FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have a choice for my energy needs?
If you live in Illinois YES! Many states have passed legislation that provides its residents with a choice of suppliers for natural gas, electricity, and oil. As a result, there are numerous independent providers throughout the country that provide competitive rates for these utilities. Each of these providers is required to be licensed and approved by the regulatory authorities in each state in order to operate in any given state.
Why have I never heard about having a choice for my energy needs?
Your local utility is required to inform you that you indeed have a choice. However, they do not have to proactively advertise such information and it conflicts with their interests to do so. Each customer that switches to an independent provider means less revenues for the utility.
Will the prices of independent providers be cheaper compared to that of my utility companies?
Generally yes. Although there is no guarantee, the prices of the independent providers will usually be cheaper than your utility company. This is mainly because these companies have less overhead, management and regulatory costs than the utility companies. If these independent providers could not provide a cheaper price than the utility companies, there would be no reason for their existence since users could just simply stay with their utility companies. Nevertheless, as mentioned above, there is no guarantee. If you choose an independent provider, your bill will in most states show the price you paid vs. that charged by the utility so that you can always see if you are saving money.
There are various taxes and charges that are included in the utility rate that the regulated utility is required to charge. Some independent providers do not have these charges. In addition, if you are concerned that energy prices will increase, we may also be able to provide you with an option to lock in a rate for 6 months, 12 months, and sometimes even longer –all at your choice.
Is there any difference in the quality of the electricity that I get from an independent supplier?
No, there is absolutely no difference at all.
How is the electricity delivered to me if I choose an independent supplier?
Nothing changes in this respect. You will continue to be supplied by your utility company as if nothing changed. Your utility company is always responsible for delivery to your house and they will continue to provide that service.
Will the independent provider be as reliable as my utility company?
BY LAW, MOST DEFINITELY!!
In the laws passed for deregulation of natural gas/electricity, your utility company is mandated to treat customers of independent providers equal to that of their own customers. There is no priority favoring certain customers or providing priority access for their own customers during times of shortages.
Who do I call if there is a service problem?
You still call your utility company. Since they own and operate the delivery system of electricity to your home, they are still responsible for any service/delivery issues.
How will I be billed?
In most cases, you will simply be billed by your existing utility company; it will just show up as a new line item on your existing bill often having the name of the independent provider. Your utility bill is comprised of several components, one of which is the Delivery Charge. This is the fee that your utility company charges for delivering the electricity. This will not change. (Don't worry, your utility company CANNOT charge you more for the delivery fee if you are using an independent provider). What does change is the cost of the electricity itself which will be the price charged by the independent provider.
What does SaveOnEnergy81.com do?
SaveOnEnergy81.com constantly shops around to find the best alternative utility rates in your area. The rate you pay through Team '81' is guaranteed to be the same as if you sign up directly with the alternative supplier - with the added bonus that we will let you know if a better rate comes to your area.
How much can I save?
This depends on a couple of factors including the rate and usage and even the time of the year. However, it is possible to save up to
20-25% or more on the supply portion of your gas and electric bill. This can easily top several hundred dollars per year in savings for an average home and several thousand dollars per year for a business.
How large is the supply portion of my bill?
It's typically about 70% - 75% of your bill, for both natural gas and electricity.
How much does it cost to sign up with SaveOnEnergy81.com?
SaveOnEnergy81.com does not charge any fees to enroll and most utilities do not charge any fees for switching.
Are there any hidden fees?
Never. We do not charge you at any time and there are no other costs.
How long is my commitment if I sign up on SaveOnEnergy81.com?
This depends on which plan you sign up for. Some plans state that you need to be committed for a year. Other plans are month to month with no time commitment. We display all of the options so that you can make the best informed decision. Locking into a rate can have advantages since you can lock in at a lower rate if you anticipate prices going higher. However, if you think that rates will fall, then a month to month rate will make more sense.
How long will it take to switch my providers if I sign up with SaveOnEnergy81.com?
It can take anywhere from 14 to 60 days depending on the utility. Usually customers will see the change on their next bill or the bill after that. Your utility company needs to confirm the change directly with you by mailing you a confirmation letter.
Will my service be interrupted either during the change or after the independent supplier begins?
No. Your local utility ensures that your service remains uninterrupted at any time.
How do I sign up?
Call (847) 881-1970 or email Robin Earl at [email protected]. Be sure to have your Com-Ed bill handy. Robin will run quotes from several suppliers and provide a proposal that best fits you!
Will any new equipment or new lines need to be installed?
No such modifications will be necessary since your current utility company will continue to deliver your gas and/or electricity.
If I am in a fixed contract and I move will I have to pay the cancellation fee?
Most of our offers do not have a cancellation fee. However, if you are involved in an offer that does have a cancellation fee, if you move, you will not have to pay any cancellation fee.
I have budget billing currently set up, what will happen if I switch?
Most utility companies that we work with, support budget billing when you work with another supplier. In other words, it won't have any effect on your budget billing. However, if you switch to a supplier that does not support budget billing, your budget billing will end. You will still save the exact same amount of money, it's just that your monthly bills will no longer be the exact same dollar amount each month. Also, your main utility company may send you 2 bills once, although one could be a credit to your account. This would happen immediately after you have changed over. The first bill is your normal bill where you will see your savings. Your second bill will include either an additional amount that you owe the utility company or that they owe you based on whether you were ahead or behind on your balance for budget billing. In other words, since your budget billing ends at the time you sign up with a new supplier, they send you a one-time bill to catch you up to exactly where you should be at that time.
