If you choose to buy your energy supply from an Alternative Electric Supplier, here is
a step-by-step action plan for you to follow:
- Identify and understand your electric supply needs - Look at your electric
supply use and understand how it affects your overall business operations. If you need
information on your energy use, call Customer Service
at 877-444-0888.
- Determine if you are eligible to participate in the Electric Customer Choice
program - There are some guidelines that may prevent a customer from choosing a
different supplier right away. These include, but are not limited to:
- A customer must satisfy any past due balance with the utility prior to taking service from an AES under the RAST tariff.
- Identify if there are any Alternative Electric Suppliers available to you
- An Alternative Electric Supplier is someone other than your local utility who buys
electricity for your use from another generator. A list of licensed suppliers available
in the state is on the Michigan Public Service Commission's website. To see if a supplier
is certified with WPS, call Customer Service
at 877-444-0888.
- Determine what the best electric supply option is for you - If you choose to
stay with WPS, you do nothing. If you find an
Alternative Electric Supplier to serve you and you want to switch, you will need to set
terms and sign a contract with that supplier. Be certain to compare the total costs for
the same supply services from each company you consider. Remember your delivery service
remains with your local utility. Your Alternative Electric Supplier will submit a 'switch
request' to WPS.
- Confirm switch request and metering requirements - WPS
will validate the switch request, determine if special
metering is required, set a switch date and notify you and the Alternative Electric
Supplier of the pending switch.
- Alternative Electric Supplier supplies electricity to you - WPS
continues to deliver electricity to you.
- Alternative Electric Supplier bills you for your electric supply service -
WPS bills you for electric distribution service.
Return/change to supplier
A customer must notify their current electric supplier if they wish to change AES's or return to the
utility. Their current supplier must submit a 'drop request'
form, which will be validated by WPS. Metering and billing services will
be changed accordingly. An Alternative Electric Supplier may also withdraw from the market,
forcing a customer to switch to a different AES or return to the utility.
