You Should Examine the Facts Before Changing Electricity Providers
You have no doubt read quite a few articles on the advantages of changing electricity providers. All of these articles explain some basic facts about how you can potentially benefit from making a change. At the same time, we have to be reasonable when we consider switching providers.
Like any other type of change, benefit only comes when it is made at the right time with a balanced perspective. If you act impulsively without examining all the facts first, you can cost yourself more money than you save.
First of all, consider why you want to switch. If money is the only reason, and the customer service shown to your by your electricity supplier has been exemplary in your eyes, it might be better to simply call them and share this information with them.
Tell them you really enjoy working with them as people, but that you also would enjoy paying less money somewhere else.
In many cases, this type of polite honesty on the part of customers will motivate many electricity providers to update their service offerings and rates, along with terms of contract and cancellation. You may be able to switch to a different plan without necessarily having to change providers.
However, if you simply cannot obtain from your current electricity supplier a service plan that is as affordable as some of its competitors, you still need to look before you leap.
In the event that you signed a contract with your current electricity supplier, you are more than likely subject to a cancellation fee if you terminate service prior to the contract expiring.
You have to look at your contract and study it to see what this fee will be. In some cases, with some electricity suppliers, it is only a marginal fee. Changing to a better rate plan that will immediately save you money will absorb the cost of the fee and put you ahead rather quickly.
Make sure this is truly the case, though, before you break a contract.
Another thing to consider if you are looking into a new electricity provider is the possibility that you might have to pay a deposit for services. Some suppliers are very lenient toward new customers who may have had bill payment problems in the past.
Others take a close look at your credit, and if they see any problems, they ask for money up front.
Before changing to a new provider, ask them if they have a deposit policy and find out if this is something that they require of you.
You need to also consider the worst case scenario that you may encounter some kind of financial roadblock in the future that will cause you to miss a payment. This can happen to anyone in this current economy. It is important to know if your electricity provider is going to disconnect you in a relatively short period of time after your past due date.
In some instances, electricity suppliers are required to offer people who are struggling deferred payment plans. You will have to do some research on if this is the case in your particular state.
Finally, be very grateful to your current electricity provider if they have let you slide on missed bills, worked out extensions with you, or let you break late payments into smaller payments. Consider staying with them even if you run across what appears to be a better deal.
Author Bio: For more information on this electric supplier as well as information on electricity plans from this energy company visit the main mxenergy website.
Category: Business
Keywords: Electricity Providers, Electric Services, Electricity Rates, Affordable Electricity, Electricity