County Offers Consumers Help in Shopping for an Electricity Provider

Header--Montgomery County, Maryland. Press Releases

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Contact: Joe Keyser, 240-777-7700
joe.keyser@montgomerycountymd.gov
Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530

For Immediate Release: February 29, 2000

COUNTY OFFERS CONSUMERS HELP IN
SHOPPING FOR AN ELECTRICITY PROVIDER

Montgomery County's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) website now offers new information to help consumers understand their choices when electric utility deregulation goes into effect on July 1. Under deregulation, consumers will have the opportunity to choose their electric power supplier, and utilities have already started contacting citizens to offer them services.

The DEP website explains that consumers will likely weigh many factors in making their utility selections. Customers can evaluate whether a particular company generates power from sources that minimize environmental emissions and uses fuel sources that may be friendlier to the environment than fossil fuels. The website also explains electric utility deregulation, offers tips on choosing a power supplier, describes consumer rights and protections, provides resources, and lists internet links to utilities and others for more detailed information.

In 1999, Maryland passed the Customer Choice Act, which gives consumers the right to choose their electric power supplier from any company that is licensed to sell power in Maryland.

Consumers who do not wish to change power companies do not need to take any action or fill out any forms. They will continue to receive service from their current utility for at least three years. The continuation of their existing service will be called standard offer service.

The DEP 'Power Shopping' website is located at www.co.mo.md.us/dep. Click on the power shopping icon. For additional information, call Ann Elsen or Joe Keyser at 240-777-7700.

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