1 min read · Reviewed September 2026
Two companies, one bill
In a deregulated market, your utility still owns the poles and wires, reads the meter, and restores power after a storm. A separate retail supplier sells you the electricity itself. You choose the supplier; you never choose the utility.
What you can and cannot change
Switching suppliers changes the supply rate on your bill. It does not change your delivery charges, your meter, your reliability, or who shows up when a line goes down.
- You can change: the rate per kWh, contract term, and renewable mix
- You cannot change: delivery charges, the utility, or outage response
- There is no interruption of service when you switch
Where energy choice exists
Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, and Rhode Island all offer some level of residential choice. Enter your ZIP and ScoutRoo will tell you immediately whether your address qualifies.
Questions people ask
Will my lights go out when I switch?
No. The switch happens on your next meter read and nothing physical changes at your home.
How do I know if my area is deregulated?
Enter your ZIP code. If your market has a single regulated utility, we will say so instead of showing plans.
Electricity is a separate ScoutRoo service from home internet. Rates shown are illustrative market averages — confirm terms on the supplier's facts label before enrolling.