How much do you think your monthly electric bill is? $100, $200, even more than that? And how many of us have to worry about what we’re going to cook for dinner when the power goes out in the middle of cooking because it’s getting dark and we can’t use our stove or ovens? Living without electricity can be a complicated nightmare.

Even if you don’t live in an area with frequent blackouts and storms, not having access to electricity could really put a damper on your life: no lights at night time after work; no television or movies during evenings; no internet connection so you can’t work from home. It doesn’t take much for people these days to get frustrated by their lack of electric access.

What makes up an electric bill?

When you pay your monthly utility bill, what are you actually paying for? The majority of your monthly energy bill is made up of charges for energy usage. This includes kilowatt-hours (kWh) and therms (or CCFs, which are 100 Therms). These units measure how much energy you use in your home. 

These two numbers combined represent the total amount of electricity that’s used over a specific period; typically one month. If you are curious as to how your energy provider compares to another you can either look at a comparison website or ask around. You’ll also find charges for other components on your bill like service fees, surcharges, delivery fees, and taxes. These charges can vary widely depending on where you live, so it’s important to understand your local rates and what affects them.

Who regulates energy companies?

In most cases, your state government or even a combination of municipalities has the authority to regulate the operations of electric utility companies in their respective regions. This is because electricity suppliers are considered public utilities. The majority of states have an appointed or elected commission that has the authority to make important decisions involving matters like rates, services, and market competition. Sometimes it’s better to turn to alternative sources like your utility company or an independent website for help with finding less expensive plans. Utility companies tout low rates because they’re allowed to charge higher rates during summer months when electricity usage is at its highest. So keep this in mind.

Sources of help and assistance with finding less expensive plans

There are many organizations out there that can assist you in locating affordable energy plans or providers, saving you money and time in the process. One major source of information is your local utility company, both gas, and electric. They usually have access to customer records that can help you find who’s providing your electricity or natural gas in your area right now. If you’re not sure, it’s easy enough to call up an agency like this for assistance.

Many other public organizations are concerned with helping you find affordable power plans. These include non-profits, government agencies, and even your local chamber of commerce. Sometimes, people have an easier time finding what they’re looking for through these channels because they can offer services that are specific to your needs as a consumer.

Where can I find different types of affordable energy plans or providers?

Where you live will determine where you can find cheap electricity plans or options for natural gas. These resources can be local, regional, or even national. Here are just a few of the plans you can expect to see:

-Fixed-rate plans – these are the most common type of plan. You’ll pay a set rate per kilowatt-hour for your energy charge. If you have a 100 kWh monthly usage, you may be charged anywhere from $0.04 to $0.16 cents per kWh.

-Variable-rate plans – these are also common and can be very effective for those who have a high monthly usage from all the gadgets they use at home. On average, people with a higher energy usage pay closer to $0.10 per kWh.

-Prepaid – these plans require an initial amount to be paid for your electric service before you start using it. Some companies may require you to pay upfront for a certain amount of kWh, while others may require you to put down a fee before your service is activated.

-Green energy – this plan will offer you an alternative option if you’d like to invest in renewable sources of energy. Some plans allow you to pick the source that works for you. Others are more generic in their approach with one or two options.

The internet has made finding affordable electricity plans or gas providers much easier than it used to be. There are many organizations out there that can assist you in locating affordable energy plans or providers, saving you money and time in the process.