The Best Power Providers in Connecticut 2024

Connecticut is one of the few states in the country with a deregulated energy market. If you live in the area, you have the power to choose among various Connecticut electric suppliers. Both residential and business customers can benefit from energy deregulation, which promotes competition. Competing suppliers try to offer the best Connecticut electricity rates to attract customers. As such, consumers get to save on their utility expenses.

However, choosing the electric supplier that fits your needs isn’t always easy. To lessen the hassle of researching the different power companies, just enter your zip code. You’ll then be able to view the Connecticut energy companies in your area. 

Connecticut Electric Suppliers

Because of energy deregulation, you can get your energy supply from among the various electric suppliers in the area. You may want to switch to a new provider or electricity plan to lower your energy bill. Or you may have just moved to Connecticut and want to find the best company to work with. 

Here are some of the energy suppliers known to most Connecticut electricity customers. If you want to know more about them, enter your zip code on Electricrate’s website for additional details. 

Clearview Energy

Clearview Energy is one company that takes the problem of global warming seriously. To help hold back the planet’s warming trend, it focuses on providing electricity sourced from wind, solar and hydro. Its 100% green electricity plans to aid in the reduction of the energy sector’s carbon footprints. What’s more, Clearview Energy Rewards gives you dollars for every month you remain the company’s customer.

Constellation

Constellation is an energy company that provides electricity supply, renewable energy plans, and natural gas. It also offers energy management products to homes and businesses across the country. It currently serves about 2 million customers coming from the residential and business sectors. Constellation has a range of energy plans that can help lower your electricity bill. 

Direct Energy

If you’re looking to manage your utility expenses, then Direct Energy might be the company for you. It is one of the largest energy providers in the U.S., serving close to 5 million customers. Aside from offering electricity plans with competitive rates, Direct Energy also provides tools that will help you achieve energy efficiency. Such a move typically leads to energy savings. 

ENGIE Resources

Are you a business power consumer? Then ENGIE Resources can be your go-to option for energy services in Connecticut. The company has been providing electric power to business and industrial customers since 2002. Whatever the size of your business, you can count on ENGIE Resources to answer your needs. 

NextEra Energy Services

Plans with fixed rates let you predict the price of your electric bill. This helps you plan your expenses. For fixed-rate commercial electricity plans, you won’t go wrong in choosing NextEra Energy Services. This company is one of the country’s top electricity providers. It’s also an industry leader in the renewable energy sector, being the world’s largest generator of energy coming from the sun and wind. 

Public Power

This company is a subsidiary of Crius Energy. Founded in 2008, Public Power provides electricity and natural gas services to residents in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Connecticut. It has a portfolio of plans with varying contract lengths. Most of these plans have no enrollment fees. 

Think Energy

Think Energy is a power company for those who want affordable fixed-price electricity. Aside from offering competitive rates, it also lets you choose between a traditional or 100% renewable electricity supply. In addition, Think Energy is tops when it comes to customer service. 

XOOM Energy

One of the leading providers of energy solutions, XOOM Energy offers various plans. These include fixed rates, variable rates, and renewable energy plans. On top of their affordable rates, XOOM Energy gives you additional perks. One example of this is the XOOM Xtras, a loyalty program that rewards you for being a customer. 

Connecticut Energy Rates

Because of deregulation, you have the option of exploring the various rates offered by different energy suppliers. You can enter your zip code to find out what options you have regarding power rates and plans. 

Compare Eversource Energy Electricity Rates

The utility Eversource Energy works with energy suppliers operating in its area. Each power provider has an electricity plan with a corresponding rate and contract length. Here are some of the plans offered in Connecticut. 

Compare United Illuminating Electricity Rates

Like Eversource Energy, United Illuminating also collaborates with various energy providers to bring electric power to your home.

Factors That Affect Electricity Rates

The price of your electricity doesn’t depend on your consumption alone. Other factors can contribute to the amount you need to set aside every month for your power costs.   

Fuels

Burning fossil fuels is the traditional way of generating electric power. Unfortunately, fossil fuel prices are extremely volatile, dipping or surging depending on various influences. Electricity rates usually follow the trend that fossil fuel prices take.  

Power Plant Prices

Power plants are needed to produce electricity. But building these plants is an expensive endeavor. The same holds for their operation and maintenance. To recoup the capital outlay, the costs of constructing, operating, and maintaining the power plants are factored into the price of electricity. 

Transmission and Distribution Area System

The transmission and distribution of electricity also require a huge sum. For example, the power lines that bring the generated electricity to your home need to be constructed and maintained. The local utility also has to repair the damages caused by extreme weather or other incidents. The costs affect the electricity rates you get billed for. 

Area Regulations

In regulated energy markets, area regulations dictate the price of electric power. However, in areas under deregulation, competition drives power prices. That’s one of the reasons why you may have a lower energy bill than those who live in states with regulated energy markets.

Weather Conditions

Extreme weather can drive up the demand for electricity. Scorching summers, for example, typically lead to increased operations of air conditioning units. Meanwhile, freezing winters will require intensive use of heaters or furnaces.  

