March 2-8 marks National Consumer Protection Week 2025, an annual initiative highlighting the importance of consumer rights, education and protection across all industries. The Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA) knows that a well-informed energy consumer is an empowered energy consumer. This week serves as a reminder for consumers to understand their rights, make informed choices, and take advantage of the benefits of competitive retail energy markets.
The Importance of Consumer Protection in Retail Energy In today’s evolving energy landscape, only consumers in 14 states or jurisdictions can choose who supplies their energy. Competition in these energy markets gives consumers the power to choose a plan and a supplier that best fits their needs, whether it’s a fixed-rate plan for price stability, a renewable energy option for sustainability, or a time-of-use plan to help save money. With these options, it’s paramount that consumers understand terms, pricing and protections that ensure fair treatment and transparency.
RESA is committed to advocating for strong consumer protections and promoting best practices that ensure a fair, transparent, and healthy competitive marketplace. National Consumer Protection Week is a timely opportunity to reinforce the tools and resources available to help consumers make informed energy choices.
Retail Energy Market Key Consumer Protections Â
As a consumer, here are some important protections you should be aware of when shopping for an energy plan:
1. Right to Clear & Transparent Pricing Energy suppliers must provide clear, upfront pricing information, including whether a rate is fixed or variable, how long the rate is guaranteed and if there are additional fees when switching. Be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions before signing up for a new plan.
2. Access to Competitive Choices Consumers in restructured markets can shop for the best energy plan that meets their individual needs. RESA encourages consumers to compare options from licensed suppliers and understand the benefits of different pricing structures. (See RESA’s list by state – scroll to the bottom – on where to shop and compare products and pricing for electricity and natural gas)
3. Consumer Protection Laws & Regulations State and federal laws are in place to prevent deceptive marketing practices and unfair treatment. Consumers should feel confident that their rights are safeguarded by regulatory bodies such as state public utility commissions and consumer advocacy organizations.
4. Cooling-Off Periods & Contract Flexibility Many states offer a cooling-off period, allowing consumers to cancel a new contract within a specific timeframe without penalty. Be sure to check the terms of your energy agreement for details on early termination fees or contract changes.
5. Ensuring Accurate Billing and Service Transfers Consumers are protected from unauthorized changes to their energy service and unexpected charges on their bills. If you have concerns, we encourage you to first contact your energy provider to resolve the issue. If the matter remains unresolved, your state’s public utility commission or consumer protection agency can provide further assistance.
How to Stay Informed & Protected
During National Consumer Protection Week, we encourage energy consumers to:
- Compare Energy Plans: Use our resources to find state-approved energy comparison websites to evaluate your options.
- Read the Fine Print: Understand contract terms, including rates, fees and length of service.
- Monitor Your Energy Bills: Check for unexpected charges and verify that your supplier matches your chosen plan.
RESA’s Commitment to Consumer Empowerment
At RESA, we advocate for strong consumer protections, transparent pricing and fair competition in all retail energy markets. Our members are dedicated to providing high-quality service and ensuring consumers have the knowledge and tools to navigate their energy choices confidently.
As we observe National Consumer Protection Week 2025, we are committed to educating consumers. For more information on energy consumer rights and tips, visit resausa.org.
