What is an energy provider?

Energy providers: Also called suppliers, retail energy providers (REPs), or energy service companies (ESCOs), energy providers sell you the energy that powers your home or business. Providers manage your account billing, electricity plan, and energy usage.

What is site energy?

You’re probably already familiar with site energy, which is the amount of heat and electricity consumed by a building as reflected in your utility bills. Looking at site energy can help you understand how the energy use for an individual building has changed over time.

Why is site energy important?

Looking at site energy can help you understand how the energy use for an individual building has changed over time. Site energy may be delivered to a building in one of two forms: primary or secondary energy. Primary energy is the raw fuel that is burned to create heat and electricity, such as natural gas or fuel oil used in onsite generation.

What is the difference between utility companies and energy providers?

Utility companies and energy providers represent two models of the energy sector. While they both offer customers electricity, there is a difference between electricity providers and utilities in the way they deal with the public. With providers, you can find a more personalized set of service plans that suit your needs as a customer.

Can you shop for an energy supplier?

Just as you shop for other products and services, you may also be able to shop for an energy supplier. With choice, energy customers from large manufacturers to residential homeowners are able to shop for energy options from a diverse group of competitive suppliers certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).

What is the purpose of electricity providers?

The purpose of electricity providers is to form a competitive market that removes the monopoly that utility companies once had over the energy sector. By purchasing energy wholesale, the providers can pass those savings onto consumers in the form of lower rates.