Local public utilities are bound by certain regulations set by the public utilities commission, and therefore can’t be as flexible or responsive to customers’ unique service needs. But in the age of deregulation, independent suppliers have the ability to take advantage of strategic partnerships and agreements that enable them to secure more competitive product options than a public utility, keeping pricing in check. Suppliers can offer these variable and fixed-price options directly to customers.

 

Pricing resulting from activity on the futures market allows suppliers to offer longer-term price stability for their customers. Independent suppliers are able to average out the highs and lows over time, creating a more predictable environment for their customers. With a fixed-rate plan, a customer doesn’t need to worry about prices suddenly spiking and catching them off guard. This high level of price security is a real value to many natural gas customers.

 

Energy suppliers are essentially selling the same commodity product, and are all in competition for your natural gas business. So, securing a good price on natural gas is as important as securing a solid, trusted, reliable relationship with a customer. Any energy supplier worth its salt knows that this is where they must concentrate their efforts. It comes down to experience and relationships, leadership, being responsive to customer needs, service after the sale, and honoring agreements. If customers don’t feel like the supplier has their best interest in mind, they won’t stay. 

 

This is a unique time in the energy market. Customers win when they have a choice. Choice keeps the competition on its toes and provides greater opportunity to bring more options to consumers.