Your electric bill has two parts; supply and delivery. Thanks to electricity deregulation most Mainers may keep their utility, yet choose their supply company. In his June 14 letter to the editor Gerard Chasse suggests that energy choice is bad for Maine. We disagree.

Many consumers understand that electricity prices can vary. Some like the notion of rate security and elect to choose a longer term, fixed rate. Others prefer a short-term rate, playing the market, taking advantage of the lower shoulder seasons. Electricity choice makes this possible. It isn’t all that different from those who prefer to lock in oil prices instead of paying daily cash prices. The standard offer is an option, but does not meet the needs of all Mainers.

Like other deregulated states, Maine has strengthened consumer laws around choice. Issues such as variable rates, renewal process and how supply companies communicate with consumers have gained a good deal of attention by the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Maine-owned Electricity Maine, a competitive electricity supplier, applauds the PUC’s efforts and participated in discussions around these issues. Ironically, the “de-regulated” electricity market is a heavily regulated industry. Supply companies operate by the same consumer laws as the utilities; in addition our industry has its own set of state regulations.

Deregulation is still in its infancy. Most would agree that an open marketplace with consumer choice is preferred over a monopolistic environment. Can businesses with less than righteous intentions attempt to enter the market? Yes, however strong consumer protections do exist and will win out.

Consumers do not have to pick a supply company. Does electricity choice require consumers to research and understand their rights and responsibilities? Yes. Is electricity choice partly responsible for lower electricity rates? Yes. Is electricity choice good for Maine? Yes.

William Fessenden

Electricity Maine provider power

Auburn