In the current economy, most people are looking for ways to reduce their monthly expenses.
When you take a close look at your telephone, TV, and insurance bills, you can usually find a way to lower those bills, either by switching to a lower-cost plan with your current provider or signing on with different provider.
But what about your natural gas and electric bills? Home energy can be one of your biggest monthly expenses -- as much as $200 per month, $2400 per year - but what choices do you have there? With electricity and gas services, you are generally limited to the one company who controls the electric wires and the one company who controls the natural gas pipelines in your area.
Energy Deregulation Takes Effect The good news is that this is changing in many areas.
More than a dozen states have passed energy deregulation laws, meaning that new companies are now allowed to sell gas and energy services alongside the established companies.
The energy deregulation laws have already taken effect in more than a dozen states, led by Illinois, New York, and Texas, where new companies like Ambit Energy and Spark Energy are already attracting customers.
What does energy deregulation mean for you? 1.
SERVICE AND SAVINGS CHOICES.
You will now have a choice of energy providers, who will offer different service packages and pricing.
You will have to spend a little time reviewing the options from each company to decide which one is best for you, but the pay-off should be that you get the service you want at a better price.
Consumers in New York and Texas report savings of 10-25% after switching to one of the new energy suppliers like Pepco Energy, Gateway Energy, and Ambit Energy.
2.
SIMPLICITY.
If you previously had separate providers for electricity versus gas - meaning two separate bills to keep track of - you may now find one company who can provide both.
3.
BUNDLE DISCOUNTS.
You may be eligible for discounts when you "bundle" your energy services, buying both gas and electricity from the same company, just as you get a discount when you buy both car and home insurance from the same company, or when you buy TV, high-speed Internet, and telephone service all from the same company.
4.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES.
Your current gas and electric companies have an established infrastructure for selling and delivering services to your home.
The new companies will be hiring, primarily for sales people to encourage people to switch their service to the new company.
Says Ambit Energy founder, Jere Thompson, "We're looking for people who will work out of their homes on a flexible schedule, an attractive option for many people looking for some extra income.
" 5.
BONUSES LIKE FREE TRAVEL.
Some of the new companies, including Ambit Energy, are offering incentives like free travel to encourage consumers to give them a try.
Consumers can receive a free travel certificate just for signing up and also earn points redeemable for future free travel based on their monthly usage.
To take time find out how much you could save on your monthly energy bill by switching to one of the new energy companies.
Learn about the free travel bonuses you can earn, and check out the websites for the new energy companies in your area, such as Ambit Energy.