Question 1

What does "deregulated electricity" mean — and why isn't it in every state?

Accepted Answer

Deregulation allows customers to purchase supply from competitive providers while local utilities handle delivery. Not every state has adopted this model — it depends on state legislation and market structure. In deregulated states, you choose your supplier. In regulated states, the utility controls both supply and delivery.

Question 2

If I switch providers, who keeps the lights on?

Accepted Answer

Your local Transmission & Distribution Utility — companies like Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, and TNMP. They maintain the grid, respond to outages, and deliver power regardless of which supplier you choose. Switching providers changes who you buy energy from, not who delivers it.

Question 3

Why use an energy advisor instead of just picking a plan online?

Accepted Answer

Advisors analyze your actual usage data, align multi-site contracts for volume leverage, and compare pricing structures across dozens of suppliers simultaneously. For commercial accounts, the difference between a good rate and a great rate can mean tens of thousands of dollars annually.

Question 4

How does commercial electricity pricing actually work?

Accepted Answer

Your bill breaks down into two parts: supply charges from your Retail Electric Provider (REP) and delivery charges from your local utility (TDU). An energy advisor focuses on the supply side — negotiating the rate, contract length, and terms that best fit your consumption profile.

Question 5

Is OverCharged really free? How do you get paid?

Accepted Answer

OverCharged is completely free for homeowners and businesses. We're compensated directly by the energy providers when you enroll through us — similar to how a real estate agent is paid by the seller, not the buyer. This means our incentive is to find you the best deal, not to push a specific provider. We only win when you're satisfied with the rate you've received. You never receive a bill from us. Ever.

Question 6

Does "half a penny" really matter on price?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A half-cent difference per kWh compounds fast at commercial scale.

Know your energy options.

Start here.

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