General
Who is RateCompare.It?
We’re a bunch of energy industry nerds committed to helping folks in deregulated states claw back some value from their local utilities. We make it simple to compare your local suppliers and switch to the best plan, in minutes.
Currently, we serve customers in the following states.
- For electricity: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Texas.
- For natural gas: Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Virginia.
- For electricity & natural gas: Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington DC.
It’s easy to see your options—all we need is your zip code.
Why should I use RateCompare.It?
We make shopping for new energy services easy.
- No mystery, no hassle. Just enter your ZIP code to start comparing plans.
- Vetted, trusted suppliers. Choose with confidence. Any of the suppliers on our site will deliver reliable, uninterrupted energy.
- Seamless contract renewal.Once you switch, we keep it working for you. When your contract expires, we’ll let you know so you can renew for a great price.
What factors go into selecting an energy plan?
When shopping for plans, the process is largely the same for electricity or natural gas. You’ll want to consider:
1. The supplier’s energy price.2. The supplier’s reputation.
3. The contract length, which can range from three months to 24, or longer.
4. The percentage of energy that comes from renewable resources such as wind or solar.
On the plan comparison page, how is the cost per month calculated?
To calculate the cost per month for each supplier, we multiply the average monthly energy usage in your area (measured in Kwh, or kilowatt-hours) by the supplier’s rate per Kwh.
Of course, individual usage, and your bill, may vary from these estimates. They are intended primarily to give you a convenient apples-to-apples comparison of the relative cost of each plan.
How can I find out my current electricity or gas rate?
If it’s your first time comparing energy suppliers, chances are you’re currently paying a variable rate through your local utility. You’ll see the utility rate flagged among the suppliers in the comparison list
What charges make up my energy bill?
Apart from taxes and fees, your electricity and natural gas bills consist of delivery charges and supply charges.
The delivery charges are collected by your local utility to cover the infrastructure—like power lines and transformers—that brings you the energy. It remains the same no matter which supplier you choose.
The supply charges cover the actual energy you use, as measured by your meter. Electricity use is measured in kilowatt-hours (Kwh) while natural gas is measured in cents per therm or cubic feet. Once you’ve found these numbers on your bill, you can compare them with the prices offered by energy suppliers online.
How does switching service work?
We make it incredibly easy to switch.
First, enter your ZIP code to compare available plans. Select the one you want, share your address and utility account number, and... that’s it. We’ll send you a confirmation email; check your spam folder if you don’t see it.
We’ll let your previous supplier or utility know, and they’ll switch you seamlessly and automatically to the new provider. The only difference you’ll experience is the amount on your bill.
Will I have to pay fees to leave my current energy supplier?
Most utility service arrangements are month-to-month, no-contract plans that can be cancelled at any time free of charge.
If you are one of the few utility subscribers with a contract, you may have to pay an early termination fee. If you schedule the switch within two weeks of your contract end date, you typically won’t be charged a fee.
If you’re not sure whether you’re currently on a contract, check your plan or contact your current supplier to see when it expires and whether it includes ETFs.
Will I have to get a new meter or buy any new equipment?
Nope! Same lines, same equipment. The power’s just coming from a different source.
Who will I pay my bills to if I switch?
In most cases your billing situation will stay exactly the same. Even if you change suppliers, the company delivering your energy is still your local utility. So you’ll continue to receive bills from them as before, but with your new supplier and rate listed.
In a few places, though, you might get one bill from the utility from delivery and another from the supplier from the supplier for the actual energy used. This is, however, rare.
How long does it take to switch my service?
It’ll usually take one billing cycle, sometimes two. Billing cycle length varies, but 30–90 days is typical.
What’s the difference between fixed rate & variable rate plans?
By default, your utility probably has you on a variable rate plan, which lets them change the price from month to month based on invisible and unpredictable factors. For example, they often charge more when demand is higher—like in summertime. If you’ve ever been shocked by your July power bill, this is probably why.
On Ratecompare.it, we only offer fixed rate plans. It’s just what it sounds like: you pay the same rate over the term of your plan. This protects you from spikes in the price of gas or electricity. However, each bill still reflects the amount of energy you use, so it will still change from month to month.
Where can I find the rates, length, and other details of the plan I signed up for?
Check your email for the confirmation email we sent you after switching suppliers. It’ll have all the details. If you can’t locate it, check your spam folder. Still can’t find it? Contact customer support.
What happens when the plan I sign up for ends?
You’ll get a notice from your supplier within 30 days of your contract end date. Then you’ll know it’s time to shop for a new one.
If you do nothing, you’ll likely get shifted to a plan your provider picks for you, which may not be the best available deal. But don’t worry, Ratecompare.it will...
Service
Who do I call if my power goes out?
Your service is still the responsibility of your local utility—it’s what the “delivery charges” on your bill pay for. In the event of an emergency or power outage, call the number on your bill.
Who will supply my energy when my contract expires?
You’ll get a notice from your supplier within 30 days of your contract end date. Then you’ll know it’s time to shop for a new one.
If you do nothing, you’ll likely get shifted to a plan your provider picks for you, which may not be the best available deal. But don’t worry, Ratecompare.it will...
Will my energy service continue to be reliable with the new supplier?
After you change suppliers, your local utility is still responsible for delivering your energy. No matter which supplier you choose, you can count on the same quality of service.
Deregulation
What’s a supplier?
An energy supplier is the source of the actual energy. They sell the electricity or natural gas to the delivery company—your local utility—which passes the cost along to you in the “supply” charge in your bill.
In the case of an emergency or power outage, call the utility, not the supplier.
What’s a utility?
Your local utility is the company . They own the pipelines, poles, and wires, and fixes them when they break. They’re responsible for your quality of service. And they’re who you call in case of a power outage or gas leak.
What is energy deregulation and how does it affect me?
Energy deregulation happens on a state-by-state basis. When a state deregulates, it breaks the control of energy utility companies over your energy supply. It ends the utility’s monopoly and opens it up to competition.
Result: Instead of paying more than you have to, you can shop around just like phone and Internet plans. It empowers you to choose your energy supplier, which (surprise!) means lower and more consistent pricing for the energy you use.