Connecticut’s deregulated energy market drives competition among providers. What does this mean for consumers? Energy customers get to choose their providers based on preference. Since these companies set the energy rates, many consumers commit to providers based on their prices, helping them save on their Hartford electric bills.

Once you sign with a provider, they’ll send your energy to your utility. Utilities are distribution companies. They operate in designated service areas by maintaining power lines and responding to outages. In Hartford, Eversource is your utility, and you can contact this company directly when you see a downed line or experience an outage.

Market rates fluctuate all the time for various reasons. A low offer today may not be a low rate next month. Before you start comparing market rates, find out when your existing contract ends to determine a start date for your new service.

When you sign a new agreement, you’ll commit to a fixed rate or a variable rate product. Fixed rates are set prices for a specific period, while variable rates can change each month based on the market.