From March 1–7, 2026, organizations across the country will observe National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a nationwide initiative led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that encourages consumers to learn about their rights, recognize scams, and make informed financial decisions.
The importance of consumer awareness in energy markets continues to grow. According to new FTC data, Americans reported more than $12.5 billion in fraud losses in 2024, an increase of 25% from the previous year.
While NCPW often focuses on financial scams and fraud prevention, consumer protection is equally important in other sectors, especially energy. In the United States, only 13 states and the District of Columbia currently allow residential consumers to choose an electricity or natural gas supplier, giving customers in those markets the opportunity to compare plans and select the energy products that best meet their needs.
For the Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA), ensuring consumers understand their energy choices and the protections that support them is essential to maintaining a transparent and competitive marketplace.
Why Consumer Protection Matters in Competitive Energy Markets
Across the U.S., millions of consumers can choose their electricity or natural gas supplier instead of purchasing energy solely from a monopoly provider. In competitive energy markets, retail suppliers compete to offer products that align with customer priorities, whether that means predictable pricing, renewable energy options, or innovative plans designed to help manage their energy usage.
Energy choice offers consumers flexibility. But also requires transparency. Customers need clear information about rates, contract terms, and billing practices so they can confidently compare options and select a plan that works for their home or business.
RESA supports policies that promote transparent pricing, fair competition, and strong consumer protection in competitive markets. These safeguards help ensure that consumers can explore their options with confidence while maintaining trust in the marketplace.
Key Consumer Protections in Retail Energy
Consumers shopping for electricity or natural gas plans benefit from a range of protections designed to ensure fairness and transparency in retail energy markets.
Clear and Transparent Pricing
Energy suppliers are required to disclose important details about their pricing structures before a consumer enrolls in a plan. This includes whether the rate is fixed or variable, how long the rate will be in place, and if there are additional fees, such as early termination charges. Reviewing the terms and conditions helps consumers understand exactly what they are signing up for.
Access to Competitive Choices
In states with retail energy competition, consumers can compare plans offered by licensed retail energy suppliers, which may include fixed-rate plans, renewable energy products that or innovative plans. RESA provides resources that direct consumers to state-approved comparison websites where electricity and natural gas offers can be evaluated.
Oversight by Regulators
Competitive energy markets are overseen by state public utility commissions and consumer protection agencies, which enforce rules to prevent deceptive marketing practices and protect consumers from unfair treatment. Regulatory oversight helps ensure suppliers follow established standards and provide accurate information to customers.
Cooling-Off Periods and Contract Transparency
Many states provide a short cooling-off period after a consumer enrolls in a new energy contract, during which they can cancel without penalty. Reviewing renewal terms, potential rate changes, and early-termination policies can help consumers avoid surprises and make informed choices.
Protection Against Unauthorized Switching
Consumers are also protected from unauthorized changes to their energy supplier. If customers notice unexpected changes in their bill or suspect an issue with their service, they should contact their supplier first. If the matter cannot be resolved, state regulatory agencies are available to investigate and assist.
National Consumer Protection Week: A Reminder to Stay Informed
Since its launch in 1998, National Consumer Protection Week has brought together government agencies, consumer advocates, and industry organizations to provide resources that help Americans protect themselves from scams and better understand their consumer rights.
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.
These steps can help consumers make confident decisions while avoiding misunderstandings about their energy service.
Where Energy Consumers Can Choose Their Supplier
Competitive electricity markets currently operate in several states across the country, including Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and much of New England. In these regions, consumers can compare offers from retail energy suppliers in addition to their local utility.
When combined with strong consumer protections and regulatory oversight, competitive retail energy markets can deliver meaningful value, encouraging innovation, expanding product offerings, and giving customers greater control over how they procure energy.
RESA’s Commitment to Consumer Education
RESA and its member companies remain committed to supporting transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused energy markets. Competitive retail energy markets function best when consumers understand both their rights and their options. National Consumer Protection Week provides an important opportunity to reinforce those principles and highlight the tools available to help consumers make informed energy decisions.
To learn more about retail energy markets, energy choice, and consumer resources, visit resausa.org.