National Grid rate increase

[chic]

National Grid is increasing rates by 37% in my state which translates to about $33. + or so per month or more. My current bill is double what last month's bill was.

Has anyone had success changing electric companies? How do you do this? What is required and what can you expect? Is it really more cost efficient or is that all a lie?

 

[metasegue]

I think the only option any of us have is to go "Off grid". Alternate electrical power can be cost efficient...depending on where you live and the resources available. Rural areas in the western "Sun" states can do it easily with new film photovoltaic setups. In low light, small steam or diesel generators in conjunction with batteries can be effective. Cities are more problematic...energy co ops can be formed for economic leverage but no alternative public supply will be available till technology catches up with reality.

 

[Ralphy1]

It seems that we may see a big jumb in January. I will not suffer as much as I have gas heat (also thought to be going up) as a lady friend who has electric heat. No alternative to National Grid unless you heat with wood. We did that back in the seventies and are too old to do it now...

 

[oldman]

My neighbor wanted me to sign with a company called Ambit Energy. They guarantee a minimum savings of 3% per month shown right on your monthly bill. You still have the same supplier and get your service from the same company and the bill also comes from the same supplier you have now. On the bill is your total for energy costs for the month then they deduct a minimum of 3% and then add the taxes. I passed on the deal just because it wasn't appealing enough. He told me that after he had 15 customers signed up that he would receive his gas and electric for free. I don't know how this all works. I don't believe that they are able to sell all over the U.S.

http://ww2.ambitenergy.com/