Energy 101: Your Guide to Brokerage
Everything you need to know about deregulation, energy procurement, and saving your company money.
Top Resource Guides
Deregulation 101
In the early days of energy usage, states were divided into territories where utility companies essentially had a government-regulated monopoly over the supply and delivery of electricity and gas. The utility would control the entire process from generation, to transmission, to distribution, and the government would set a “fair” price for energy.
Fixed vs Variable Rates
It is important to know the difference between fixed and variable rate plans when analyzing your electricity needs. While the majority of commercial businesses prefer and are more benefitted by a fixed contract, variable rate contracts also have their pros. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the two, and how you can use them for your advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is deregulation?
Deregulation opens the market to competition by preventing utility companies from having a monopoly over the supply of electricity. Your utility still delivers the electricity, but you have the option of choosing who supplies the electricity. Allowing competition between suppliers creates better pricing and customer service.
How do I know if I qualify to take advantage of deregulation?
If your utility company is within the Potomac Edison, PEPCO, BGE, or Delmarva Power service regions, then you qualify to shop suppliers.
Who do I contact if I have a power outage?
Your local utility company is still responsible for servicing the power lines. In case of an outage or emergency, contact your utility. The power you use will still be delivered over the same lines it always has, and your utility will maintain the safety and reliability of the lines as usual.
Are there any upfront costs or fees for your service?
Coastal Energy will analyze your current electricity accounts for free. There are no costs or recurring fees involved with switching electricity suppliers.
