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GENERAL
QUESTIONS
Q: What is Choice?
A: Virginia Energy Choice is the
Commonwealth's effort to introduce Virginians to the new way they
will be purchasing electricity. Currently, NOVEC provides all
components of your electric supply - generation/supply, transmission
and distribution. In the future, many different companies may
compete to be a customer's energy provider, thus allowing customers
to shop for energy services.
Q: What exactly am I choosing?
A: You will be able to choose the company
that generates, produces or contracts for the electricity that you
need. In other words, the company has the energy to competitively
sell to you. Delivering it to your home or business will remain the
responsibility of NOVEC whose service is still regulated by the
Virginia State Corporation Commission.
Q: What will be different?
A: Currently, NOVEC does
it all - provides the energy, transmits, and delivers it to your
home. The rates charged and the service conditions are set by
regulation. In the future, you will have the opportunity to purchase
electricity from the energy service provider of your choice at
prices and service conditions that are determined in a competitive
market.
Q: When will I be able to choose?
A: You are able to choose now. However, there are no
Certified Service Providers (CSP) registered with NOVEC.
Q: What are the benefits of Choice?
A: There are no guarantees
that a customer who switches suppliers will save money. However,
customers can improve their chances of saving money if they become
knowledgeable about their energy usage. When considering competing
offers, customers must understand how they use energy, when they use
it, and what they currently pay for it. That puts them in the best
position to shop for the offer that best satisfies those needs.
Having more control over your buying decision should make it easier
to determine what matters most to you, whether it’s prices,
renewable energy, customer service, or a name you know.
Q: How will Choice affect electric rates?
A: The rates for residential and small commercial
electric customers have been capped since January 1, 2000, and will
continue to remain that way until Dec. 31, 2010.
Q: If electric rates are capped, why does my electric
bill rise?
A: Virginia law allows NOVEC to recover its fuel costs
from customers through a "WPCA factor," which is set by the State
Corporation Commission and charged on each customer's bill, based on
kilowatt hour usage. NOVEC is allowed to recover its costs for the
fuel used to generate electricity, such as coal, natural gas, wind,
water, nuclear, etc., through the fuel factor.
Q: Will NOVEC give my name and phone number to other
companies?
A: NOVEC will not give your
telephone number to other companies. However, if you do not
“opt-out” of the mass list, other information such as your name,
address and usage information will be provided to suppliers. The
mass list is required of NOVEC by the State Corporation Commission.
There are several ways of “opt-ing out”. You can opt-out by calling
NOVEC, marking the opt-out box on your bill stub, or completing the online opt-out form. Doing this may not
prevent solicitations or prevent you from shopping for a Competitive
Service Provider.
Q: Will my Competitive Service Provider give my information to other companies?
A: A Competitive Service Provider
cannot disclose information to other companies without your
authorization for the disclosure, or unless the information is
already in the public domain. However, a CSP is not restricted from
disclosing credit and payment information that is currently
permitted by federal and state statutes.
Q: Will the State Corporation Commission give out prices?
A: A
customer interested in shopping for a new Competitive Service
Provider (CSP) should contact individual CSPs to determine their
service offerings. Customers should ask CSPs for information on
prices, contracts, sources of generation/supply and emissions. This
will allow you to compare the offerings of different CSPs.
Q: Do I have to switch from NOVEC?
A: No. You do not have to select a
CSP, you can remain a customer of NOVEC at currently authorized
rates.
Q: Can I go back to NOVEC after choosing a provider?
A: Yes. You may return to NOVEC at any time
by contacting NOVEC.
Q: Can I leave NOVEC completely?
A: NOVEC will continue to
deliver power to your home or business whether or not you select a
competitive service provider.
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