Shop for deregulated electricity plans
Compare electricity rates in your area at no cost with the independent American Energy Choice marketplace. Energy deregulation gives you the power to choose the electricity compare that provides energy to your home or business. This leads to more competition between providers and cheaper electricity rates for you.
What you’ll find on this page
Click on a section to skip directly to it:
- Compare deregulated energy states
- Find electricity rates in your area
- Shopping for an electricity plan with American Energy Choice
- Understand electricity plans and options
- No deposit and prepaid electricity plans
- Electricity providers and utility companies
- Deregulated natural gas rates
- Frequently asked questions
- Can I move my electric service?
- How do I switch my energy provider?
- Will I need to pay a deposit?
- Does American Energy Choice run a credit check?
- Energy buying resources
Compare deregulated energy states
Across the country, many states benefit from deregulated energy markets. Electricity providers in deregulated areas compete for your business by offering cheaper energy rates and electricity promotions.
Consider what deregulation has meant in Texas. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration:
- Texas residential electricity rates are 10 percent lower than the national average.
- Texas commercial electricity rates are nearly 23 percent lower than the national average.
- Texas industrial electricity rates are nearly 16 percent lower than the national average.
These are the results for just one state – but energy consumers across the country can profit from deregulation. Currently, eleven states and the District of Columbia can shop for energy plans and rates in deregulated markets.
If you are shopping for a new electricity plan or a lower electric rate, American Energy Choice can make the process easy. With our independent, unaffiliated marketplace, you can shop and compare energy plans in your area at no cost. Find your state on this page or enter your ZIP code to get started.
Find electricity rates in your area
Electricity rates vary based on several factors, including location, seasonality, the weather, and energy demand in your area. Energy prices are normally more expensive in the summer or winter when temperatures are extreme and demand is higher. You could secure a low electricity rate if you shop at an off-peak time of year, like the spring or fall.
The average price for electricity in the U.S. is 13.85 cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh). As of September 2021, Idaho had the lowest residential electric rate of 9.95 cents per kWh. Hawaii had the highest electric rate averaging 32.74 ¢/kWh.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to lock in a lower rate with the American Energy Choice marketplace. Compare and shop among the best providers in your area in a matter of minutes. To begin, enter your ZIP code above and we will show you a list of all the available electricity rates near you. From there, you can filter for what matters most to you and easily compare your options.
Shopping for an electricity plan with American Energy Choice
The American Energy Choice marketplace allows you to compare low electricity rates and top providers in your area so you can find an energy plant to fit your needs – all at no additional cost. Filter by what’s important to you and sign up in minutes. The shopping process can be boiled down to three easy steps.
- Enter your ZIP code above. We’ll show you today’s cheap electricity rates in your neighborhood. We get paid by our partners so you can shop for free.
- Choose a plan. Once you’ve found the right fit, sign up online or over the phone. Need some guidance? Give one of our energy experts a call and they’ll be happy to help.
- Enjoy your new energy rate. Your utility company will handle the switch for you. You shouldn’t experience any power interruptions.
Understand electricity plans and options
The most common types of plans you’ll encounter while shopping on our marketplace include:
- Fixed-rate plans. Under a fixed-rate plan, you will be charged the same electricity rate for every kWh of energy you use for your entire contract/ These plans are great for consumers who want stability and protection against energy rate changes.
- Variable-rate plans. With a variable-rate plan, the rate you are charged changes based on fluctuations in the energy market. These plans are much more susceptible to seasonal changes, but can offer cheaper rates during off-peak periods.
Term lengths
Electricity plan term lengths depend on the type of plan and provider you choose. Common terms include month-to-month, 12-month, and 24-month options. There are some plans with contracts lasting as long as 36 months.
- Month-to-month terms are normally only available for variable-rate plans. These give you the flexibility to switch to a new plan whenever you want.
- 12-month terms are great for renters with year-long leases or consumers who don’t want to be tied to a contract for more than one year. You don’t have to shop frequently, but still have some flexibility when you need it.
- 24- and 36-month terms are only available at fixed rates and offer stability for consumers who want to “set and forget” their electric service.
No deposit and prepaid electricity plans
For customers with low credit scores or shoppers who want to avoid paying a deposit, the American Energy Choice marketplace includes no deposit and pay-as-you-go energy plans. Many of these plans offer same-day connection, so you get the lights turned on in no time.
To shop prepaid and no deposit energy plans, enter your ZIP code above and use the filter tool to narrow down your choices. You can also visit our no deposit page for more details.
Electricity providers and utility companies
In deregulated markets, energy providers (also called suppliers or ESCOs in some states) generate and sell electricity to customers. Utility companies deliver energy to your home or business and maintain the power lines. This means utility companies are in charge of restoring power when there is an outage.
American Energy Choice works with top providers across the country to show you a variety of electricity plans in one place. We only allow trusted providers on our marketplace, so you can get reliable and affordable electric service no matter which provider you choose. To learn more about the providers you will find on our marketplace, visit our energy providers page.
Deregulated natural gas rates
Natural gas is also deregulated in some states, including California, Massachusetts, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Illinois. If you are interested in natural gas rates, visit our natural gas page and enter your ZIP code on that page to find rates in your area.
Frequently asked questions about energy shopping
Can I move my electric service?
Yes – most electricity companies allow customers who are moving to transfer their plan and service to their new home. In many states, you can shop for a new energy plan prior to your move if you want to switch plans. The details of moving your electric service depends on where you live, so visit your state page to learn the specifics.
How do I switch my energy provider?
Switching energy providers is easier than it may seem. First, if you are under a contract, you’ll need to find out if you will be charged an early termination fee. You can find this information on your plan’s electricity facts label (EFL). Next, enter your ZIP code above. We’ll show you plans in your area and you can filter and compare to find the right option for your energy needs. From there, we’ll help you sign up for your new plan and your provider will make the transition in your service.
Will I need to pay a deposit?
Possibly. Each energy provider on our marketplace sets a different credit threshold and if you fall below this threshold they may require a deposit. When you shop with us, we’ll let you know if you have to pay a deposit for the provider you choose. We can also help you find no deposit options that you can compare to your original choice. Visit our deposits guide to learn more.
Does American Energy Choice run a credit check?
Yes, we run a soft credit check – the kind that doesn’t affect your credit score – and we only run it once. The providers we work with require a credit check before they will offer service. Credit checks are a normal part of the electricity shopping process and allow providers to determine whether you will need to pay a deposit. We’ll check your score for all of the providers on our marketplace so you can find the best rate. Visit our deposits guide for more information about the credit check process.
Energy buying resources
Looking for some extra reading? We’ve compiled several resources to help make the energy buying process easier. See some of our guides and helpful pages below:
- Looking for a no deposit energy plan? See our deposits page.
- Switching energy providers is easy. Visit our switching page to learn more.
- Our comprehensive energy buying guide can help answer your questions.
- Learn how to read your energy bill with our guide.
- Do you have more questions? See our frequently asked questions page.