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QUESTIONS
ABOUT PRICING
Q: I called an energy supplier, and there are
no savings.
A: Although one Competitive Service
Provider's price may not provide you any
savings, you may want to continue to shop by
contacting other providers. The competitive
market may need some time to develop. In a
competitive market, offers can come and go
quickly. We encourage you to consider your
options. There may be needs and preferences,
other than price, that you may want to consider
when shopping for an energy provider since you
now have the ability to choose.
Q: What good is energy competition if there
are no savings?
A: Competition in other industries has often
brought lower prices and innovative, new
products and services. Having more control over
your buying decision allows you to buy
electricity based on what matters most to you,
whether it’s prices, renewable energy, customer
service, or a name you know.
QUESTIONS ABOUT AGGREGATION
Q: What is an Aggregator?
A: An aggregator is a person or organization
that helps create an energy-buying group. An
aggregator may be able to get lower prices or
other benefits for the group and its members.
Energy buying groups may consist of existing
organizations, or new groups may be formed just
to buy energy for their members. Aggregators may
include cities and towns, non-profit
organizations and business associations.
Aggregators must be licensed by the State
Corporation Commission.
Q: Are there any special requirements for
aggregators?
A: Yes. Any group of people can combine
their electricity. However, the aggregator must
be licensed with the State Corporation
Commission before it can help buy energy for a
group's members. There are exceptions for
counties, cities and towns that aggregate for
consumers within their respective boundaries.
Q: What are the price benefits of
Aggregation?
A: The most immediate benefits of
aggregating loads may be the ability to purchase
electricity at lower prices through volume
discounts.
Q: Are there other benefits of Aggregation?
A: Yes. As the competitive market evolves,
aggregators may be able to secure valuable
services, such as energy management services,
and energy use analysis. Moreover, some
providers may offer other services with energy
supply, such as wireless paying, Internet
access, long distance service, etc.
Q: I have signed up with an aggregator. How
will I know who will be my new energy provider?
A: Prior to signing you up with the
provider, the aggregator shall provide written
notice to you with the name, toll-free number,
and address of the energy supplier.
SERVICE QUESTIONS
Q: Whom do I call if I have an outage?
A: NOVEC will continue to respond to service
problems or safety issues. We continue to own
and maintain the lines that carry energy to your
home or business.
Q: Can a provider terminate services?
A: Although a Competitive Service Provider
cannot have your electricity physically
disconnected, it can terminate your service for
certain reasons such as non-payment. If this
occurs the customer can select another
Competitive Service Provider or obtain
electricity from NOVEC. (Please note, that if
services are being terminated for non-payment,
the CSP will notify the customer within 15
days.)
Q: What is Slamming?
A: Slamming is switching your electricity
service without your permission.
Q: What is Cramming?
A: Cramming is adding charges to your energy
bill for optional services without your
permission.
Q: How can I make sure I am not
slammed/crammed?
A: It should not happen since there has to
be proof that you authorized the change. If it
does happen, report it to NOVEC. Slamming and
cramming are illegal in Virginia. The State
Corporation Commission will enforce this law. If
you think you've been slammed, call the SCC
Division of Energy Regulation at 1-800-552-7945.
Q: I received a letter from a provider
thanking me for choosing them, but I did not
choose them. What do I do?
A: If this occurs the customer should call
the Competitive Service Provider to discuss the
situation. If the provider insists they were
chosen, the customer should ask the energy
provider to send you a copy of the
authorization. If the provider cannot provide
it, and you think you have been slammed, you
should contact the SCC Division of Energy
Regulation at 1-800-552-7945.
Q: I just got this letter from NOVEC
indicating I will be switched. What are they
talking about?
A: If the customer indicates they did not
sign up with a new provider, then they should
contact NOVEC to indicate that they do not
want to be switched. If you think you have been
slammed, you should contact the SCC Division of
Energy Regulation at 1-800-552-7945.
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