Corporate monopolies can be a big problem for those who run small businesses and just for personal lives, too. If a company can control someone just by implementing common changing, or inventing new policies that consumers then have no choice but to put up with, consumers simply lose out. By contrast, competition encourages fair, balanced practices, something monopolies just won't do.
Utility monopolies remain a problem for many states, but that hasn't been true for Pennsylvania since'96. In'96, Pennsylvania took steps to take care of this problem. In other words, Pennsylvania's electricity market was deregulated, which meant that competition could come in, and service became paramount for many electric providers in every region.
It was soon recognized that deregulation of electricity was a positive step for residents. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) next issued an order to include the local telephone market. The last leg of this journey was made when on November 1,'99; natural gas customers were included in free choice of utilities.
Each of the three utility categories in Pennsylvania gives consumers approximately 10 companies to choose from. All service providers have low rates as a priority, and this is the most important benefit they can offer to customers. Close behind is service, such that customers are assured that outages will be taken care of as quickly as possible. Good ratings and referrals increase companies' chances for more business.
Utility companies in competition may offer incentives to attract customers and provide updated knowledge in their industry. Perks of free gifts is also not unheard of but you have to understand that nothing is ever free. Read and understand any type of Agreement that you accept.
If you do ever feel that you've been scammed, or if you feel that you've been "crammed," where you're charged additional charges without your consent or knowledge, make sure you contact the Office of Consumer Advocate. This office was set up by the Pennsylvania General assembly in'76, and gives consumers the leverage to demand fair and just service from those who provide utilities.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission stands for balance between the needs of the consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable service. With the public in mind, they also seek to further economic development by educating the public on making good, sound choices when choosing utility companies.
In a world where corporate monopolies can be unjustified in their procedures and policies, your complaints can fall on deaf ears. After all, where are you going to go? Pennsylvania had the insight to see the state heading in this unpopular direction and made the decision to give everyone a choice. Now, several utility companies, customers, along with the Public Utility Commission are all working together to provide the best service possible at an affordable cost. - 30515
Utility monopolies remain a problem for many states, but that hasn't been true for Pennsylvania since'96. In'96, Pennsylvania took steps to take care of this problem. In other words, Pennsylvania's electricity market was deregulated, which meant that competition could come in, and service became paramount for many electric providers in every region.
It was soon recognized that deregulation of electricity was a positive step for residents. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) next issued an order to include the local telephone market. The last leg of this journey was made when on November 1,'99; natural gas customers were included in free choice of utilities.
Each of the three utility categories in Pennsylvania gives consumers approximately 10 companies to choose from. All service providers have low rates as a priority, and this is the most important benefit they can offer to customers. Close behind is service, such that customers are assured that outages will be taken care of as quickly as possible. Good ratings and referrals increase companies' chances for more business.
Utility companies in competition may offer incentives to attract customers and provide updated knowledge in their industry. Perks of free gifts is also not unheard of but you have to understand that nothing is ever free. Read and understand any type of Agreement that you accept.
If you do ever feel that you've been scammed, or if you feel that you've been "crammed," where you're charged additional charges without your consent or knowledge, make sure you contact the Office of Consumer Advocate. This office was set up by the Pennsylvania General assembly in'76, and gives consumers the leverage to demand fair and just service from those who provide utilities.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission stands for balance between the needs of the consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable service. With the public in mind, they also seek to further economic development by educating the public on making good, sound choices when choosing utility companies.
In a world where corporate monopolies can be unjustified in their procedures and policies, your complaints can fall on deaf ears. After all, where are you going to go? Pennsylvania had the insight to see the state heading in this unpopular direction and made the decision to give everyone a choice. Now, several utility companies, customers, along with the Public Utility Commission are all working together to provide the best service possible at an affordable cost. - 30515
About the Author:
Author: Jerry Dyess has been a manager in Commercial Energy for the past 7 years. Get more information on Business Electric rates.