Types of Electricity Plans in  Connecticut

How much you save on your power bills depends on still another factor: your electricity plan. Now, there are various types of these plans. The contract length, as well as the per kWh rate, differs for each one. Picking the one that suits your usage level and pattern will help you save money on your power expenses. 

Fixed-Rate Plans

Most consumers prefer this type of plan. That’s because with fixed-rates plans the amount you pay each month stays the same for the duration of the contract. Even if electricity prices surge in the power market, your per kWh rate won’t change. The downside of this plan type? You’ll likely need to pay an early termination fee if you switch away from the plan before the contract’s end. 

Variable-Rate Plans

With a variable-rate plan, the per kWh rate you pay is tied to the price of electricity in the market. Because electricity prices fluctuate constantly, your bill also changes from month to month. 

No-Deposit Plans

You may not have an excellent credit score or simply want to avoid the hassle of a credit check. The answer? A no-deposit electricity plan. With this plan type, you don’t need to put down a deposit to get electricity service. Instead, you place a specified amount into your account and you top it up as you use up the balance. 

Renewable Energy Plans

Connecticut is one of the many states in the country that has embraced green energy. If you’re an advocate for the environment, you can opt for a renewable energy plan. This plan type offers electricity coming from renewable sources. Alternatively, some companies offer renewable energy certificates. 

Energy Suppliers vs. Utility Companies

States with deregulated power markets have two types of companies: utility companies and energy suppliers. The utility company takes charge of maintaining the electric infrastructure like power lines and poles. It also delivers electric power to your home from your energy supplier. You contact the utility company in case of power outages. Connecticut has two power utilities. These are Eversource Energy and United and United Illuminating. 

Meanwhile, the energy supplier provides the electricity your home needs. You can choose your electricity supplier in Connecticut and you have over 125 options. These include Direct Energy, Public Power, Constellation, and Clearview Energy. 

Connecticut  Energy Deregulation

The Connecticut electricity market got deregulated in May 1992. Because of this, residents can choose to buy electricity from their utility or an independent power supplier. To attract customers, the power companies strive to offer the best rates and services, which is beneficial to electric consumers.   

Connecticut Electric Market

At the start of the new millennium, Connecticut deregulated its energy market. This led to a competitive marketplace that benefited power consumers. The state experienced tremendous growth and success with electricity deregulation. With energy suppliers competing for business, residential and commercial customers find switching a breeze.  

Aside from the convenience of having several options regarding power suppliers, deregulation also helped consumers lower their electricity expenses. That’s especially true since suppliers try their best to lower electricity prices as much as they can. 

How To Look for the Best Energy Plan?

With so many power companies vying for your attention, it can be challenging to find the one that fits your situation and budget. Here are some tips that may make the task less daunting. 

• Enter your zip code: We’ve compiled a list of electricity plans, rates and providers that cover your zip code area. 
• Browse the different energy plans: Each plan and energy company has something different to offer. You’re sure to find one that matches your needs. 
• Pick an energy plan: After you’ve made your choice, sign up. You can do it online or over the phone. An energy expert is available to answer your questions and help you make the right choice. 
• Enjoy the plan you picked: Once you’ve signed up, your new power provider will handle the switch.  

How To Find the Best Electric Supplier?

Of course, you’ll want to get the best electric supplier to provide your energy needs. Keep in mind what matters to you when you search for a company to work with. Here are some tips.

• The company’s background: How long have they been in business? What are their goals? Do those goals align with yours? 
• The energy plans the company offers: Does it have green energy plans in its portfolio? Does it concentrate on fixed-rate plans or variable rate ones? Do the plans require a deposit? 
• The reviews about the company: What do the company’s customers say about the service? Does it receive many complaints? What’s its BBB rating? 

How To Switch Your Electric Supplier?

Switching away from your current supplier won’t be a problem. But first, check if you can find a better alternative in your zip code area. Browse through the various company’s websites to check for rates and other pertinent information. When you’ve found the one that matches your requirements, give the company a call. You can sign up through the phone or on their website. 

About Connecticut

Connecticut lies in the southern region of the country. It is the third smallest state in terms of area and the fourth most densely populated, serving as home to over 3.5 million people. Although it’s a thriving business center, it’s also a perfect vacation getaway as it boasts pristine beaches and historic village greens. 

Popular ZIP Codes

If you’re thinking of moving to Connecticut, you’ll want to know which zip code areas are considered the best places to live. Here are the top five choices. 

• Cheshire: 06410
• East Granby: 06026
• Glastonbury: 06073
• Columbia: 06237
• Haddam: 06438

Living and Moving to Connecticut

Most residents will tell you that living in Connecticut is a wonderful experience. And because of the state’s deregulated electricity, you can pick your energy provider. That means you’ll have more control over your energy expenses. 

Before moving to your new home, check out the different energy companies to compare their electricity plans and rates. 

FAQs

Conclusion

Because of energy deregulation, you can enjoy the best rates and services in Connecticut when it comes to your electricity. Still, you’ll have to do your part. A little research will go a long way in helping you shave a few cents off your electricity bills. Those cents add up and can eventually lead to a substantial sum, which you can use for other needs. 

Updated on 06-05-23