Energy guides and electricity savings resources - ElectricRates.org blog
10 guides

Understanding Deregulation

Demystifying electricity deregulation for everyday consumers. 17 states plus DC allow residential choice since Ohio SB 3 (1999), PA Act 138 (1996), and MA Restructuring Act (1997). Learn supply vs delivery charges, TDU/utility roles, and how FERC Order 888 enabled wholesale competition.

Supply vs Delivery Charges: What You Control on Your Bill
Understanding Deregulation

Supply vs Delivery Charges: What You Control on Your Bill

Supply charges (40-60% of your bill) cover electricity generation from AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, PECO, or Eversource. Delivery charges (40-60%) pay for utility infrastructure and stay fixed regardless of supplier. Only supply is shoppable in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. ElectricRates.org shows savings potential on supply portion only.

Feb 2512 min
What Is Electricity Deregulation? Energy Choice Explained
Understanding Deregulation

What Is Electricity Deregulation? Energy Choice Explained

Electricity deregulation began with Ohio Senate Bill 3 (1999), Pennsylvania Act 138 (1996), and Massachusetts Restructuring Act (1997). 17 states plus DC now allow residential choice. PUCO certifies Ohio CRES providers, PA PUC licenses EGS companies, and MA DPU oversees competitive suppliers. Compare all certified suppliers on ElectricRates.org.

Jan 1011 min
Electricity Contract Terms: What to Know Before Signing
Understanding Deregulation

Electricity Contract Terms: What to Know Before Signing

Electricity ETFs range from $150-$395 flat fee or $20/remaining month. Ohio allows 7-day cancellation, Pennsylvania offers 3-day rescission, Massachusetts provides 3 business days. PA PUC Standard Offer Program offers 7% below Price to Compare with zero ETF. Fixed rates average 3.3% cheaper than variable. ElectricRates.org shows all contract terms upfront.

Mar 2211 min
Electricity Terms Glossary: 50+ Definitions Explained 2026
Understanding Deregulation

Electricity Terms Glossary: 50+ Definitions Explained 2026

CRES (Competitive Retail Electric Service) is Ohio terminology. EGS (Electric Generation Supplier) is Pennsylvania. REP (Retail Electric Provider) is Texas. Price to Compare (PTC) is your utility's benchmark rate from AEP Ohio, PECO, or Eversource. SSO (Standard Service Offer) is Ohio's default rate. 50+ terms explained for ElectricRates.org comparison shopping.

Jan 1712 min
Deregulated Electricity States 2026: Full List & Comparison
Understanding Deregulation

Deregulated Electricity States 2026: Full List & Comparison

17 states plus DC have deregulated electricity. Texas ERCOT has 100+ REPs. Ohio PUCO certifies CRES providers for AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, FirstEnergy. Pennsylvania PJM serves PECO, PPL Electric, Duquesne Light. Massachusetts serves Eversource and National Grid territories. ElectricRates.org compares suppliers in TX, OH, PA, and MA.

Dec 813 min
Regulated vs Deregulated Electricity: Market Guide 2026
Understanding Deregulation

Regulated vs Deregulated Electricity: Market Guide 2026

Regulated states like Florida and Georgia have utility monopolies (FPL, Georgia Power). Deregulated states separate generation from delivery: Texas ERCOT, Ohio PUCO territory (AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, FirstEnergy), Pennsylvania PJM (PECO, PPL Electric), Massachusetts (Eversource, National Grid). Compare deregulated market rates on ElectricRates.org.

Dec 89 min
TDU vs REP in Texas: Understanding Your Electric Bill Parts
Understanding Deregulation

TDU vs REP in Texas: Understanding Your Electric Bill Parts

Your Texas electric bill comes from your REP, but your power comes through your TDU. Understanding this split is the key to comparing plans and avoiding billing surprises.

Dec 318 min
TDU Delivery Charges in Texas: Oncor, CenterPoint & More
Understanding Deregulation

TDU Delivery Charges in Texas: Oncor, CenterPoint & More

TDU delivery charges add 3-5 cents per kWh to every Texas electricity bill. Here is what you are paying for and why these fees are the same regardless of which provider you choose.

Dec 318 min
Why Texas Electricity Rates Vary by ZIP Code: TDU Impact
Understanding Deregulation

Why Texas Electricity Rates Vary by ZIP Code: TDU Impact

Enter two Texas ZIP codes and get different rates for the same plan. Here is why your neighbor across town might pay more or less than you for identical electricity.

Dec 318 min
Texas Electricity Contract Terms: What You Must Know First
Understanding Deregulation

Texas Electricity Contract Terms: What You Must Know First

Understand the fine print in Texas electricity contracts before committing to a plan.

Dec 318 min

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