Utility companies

[Howard]

With gas and electric deregulation here, what are good utility companies to deal with. What type of pricing (kwh and dcf) can I expect. Is it worth the hastle to switch suppliers?

[PeterH]

Gas deregulation has been an absolute disaster here in Georgia. Best I can recommend from all the nonsense we've been putting up with is to stick with your local carrier. There were over 50 marketeers that was quickly whittled down to about 8, and of those, 3 have gone under already. The clear winner is the spin-off marketer from the local monopoly.

I bought my store a year ago. The previous owner had Reliant Energy out of Houston. I kept them and they have been very good to me so far.

All talks of further deregulating utilities in GA has been put on perma-hold because of the gas fiasco. That said, the local power company has also been very good to me, and I probably wouldn't switch if I had the option.

-ph

[TKLaundry]

I signed a three year contract with what is now Metromedia Energy Northeast when gas prices were at their lowest last summer. I have had no problem at all and best of all, I saved a bundle when gas and other fuel prices went through the roof last winter, I was still locked into the rate I signed onto and from reports that I am hearing this winter gas prices are supposed to be higher than at any other time in recent history.

Dave