• How to Select an Alternative Energy Supplier

  • Step 1. Review Potential Suppliers.

    Start by downloading our list of electricity suppliers licensed by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

    Step 2. Ask Questions.

    Contact licensed electricity suppliers and be sure to have the following questions answered:

    • What is my exact price per kilowatt-hour for electricity?
    • Are there any other fees I will be charged that are not included in the price?
    • Does the price stay the same or does it vary?
    • How does the price compare with Delmarva’s price for the same length of contract?
    • What are the terms and conditions of the agreement?
    • What information do I have to provide to enroll?
    • What are the cancellation terms?
    • Are there sign-up fees or a fee if I cancel my agreement before it ends?
    • How will I be billed? (separately or by Delmarva)
    • What kinds of payment options are available?
    • What happens if I miss a payment?
    • Is there a bonus for signing up?
    • Does the price include transmission charges?
    • Are there any additional services offered
    • Can my electricity be disconnected?
    • What is the supplier contact name and phone number?
    • What are the customer service hours?
    • Can I review the standard contract before enrolling?
    • Will my current service be interrupted, and how long will it take for service to begin?
    • What is the length of the contract, and what happens once it is over? Does it automatically renew?
    • Are there restrictions on the amount of electricity I can use? If so, what are they and when am I restricted?
    • How is the electricity generated (from what sources)?
    • What is the environmental impact of the electricity you generate?


    Step 3. Compare Prices.

    The Public Service Commission (PSC) requires us, and every Electric Distribution Company (EDC) to provide pricing information in order for customers to compare different supply prices and calculate savings.


    Step 4. Calculate Your Savings.

    You can calculate average potential savings by determining what your price would be using our rate schedules and subtract it from the price of other suppliers. You can also multiply that difference to determine your annual savings.

    If you are already one of our customers:

    • Total your summer and winter kWh use and multiply them by the generation and transmission rates shown on your rate schedules 
    • Separately, add the summer and winter revenue total together
    • Divide the total revenue by your total kWh

    Here’s an example:

    To calculate your potential annual savings, determine the difference between Delmarva's "Weighted Average Price of SOS electricity June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014” and the price of other Electric Generation Suppliers participating in the Energy Choice Program by subtracting one from the other. If the supplier’s price is less than Delmarva’s, you’ll save money. Multiply that difference by your average monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage to determine your average monthly and annual savings.

    Please visit our Rates 101 page for additional information on how rates are determined.

    Step 5. Consider Environmental Factors.

    When choosing an electricity supplier, you can compare different companies’ fuel sources and their environmental impact. By law, all electricity suppliers must disclose how they generate their electricity (nuclear, natural gas, oil, solar, etc.), what types of air emissions they produce and how efficient is the energy produced.

    Step 6. Make Your Choice.

    If you choose a new supplier, making the change is easy. Return the signed, completed agreement to the supplier you have selected. It is then up to your new supplier and us to make the switch. Once your new supplier has your account number and your consent, they can initiate enrolling you in their program.

    If you have completed your assessment and have decided to stay with us as your supplier, then your work is done. You do not need to complete or return the enrollment form.