If you live in Illinois YES! Many states have passed legislation that provides its residents with a choice of suppliers for natural gas, electricity, and oil. As a result, there are numerous independent providers throughout the country that provide competitive rates for these utilities. Each of these providers is required to be licensed and approved by the regulatory authorities in each state in order to operate in any given state.
Why have I never heard about having a choice for my energy needs?
Your local utility is required to inform you that you indeed have a choice. However, they do not have to proactively advertise such information and it conflicts with their interests to do so. Each customer that switches to an independent provider means less revenues for the utility.
Will the prices of independent providers be cheaper compared to that of my utility companies?
Generally yes. Although there is no guarantee, the prices of the independent providers will usually be cheaper than your utility company. This is mainly because these companies have less overhead, management and regulatory costs than the utility companies. If these independent providers could not provide a cheaper price than the utility companies, there would be no reason for their existence since users could just simply stay with their utility companies. Nevertheless, as mentioned above, there is no guarantee. If you choose an independent provider, your bill will in most states show the price you paid vs. that charged by the utility so that you can always see if you are saving money.
There are various taxes and charges that are included in the utility rate that the regulated utility is required to charge. Some independent providers do not have these charges. In addition, if you are concerned that energy prices will increase, we may also be able to provide you with an option to lock in a rate for 6 months, 12 months, and sometimes even longer –all at your choice.
Is there any difference in the quality of the electricity that I get from an independent supplier?
No, there is absolutely no difference at all.
How is the electricity delivered to me if I choose an independent supplier?
Nothing changes in this respect. You will continue to be supplied by your utility company as if nothing changed. Your utility company is always responsible for delivery to your house and they will continue to provide that service.
Will the independent provider be as reliable as my utility company?
BY LAW, MOST DEFINITELY!!
In the laws passed for deregulation of natural gas/electricity, your utility company is mandated to treat customers of independent providers equal to that of their own customers. There is no priority favoring certain customers or providing priority access for their own customers during times of shortages.
Who do I call if there is a service problem?
You still call your utility company. Since they own and operate the delivery system of electricity to your home, they are still responsible for any service/delivery issues.
How will I be billed?
In most cases, you will simply be billed by your existing utility company; it will just show up as a new line item on your existing bill often having the name of the independent provider. Your utility bill is comprised of several components, one of which is the Delivery Charge. This is the fee that your utility company charges for delivering the electricity. This will not change. (Don't worry, your utility company CANNOT charge you more for the delivery fee if you are using an independent provider). What does change is the cost of the electricity itself which will be the price charged by the independent provider.
What does SaveOnEnergy81.com do?
SaveOnEnergy81.com constantly shops around to find the best alternative utility rates in your area. The rate you pay through Team '81' is guaranteed to be the same as if you sign up directly with the alternative supplier - with the added bonus that we will let you know if a better rate comes to your area.
How much can I save?
This depends on a couple of factors including the rate and usage and even the time of the year. However, it is possible to save up to
20-25% or more on the supply portion of your gas and electric bill. This can easily top several hundred dollars per year in savings for an average home and several thousand dollars per year for a business.
How large is the supply portion of my bill?
It's typically about 70% - 75% of your bill, for both natural gas and electricity.
How much does it cost to sign up with SaveOnEnergy81.com?
SaveOnEnergy81.com does not charge any fees to enroll and most utilities do not charge any fees for switching.
Are there any hidden fees?
Never. We do not charge you at any time and there are no other costs.
How long is my commitment if I sign up on SaveOnEnergy81.com?
This depends on which plan you sign up for. Some plans state that you need to be committed for a year. Other plans are month to month with no time commitment. We display all of the options so that you can make the best informed decision. Locking into a rate can have advantages since you can lock in at a lower rate if you anticipate prices going higher. However, if you think that rates will fall, then a month to month rate will make more sense.
How long will it take to switch my providers if I sign up with SaveOnEnergy81.com?
It can take anywhere from 14 to 60 days depending on the utility. Usually customers will see the change on their next bill or the bill after that. Your utility company needs to confirm the change directly with you by mailing you a confirmation letter.
Will my service be interrupted either during the change or after the independent supplier begins?
No. Your local utility ensures that your service remains uninterrupted at any time.
How do I sign up?
Call (847) 881-1970 or email Robin Earl at [email protected]. Be sure to have your Com-Ed bill handy. Robin will run quotes from several suppliers and provide a proposal that best fits you!
Will any new equipment or new lines need to be installed?
No such modifications will be necessary since your current utility company will continue to deliver your gas and/or electricity.
If I am in a fixed contract and I move will I have to pay the cancellation fee?
Most of our offers do not have a cancellation fee. However, if you are involved in an offer that does have a cancellation fee, if you move, you will not have to pay any cancellation fee.
I have budget billing currently set up, what will happen if I switch?
Most utility companies that we work with, support budget billing when you work with another supplier. In other words, it won't have any effect on your budget billing. However, if you switch to a supplier that does not support budget billing, your budget billing will end. You will still save the exact same amount of money, it's just that your monthly bills will no longer be the exact same dollar amount each month. Also, your main utility company may send you 2 bills once, although one could be a credit to your account. This would happen immediately after you have changed over. The first bill is your normal bill where you will see your savings. Your second bill will include either an additional amount that you owe the utility company or that they owe you based on whether you were ahead or behind on your balance for budget billing. In other words, since your budget billing ends at the time you sign up with a new supplier, they send you a one-time bill to catch you up to exactly where you should be at that time.
