NRG vs Comed vs... (sales, promotional, electric bill)

[Kluch]

Been trying to read up on this whole "switching electricity providers" type thing. We recently switch our provider/service/whatever you want to call it from Comed to NRG. Now I know Comed still provides the actual electricity but NRG now somehow is in control of the service and our rates will supposedly be lower (for however long). Has anyone done this in the past with another company like NRG (I know there are other ones out there) and what was your experience?

[damba]

I got poached when I switched because then ComEd dropped their rates, negating any lower rate I would have gained by not locking in to the alternate provider for the 12 mo period.

YMMV.

[Nearwest]

You can contact CUB (Citizens Utility Board) either by calling or accessing its website. This organization will provide you with guidelines on how to choose an electric supplier.


NB: Be careful about hidden fees, variable rates as opposed to fixed rates, contract length, termination fees, etc.

[Kluch]

Originally Posted by Nearwest

You can contact CUB (Citizens Utility Board) either by calling or accessing its website. This organization will provide you with guidelines on how to choose an electric supplier.


NB: Be careful about hidden fees, variable rates as opposed to fixed rates, contract length, termination fees, etc.

Good to know. Thanks. When I signed up (we were in Wal-mart lol) the sales guy told me I can cancel within anytime during the first 3 months so I may do that just before the 3 month time period ends.

I saw that our bill this month (the first month for NRG's rates to take effect) was lower but only by $13 or so... The other thing is our electric bill in the winter hasn't be all that expensive. The summer months (with the AC blasting) is when it really shoots up there.

[MSchemist80]

The average individual or family is probably best served sticking with Comed and Nicor. A lot of these retail energy providers are very sketchy and will play all sorts of games like offering promo rates and such that the minuscule savings aren't worth the effort and constant vigilance. Some villages do aggregation agreements and are able to negotiate better rates using their volume power and are able to do their due diligence but that is a tough task for the average individual.

[wase4711]

this isnt difficult at all; just keep and eye on the entire program offered by the alternate supplier, and follow their rules on cacellation dates, and be ready to switch to a different provider when the time is right..and, dont sign up at a retail store, do it at home, where you can go online and compare ALL the possible suppliers and see what plan would work best for you..

whats wrong with saving 13 dollars a month? thats 156 dollars per year, enough for a couple of nice dinners out!
Better the money be in YOUR pocket, than the Utility company..

[Elmich1954]

If you signed the tablet at Walmart or at another kiosk, you signed a 3-month agreement with NRG and you will have to pay a cancellation fee if you cancel before the 3rd consecutive month of seeing NRG appear on the supply portion of your bill. After you see NRG appear on the second consecutive bill cycle, call Customer Support and check to see what rates they will be offering when your "agreement" expires.

If you don't call to renew or lock in your rate, the rate goes variable and most likely increases. If NRG won't offer you a rate you are happy with after your 3rd month of consecutive NRG supply service, simply switch suppliers, or go back to ComEd.

Also, you should receive a rebate check after you have used NRG as your supplier for 3 consecutive months. The upside of signing up with a rep at a kiosk is A)free gift card/s and B)special 3-month Promotional Rate that you can't get online or by calling customer support.