Your Energy Consumer Rights

All customers deserve to be treated fairly. As such, if you are having problems with your energy bill or electric company, you need to know your rights as an energy consumer. There are differing laws in different states; however, some rights are common across all states. Here are a few examples.

Shut-off Protection

A common energy consumer right is the protection from energy shut-off during extreme seasons like winter and summer. During these months, energy companies are prohibited from turning off your electricity even if you are behind on your payments.

Disconnection Notice

As an energy consumer, you have the right to be notified by the energy company before your power can be disconnected. This is very similar to shut-off protection and is designed to provide energy consumers with the ability to seek out help to pay their bills instead of coldly shutting off power.

Payment Plans

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, your utility may offer payment plans designed to make it easier for you to pay. Check with your local utility company to see if there are such payment plans in your area.

Estimated Bills

At times, energy bills are charged based on an educated estimate of your energy usage. However, if you feel that the estimate you receive is inaccurate, you can have your energy meter read to ascertain the correct amount of energy you have used. You can check your meter yourself or have a meter test done by a trained professional. Check out Energy.gov to learn how to read your electric meter.

Complaint process

If you have a problem with your energy company, you should know that you can file a complaint with the company, generally through their customer service department. They will likely reach out to you and attempt to resolve the situation.

If you’re in Ohio and have further questions about your rights as an energy consumer—or if you’re just looking to exercise your right to choose and get great energy rates and service—we invite you to learn more about Star Energy Partners today!