasing energy products and services. There are a number of pricing options available including fixed pricing to provide you with protection from price volatility; variable pricing, which is tied to the market price for energy and may fluctuate depending on supply and demand; indexed or capped pricing mechanisms, tailored to your individual needs. Other value-added benefits are available, including energy products produced using clean, renewable energy sources, appliance repair and service contracts, and other options.

Your energy bill consists of two parts - supply and delivery. Energy supply constitutes roughly 50% of an electric bill and 60% of a gas bill.

You can purchase supply from either an ESCO or from a utility. No matter what you choose to do, your electricity and gas will continue to be delivered through utility-owned wires and pipes. The Public Service Commission will continue to oversee the safety and reliability of the delivery system. The safety and reliability you've come to depend on won't change. For any electric or gas emergency, you will continue to call your utility even if an ESCO supplies your electricity or gas. Your consumer protections are guaranteed whether you purchase electricity and/or natural gas from an Energy Service Company (ESCO) or your utility.

At the Public Service Commission, we're making it easier for consumers to shop for electric and natural gas supply. To use your Power to Choose, just enter your zip code to get comparative information on choices that best meet your needs. The ESCOs listed in the Power to Choose are actively offering electricity, natural gas and other services to consumers in utility territories throughout the state. We cannot recommend a specific company or service package to you, but each of the ESCOs listed on these pages has met certain Public Service Commission eligibility requirements that are separate from requirements that ESCOs must meet with the utility and the New York State Independent System Operator, or NYISO. To make an informed choice, you should compare the prices and services offered and review the terms and conditions of service. No matter what you choose to do, you can still contact the Public Service Commission if you have questions or concerns about your energy supply service.

Join over one million New Yorkers who have made a choice to switch to an ESCO or green power provider and use your Power to Choose. Should you have any questions about the Power to Choose, please do not hesitate to contact the Commission at 1-888-275-7721.

Thank you.