Watch an informational webinar.
Learn more about retail choice, your utility bill and how to use this site to switch energy suppliers. Dates for additional live webinars are coming soon. Please contact us if you have any specific questions not addressed in the webinar.
Know your rights.
As a utility consumer in D.C., you have a number of rights and responsibilities. The Consumer Bill of Rights from the Public Service Commission outlines these and serves as a guide for all retail supplier interactions.Understand your utility bill.
Like most energy customers, you look at your energy bill to find out what you need to pay each month. But do you really know what services you are paying for? Use our guide to better understand your bill and make an informed choice when switching suppliers.Responding to solicitations from retail suppliers.
Some competitive energy suppliers promote their services and rates through door-to-door salespersons or telemarketers. All representatives must comply with the Consumer Bill of Rights which sets specific guidelines for these interactions:
- Energy suppliers may not engage in any unlawful, misleading or deceptive marketing, advertising solicitation or trade practices.
- Solicitations at your door can only be between 9 a.m. and sunset.
- Solicitations over the phone can only be between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- Energy suppliers can’t engage in cramming or slamming and they must advice consumers of their right to cancel.
- Consumers should be provided a contact number for the supplier in order to cancel or ask follow-up questions.
- Consumers have a right to request not to be contacted by the energy supplier.
You should not provide account numbers or other personal information until after you’ve decided to become a customer of a supplier. Avoid making “on-the-spot” decisions and remember to research the supplier as well as their offer terms and conditions.