Fact Sheets
From no choice to no-brainer: a brief history of natural gas choice.
To fully understand how energy choice works and why it’s a good thing, you must first know what came before it. Historically, the natural gas distribution model looked like this:
Historical Model
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The government-regulated pricing and single distribution source fostered a monopolistic, constricting marketplace. So, in the mid-1990’s, the federal government deregulated the industry (and the setting of prices at the wellhead), opening the door for independent competition, opportunity, and free-market equilibrium. The competitive gas-distribution model now looked like this:
Competitive Model
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Competition = Control
Today, as more and more areas become deregulated, the proliferation of natural gas suppliers (also called Marketers) offers consumers an alternative, giving them the opportunity to choose their natural gas supplier instead of being forced to buy from the utility. In addition, most independent suppliers offer many fixed and variable pricing options, so customers can choose the plan that works best for them and realize true savings.
Ultimately, energy choice results in more stability, more security & less risk for consumers. No-brainer, indeed.