Wednesday, January 6, 2010

More residents choosing alternative electric providers

20% of CT electric customers have now chosen an alternative provider for generation. you, too, can choose a better rate from this list. Read more about the trend in the article in the New Haven Register.

There has been some discussion about "re-regulating" the electric market in CT. Opponents claim that this would remove our right to choose alternatives (which is true) and further point out that the utility generation rates are higher than the alternatives. However, this does not necessarily mean that everyone's rates will go up if we eliminate the competitive market. States that have maintained the regulated monopolies have significantly lower overall rates than states like CT who have competitive markets. So your alternative provider might be saving you a penny or two over UI, but your rate is still 3 cents too high compared to the rest of the country.

The reasons for this are not 100% clear. Some may argue that we are now susceptible to market manipulation by the generation companies. Also, we now have an additional middle-man who serves as a broker between you and the generation companies. Regardless, re-regulating the market seems like an extremely difficult task. The utilities would have to buy back all the power plants that they sold off in the 90s. With only one buyer, how would they determine a fair price?

5 comments:

Connecticut Energy said...

nice read thatnks, www.ConnecticutsEnergy.com

Paul Schmitz - Sundoor Solar - Central CT said...

The CT Solar lease progtam is accepting new customers in CT.

Sundoor Solar is a Connecticut based solar power installation company that designs, installs and services photovoltaic (PV) power systems. Sundoor is the brainchild of its two partners, David Luft and Ernie DeCosta. A true small green company based in CT. With CT workers.

David founded his electrical contracting company, Dalco Electric, known for its commitment to a long term relationship with its customers, for over 23 years. He is a Connecticut Master Electrician, license #E1-125263. Sundoor Solar is an approved Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Installer in part, due to David's electrical experience and reputation.

Ernie as been in the home improvement and sunroom business since 1983 starting HomeTech Sunrooms 13 years ago. He estimates that he has built over 500 sunrooms over that period of time. His initiation into the solar industry began as an installer of passive solar collectors in sunrooms that he built for his sunroom customers.

They share a passion for the use of alternative energy resources as a means of creating a sustainable, environmental solutions to our power needs. In 2009 they decided to make their passion a reality and combine their experience and skills and started Sundoor Solar.

Sundoor Solar is a professional solar design and installation company that is building its reputation on its core conviction of honest, conservative estimates of how homeowners and businesses can reap the benefits of solar energy. Visit us at sundoorsolar.com

Anonymous said...

Re-regulation and de-regulation are always interesting arguments to make. In general I think competition is good for consumers and businesses since the price and product have to be best to catch consumer interest.

Of course, marketing is a big deal too. I noticed the low cost electricity supplier I use, Reliable Power, doesn't have their site in the list you linked to. Do you know how that site decides to link providers?

Anonymous said...

Deregulation is always good! When we start talking of monopolies in any industry we have to realize that the corporate design and purpose is to make shareholders and owners money and to maximise these profits by any means neccessary. That is the reason for a corporations existence, never forget that! ECONOMICS 101!!! Their main thing is to spend as less money as possible to make as much as possible. The incentives just aren't there for them to invest as heavily in alternative sources.
Lets not use this as a way of selfish self promoting and free advertisement.

Unknown said...

Hi, Spark Energy through it's new division Ampegy is looking for representatives in CT. Deregulation has opened up opportunities and you can work from home. For more information please contact Kathi at 508-954-3247.

 
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