How energy choice works
Roughly a third of the US lives in a deregulated energy market. Your local utility company is responsible for delivering the energy — the wires, pipes, and the meter — but you can choose who supplies it.
Think of it like your phone: the utility owns the wires, but you pick the service provider. Switching to a competitive supplier often locks in a lower fixed rate and can save hundreds of dollars a year.
Deregulated states with consumer choice include: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and others.
How do I find my current rate?
Before you switch, you need to know what you're paying now. Grab your most recent bill and look for these sections:
Your bill is split into two parts: Delivery/Distribution (which you can't change) and Supply/Generation (which you can).
For Electricity, look for a rate in cents per kWh (e.g., 7.5¢ or $0.075).
For Natural Gas, look for a rate in dollars per MCF or CCF (e.g., $4.50/MCF).
Supply Charges .................... $45.20
Usage: 600 kWh @ 0.07533
Current Supplier: [Utility Default]
Why use this tool?
Official state comparison sites are comprehensive, but they're easy to get lost in — teaser rates, monthly fees, and term commitments are buried in fine print. RateSavvy automates the comparison and surfaces only the straightforward offers, filtering for:
- Fixed-rate plans (avoiding monthly price spikes)
- Plans with no monthly service fees
- Zero cancellation penalties
- Minimum 6-month terms
Important Note: This is a free, automated open-source project. While we strive for accuracy, data errors or processing mistakes can happen. Always verify the final rate and terms on the supplier's official website before signing any contract.