UNREGULATED GENERATION
With deregulation, as a consumer you’re able to go direct and choose the company that produces the energy. Your existing utility then goes to the company who buys it on your behalf to sell to you, which is an ESCO-(Energy Supply Companies) or Rep-Regional Energy Provider. They may also go to an independent energy advisor that can shop those companies for you through a bidding RFP type proposal process. Consultants weigh many factors, contracutal terms, usage premiums, and price to determine the right prodcut for the client.
REGULATED TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
The utility company is responsible for maintaining the poles, wires and pipelines, as well as respond to emergencies and power outages. The public utility regulates the transmission and distribution to ensure the safety and reliability of your utility services.