Alternative Electric Suppliers

Entities other than the current monopoly supplier of electric energy that sell or broker electricity to retail or end-use customers and deliver it, generally using the transmission or distribution facilities of the local electric utility. Alternative suppliers may include other utilities, independent power producers, brokers/marketers or aggregators (entities such as civic organizations, cities and towns, business associations and nonprofit organizations that bring together a group of consumers to purchase energy in bulk). Customers choosing to purchase service from an alternative electric power supplier will continue to pay their existing utility a distribution charge while the cost of electric supply, generation and transmission will be determined by a contract between the customer and the alternative electric supplier. Also included are organizations that make available lists of alternative electric suppliers.