Regardless of which state you live in, all electricity customers are entitled to certain rights. These are enforced by the state PUC. You are within your rights to file a complaint against any provider who violates these rights, which include:
- Non-discriminatory service and fair treatment of all customers
- Protection of privacy for personal information, including your name, address, account number, etc.
- Energy delivery and emergency services from the area’s utility company
- Clear descriptions of contract terms and agreement including:
- Price
- Fees
- Length of contract
- Renewal terms
- Cancellation process
- Advance notice of contract expiration, as determined by your state’s PUC
- Access to all written documents in the same language you used to enroll
- Complaint resolution in a fair and timely manner
Depending on your state, your rights may extend further. In New York, for example, residents have the right to cancel within three days of receiving their agreement. In Texas, residents with electric-powered medical devices may apply for Critical Care or Chronic Care Residential Customer status. Check with your state’s PUC to see if you have other rights not covered here.
Of course, these rights also come with responsibilities you are expected to uphold. This includes paying all charges shown on your bill, paying any extra fees for disconnection, early termination, or late payment, and contacting your provider to request a deferred payment option.