Harrisburg, Pa. – (March 2, 2021) – The Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA), the nation’s leading trade association representing competitive retail energy suppliers, applauds the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for its milestone anniversary celebrating 25 years of retail energy choice, putting the power of choice in the hands of consumers and giving them greater control of their electric bills and products.
The Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act of 1996 officially opened the state’s retail power market. As a result of the historic legislation, more than 1.7 million Pennsylvania electricity customers are now served by competitive suppliers. With more than 200 licensed retail suppliers in the Commonwealth that compete to provide energy products and services to local households, churches, schools, businesses and manufacturers, not only do individuals get a choice – but it has also created thousands of jobs for Pennsylvania workers.
“Millions of electricity customers have made their own choices on their suppliers and have saved money, purchased renewable products and explored innovative new offers and plans,” said Tony Cusati, the chair of Pennsylvania at RESA. “Although these are impressive numbers, it only represents 24% of the eligible customers that can shop for a competitive energy provider. Our goal is to continue to educate consumers on the various plans and options that are available to them so they can make the best choice for their needs and individual energy circumstances.”
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) created the PAPowerSwitch.com website which provides information on licensed suppliers, products, various plans and more to help consumers decide what works best for their own individual needs. RESA strongly supports the efforts of the PUC to educate consumers on various plans and options so they can choose what is best for their circumstance.
RESA will be hosting a webinar on March 9 that will focus on several aspects of the retail choice program over its 25-year journey in Pennsylvania. Former Chairman of the Pennsylvania PUC, Rob Powelson, will be the keynote speaker at the event. After his remarks, he will moderate a panel of industry experts to discuss the history and intent behind the passage of this legislation, consumer protections developed by the Commission, suppliers’ role in the retail marketplace, how consumers can shop and compare offers, Pennsylvania’s triumph of market-based public policy, and more.
The event is free to attend, however registration is required no later than March 8. To sign up, please visit the webinar Eventbrite page.
ABOUT RESA
The Retail Energy Supply Association is a broad and diverse group of retail energy suppliers who share the common vision that competitive retail energy markets deliver a more efficient, customer-oriented outcome than a regulated utility structure. RESA is devoted to working with all stakeholders to promote vibrant and sustainable competitive retail energy markets for residential, commercial and industrial consumers. For more information visit: www.resausa.org. Follow RESA on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
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