Several resources on electricity and natural gas utilities appear to use the phrases “energy providers” and “utilities” interchangeably. They are not the same, surprisingly.
Since consumers have a choice of providers in deregulated energy markets, they frequently get these terms mixed up.
A single local electricity firm will typically exist in regulated energy markets where utilities frequently own and operate all electricity. In this article we will discuss the difference between energy and utility companies and clear up the concept.
What is a utility company?
In a deregulated market, the corporation that owns and maintains the lines, wires, poles, and transformers that transport gas and electricity to homes and buildings is known as the utility. The utility is responsible for metre inspections, electricity restoration following emergencies & extreme weather, and gas leak repairs.
As a monopoly for their allocated area, the utility is regulated on what they can charge for their services in exchange for providing dependable power and maintaining the power cables.
What is an energy supplier?
An energy supplier is a company that sells or markets electricity to consumers is known as an energy or electricity provider. These names are retail electricity providers (REPs) and light and power companies.
The REPs buy energy from utility companies and resell it to customers in the residential and commercial sectors. REPs offer tariffs, plans, customer service, and bills to users.
You could select your energy provider based on the following
- who offers competitive rates
- maintains a fixed price structure
- provides the best GreenPower options
- offers an incentive for energy use reduction
Since 2000, AGL Energy has been one of Australia’s top energy providers, providing electricity, natural gas, LPG, and solar to more than 4.2+ million residential, small business, and commercial customers.
Tips to consider when choosing an energy provider
Energy providers should be chosen carefully, just like any other service provider. The regulators monitor retail energy costs; however, the costs can vary depending on the source.
One way to lower your energy bill is to select the cheapest power provider and choosing the best one for you can be made more accessible if you are aware of your rights and suppliers’ operations.
You can choose a cheaper alternative if your current energy provider is charging higher than average market rates. Keep changing until you find the ideal one.
Look for opportunities to save money and receive great offers. Make sure to compare different plans before choosing one. Choose between locking a fixed rate and keeping it flexible depending on your energy consumption.
Use search engines actively and post your requests online to find the top service providers and before choosing a plan, weigh its pros and cons.
By carefully reading all of the relevant documentation, ensure you are choosing a reputable business and read the fine print carefully.
Go for GreenPower
People interested in supporting the development of renewable energy sources are the target audience for GreenPower plans (wind, hydroelectric, solar, biomass, and geothermal). These GreenPower plans sometimes cost the same as conventional ones, so you can save money while reducing your carbon footprint.
Companies and individuals have relied on fossil fuels for energy for a long time. Fossil fuels are efficient, but cause significant environmental damage every year. Promoting economic growth and strengthening the national economy by deploying GreenPower means you may contribute to the welfare of the planet in your own small way.
Should you contact the energy provider or the utility company?
Essentially, it depends on the type of service you require.
Contact Your Utility Provider If:
- Your metre needs to be fixed.
- You have a power outage.
- You wish to report an emergency such as a gas leak, a downed power line, or another.
Contact your energy provider if:
- You want to request service at a different address.
- You wish to alter or revoke your plan.
- You have an issue with payments or billing.
