Shopping for a new electricity plan is relatively straightforward. Still, when you’re in a deregulated area the process of finding a new energy supplier can become overwhelming, considering the vast number of providers available.  

And with each supplier comes a range of plans, many of which look comparable when first skimming the highlights. If you need more clarity on the best way to start searching for the right supplier, the first step is research, beginning with becoming familiar with what it means to be included in a deregulated location. Learn how to choose an energy supplier at https://www.aenett.no/english/Choice-of–energy-supplier/. 

How Does Deregulation with Electricity Work 

In areas where electricity is deregulated, consumers can choose who supplies the energy for their property. This means you have a vast number of companies from whom to search, companies that sell power supplies, referred to as “electric suppliers” or “electricity providers.” 

That doesn’t mean you can change your utility service. This company is a local office assigned to you specifically to maintain the power lines, electric meters, utility poles, and overall infrastructure in your location. These are the representatives that consumers rely on for electricity delivery. 

The supplier is the entity responsible for supplying the power that runs through the utility company’s power lines.  

The bottom line with deregulation is either selecting a different electricity provider or sticking with your utility as the resource. Still, the only way you’ll see the cheapest electricity contract or billigst strømavtale is to shop around to see where the best deal is available. 

Do You Need a New Provider, or Are You Looking for A Plan

When trying to reduce your electricity prices, it’s important to discern whether you need to change the electric supplier or if you need to change your plan. If you’re shopping for a company, it’s important to pay attention: 

1. Primarily consumer support, a critical component of working with an electric company
2. Public Utility Commission reviews 
3. Years in the industry 

When looking for the best plan, it will determine the amount paid for electricity per kWh. If your primary goal is to choose the best supplier, it’s wise to also pay close attention to their plans. The two should go hand-in-hand. 

The Fundamentals of an Electricity Plan 

An electricity plan is more than the rate you pay for the electricity. Many people consider the price of electricity per kWh. The plan will serve as a contract between the consumer and the supplier indicating the provider will supply electricity to your property. These typically include the following details: 

1. The rate of electricity per kilowatt hour: In most locations this represents the energy supply cost. In some areas, the marketed rates are the average cost based on usage, including delivery and energy. 
2. Plan type: Will the rate be indexed, variable, or fixed
3. Contract term: How long is the price valid? This also equals your commitment to the company. 
4. Cancellation charges: If the contract is canceled before the term date, is there an early cancellation fee? 
5. Renewable: Is the plan 100 percent renewable? 
6. Value features: These can be anything from no-deposits, prepaid plans, rewards programs, or a programmable thermostat

Consider these few key points when shopping to find the cheapest electricity supplier. Go here for details on switching energy providers in Norway. 

• The plan’s contract length 

When choosing a plan with a reputable supplier, you can select a plan that will renew every month, choose a long-term plan that can lock in for years, or find one that’s middle of the road. 

1. Long-term: With a long-term plan that exceeds 12 months, the supplier will attach more extensive early cancellation fees; however, these electricity plans often offer consumers the cheapest rates and the best value. 
2. Short-term: Plans range from 12 months and below are relatively common. Most consumers prefer to keep the plan within a time frame that they can opt out without incurring penalties. A year is a short time to wait to change to a new supplier. 
3. Monthly: Month-to-month is risky because the rates can change from one month to the next sometimes drastically if you’re not locked in at a fixed rate. It’s only real reason to take a month-to-month plan if you’re on a potential leave where you could be moving at any moment. 

When choosing the supplier with the cheapest rates, you’ll want to lock in at those rates or take a chance with variable rates: 

1. Fixed-rate: Regardless of the contract term, the fixed rate will lock you into that electricity per kilowatt hour for the entire contract length. 
2. Variable: Month-to-month contracts are usually variable, meaning the rates will fluctuate based on the electricity costs and the suppliers’ discretion. 
3. Indexed plans: These are also a sort of variable plan but are tied to an index like the cost of natural gas. Plans based on “time of use” will also be seen as index plans, such as “free nights/weekends.” 

It’s important not to take a contract as the first skim over and not read it more carefully. You really must pay attention to the agreement provided by a new supplier including the fine print, which is where the critical details are.  

Some outlines can look good on paper until you get into the details; it takes careful consideration and checking for added fees attached to the plan or incentives. If you’re confident, you can sign on and will have a few days to change your mind after thinking about it.  

It would help you to be confident in your final decision before agreeing to a new supplier. When shopping for a provider, the ultimate goal is to save money on your electricity prices. While you want the cheapest prices available, you also prefer quality service, excellent customer support, and benefits from the service. 

Final Thought 

The common myth associated with changing to a new electricity supplier is that your local utility company will no longer service your property.  

It doesn’t matter which provider supplies your electricity; your utility company is assigned to you and will continue to service your utility needs, whether there’s a power outage or a disruption in your service for any reason.