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Suppliers and switching, in plain words

Updated October 12, 2026

In short

Your utility still delivers the power to your home and sends the bill. Another company only sets the price.

Changing your price never turns off your power.

In many states you can pick the company that sets the price for your electricity or gas. These companies are called suppliers. Your utility still brings the energy to your home.

What a supplier is

A supplier sets the price for your energy but does not deliver it. Your utility still delivers it, reads your meter and usually sends your bill.

States use other names too. New York says ESCO. Georgia says marketer. Texas says retail electric provider.

Switching never turns off your power or your gas. Only the price part of your bill changes.

Fixed or variable prices

A fixed price stays the same for every month of your contract. A variable price can go up or down each month.

Watch for a low starting price. Some plans start low and go up after the first few months. Ask what the price will be after that.

Fees to watch for

  • A cancel fee: money you pay if you leave a plan before it ends. It must be listed before you sign up.
  • A monthly fee: a set charge added every month, on top of the price for your energy.

Some states limit cancel fees. Home plans in Illinois and Connecticut can't charge a fee to leave. Judy counts every fee in its math.

When a plan ends

The company must send you a notice before your plan ends. Read it closely. Many plans start again on their own, and the new price can be higher. It can also change every month.

If you do nothing, you may be moved to a price that changes each month. Put your plan's end date on your calendar.

Changing your mind

After you sign up, you have a few days to cancel for free. This is the cancel window. How many days depends on your state.

You can also go back to your utility's own price later. If your contract isn't over, the company may charge a fee to leave early. Your state's help page has the steps.

How to cancel or switch in your state

How to compare

A plan only saves you money if its price is lower than your utility's own price, with fees counted, at the amount you use. Judy does this math with the numbers on your bill.

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