The Disappearance of Utility Monopolies in Pennsylvania
Being exposed to corporate monopolies, especially when it comes to your personal or small business life, can cause all types of unnecessary problems. When a company can design and implement changing policies and you have no choice but to submit, you can never win. Competition drives our society to stay fair and balanced, something monopolies cannot offer.
Utility monopolies remain a problem for many states, but that hasn't been true for Pennsylvania since'96. In'96, Pennsylvania took steps to take care of this problem. In other words, Pennsylvania's electricity market was deregulated, which meant that competition could come in, and service became paramount for many electric providers in every region.
It was soon recognized elsewhere that electricity deregulation was a positive development for consumers, and so, the FCC, the Federal Communications Commission, issued orders to include the local telephone market in deregulation as well. Natural gas customers benefited from deregulation as of November 1,'99. Then, consumers began to have their free choice of utilities as well.
For each utility category in Pennsylvania, consumers get approximately 10 companies choose from, to provide their services. All service providers make low rates a priority, and this is probably the most important benefit they give to consumers. Service is a close second, such that customers are assured outages are going to be taking care of as quickly as possible. Customers' good ratings and referrals then increase companies' chances for more business.
Although utility companies can offer incentives to attract customers when there is competition, and they can provide industry knowledge that's been updated, watch out for "free gift" perks. These aren't necessarily bad, but remember that nothing is really free. Before you sign up for any agreement with a provider, read the fine print and make sure you understand it.
If you do ever feel that you've been scammed, or if you feel that you've been "crammed," where you're charged additional charges without your consent or knowledge, make sure you contact the Office of Consumer Advocate. This office was set up by the Pennsylvania General assembly in'76, and gives consumers the leverage to demand fair and just service from those who provide utilities.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission stands for balance between the needs of the consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable service. With the public in mind, they also seek to further economic development by educating the public on making good, sound choices when choosing utility companies.
In a world where corporate monopolies can be unjustified in their procedures and policies, your complaints can fall on deaf ears. After all, where are you going to go? Pennsylvania had the insight to see the state heading in this unpopular direction and made the decision to give everyone a choice. Now, several utility companies, customers, along with the Public Utility Commission are all working together to provide the best service possible at an affordable cost.
Utility monopolies remain a problem for many states, but that hasn't been true for Pennsylvania since'96. In'96, Pennsylvania took steps to take care of this problem. In other words, Pennsylvania's electricity market was deregulated, which meant that competition could come in, and service became paramount for many electric providers in every region.
It was soon recognized elsewhere that electricity deregulation was a positive development for consumers, and so, the FCC, the Federal Communications Commission, issued orders to include the local telephone market in deregulation as well. Natural gas customers benefited from deregulation as of November 1,'99. Then, consumers began to have their free choice of utilities as well.
For each utility category in Pennsylvania, consumers get approximately 10 companies choose from, to provide their services. All service providers make low rates a priority, and this is probably the most important benefit they give to consumers. Service is a close second, such that customers are assured outages are going to be taking care of as quickly as possible. Customers' good ratings and referrals then increase companies' chances for more business.
Although utility companies can offer incentives to attract customers when there is competition, and they can provide industry knowledge that's been updated, watch out for "free gift" perks. These aren't necessarily bad, but remember that nothing is really free. Before you sign up for any agreement with a provider, read the fine print and make sure you understand it.
If you do ever feel that you've been scammed, or if you feel that you've been "crammed," where you're charged additional charges without your consent or knowledge, make sure you contact the Office of Consumer Advocate. This office was set up by the Pennsylvania General assembly in'76, and gives consumers the leverage to demand fair and just service from those who provide utilities.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission stands for balance between the needs of the consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable service. With the public in mind, they also seek to further economic development by educating the public on making good, sound choices when choosing utility companies.
In a world where corporate monopolies can be unjustified in their procedures and policies, your complaints can fall on deaf ears. After all, where are you going to go? Pennsylvania had the insight to see the state heading in this unpopular direction and made the decision to give everyone a choice. Now, several utility companies, customers, along with the Public Utility Commission are all working together to provide the best service possible at an affordable cost.
About the Author:
About the author: Jerry Dyess has been in the Commercial Energy business for the past 7 years. Get more information on Business Electric rates.
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