Frequently asked questions
General Information
USA Energy is an energy broker that helps businesses find the best energy plans and providers for their needs. We specialize in navigating complex energy markets to help clients save money and reduce energy usage. Our team of energy experts provides personalized advice and support to businesses of all sizes and industries. We are committed to transparency, fairness, and excellence in everything we do.
We specialize in providing energy brokerage services for commercial clients of any size in deregulated states. We have partnered with the top 26 energy suppliers to offer fixed rates, which can help our clients save money and avoid the risk of unpredictable price spikes. Our unique Blend and Extend program allows clients to secure the longest possible fixed rate agreement, which provides price protection and the potential for even greater savings if energy prices drop below the fixed rate.
We help our clients save money by utilizing our expertise in the energy market and leveraging our relationships with top energy suppliers to secure competitive rates. We work with each client to understand their unique energy needs and usage patterns, allowing us to tailor our recommendations and strategies to maximize savings. Additionally, we offer a Blend and Extend program, which provides fixed rates for the longest possible term to help clients lock in savings and avoid price increases.
No, there is no fee for USA Energy’s services. We earn a commission from energy providers for the energy plans we help businesses secure. This commission is included in the energy rate and is not an additional cost to the business. Our fee structure is designed to be transparent and fair, so businesses can trust that they are getting the best value for their energy dollar.
Signing up is easy and straightforward. Start by visiting our Free Rate Analysis page. From there, simply provide some basic information about your business, including your current energy bill, annual usage, and current utility, and our team will conduct a thorough analysis to identify potential cost savings opportunities. We work with businesses of all sizes and offer automatic pricing options to ensure a seamless experience for our clients.
An energy broker is a professional who acts as an intermediary between energy suppliers and energy consumers. Their primary role is to help consumers find the best energy deal that meets their specific needs and budget. Energy brokers assess the energy market and negotiate with multiple energy suppliers to find the best rates and terms for their clients.
Energy brokers have the expertise and resources to help you find the best energy deals for your specific needs. They can help you understand the complexities of energy pricing and contract terms, and negotiate on your behalf with energy suppliers to ensure you get the most competitive rates. Ultimately, working with an energy broker can help you save time and money, while ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy.
Energy Markets
Energy markets are the systems and processes through which energy is bought and sold. They include wholesale markets where large volumes of energy are traded between generators, suppliers, and brokers, as well as retail markets where individual consumers purchase energy from suppliers. Energy markets can be regulated or deregulated.
Energy deregulation is the process of removing regulations that limit competition among energy providers in a region or state. This means consumers in that area can choose their own energy provider instead of being limited to a single utility company. This can lead to more competitive pricing and potentially lower energy bills, and allows you to choose a provider that aligns with your values, such as one offering renewable energy options.
Prior to deregulation, consumers were required to purchase electricity or gas from a single utility company that held a monopoly in their area. With deregulation, consumers now have the ability to choose their energy supplier, and competition between energy providers has increased. As a result, consumers can often find better rates and more favorable contract terms by shopping around.
Energy markets work by matching supply and demand for energy at a given point in time. Suppliers and generators offer energy for sale at various prices, while buyers, such as utilities and brokers, bid for the energy they need. The market price is determined by the intersection of supply and demand, with prices fluctuating based on factors such as weather conditions, fuel costs, and regulatory changes.
USA Energy helps businesses navigate energy markets by providing access to a wide range of suppliers and plans, as well as expert guidance on market trends and pricing. With extensive industry knowledge and experience, we can help businesses identify cost savings opportunities, understand complex energy contracts, and make informed decisions.
There are many factors that can impact energy prices, including supply and demand, fuel costs, weather conditions, regulatory policies, and geopolitical events. In addition, energy prices can be influenced by market speculation and other non-market factors, making it difficult to predict or control price fluctuations.
USA Energy provides regular updates on energy market trends and news through its website, email newsletters, and social media channels. Businesses can also stay informed by monitoring industry publications, attending conferences and events, and working with a trusted energy advisor like USA Energy.
No, we specialize in providing our clients with an all-inclusive fixed rate that encompasses all charges, without any additional pass-through costs. While there may be rare occasions where a client specifically requests an energy-only rate, it is not our standard offering.
Energy Sources
Kilowatt (kW) is a unit of power, which represents the rate at which energy is used or produced.
Kilowatt-hours (kWh) is a unit of energy, which represents the amount of energy used or produced over time. For example, if you use a 1000 watt appliance for an hour, you will have used 1 kWh of energy.
kWh is a unit of energy, while kW is a unit of power. kW is a measure of the rate at which energy is used or produced, while kWh is a measure of the total amount of energy used or produced.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel found deep beneath the earth’s surface. It is primarily composed of methane, although it may also contain small amounts of other hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and butane. It is often used for heating and cooking in businesses, generating electricity in power plants, and as a fuel for vehicles. Natural gas is considered a cleaner-burning fuel than other fossil fuels like coal and oil.
A therm is a unit of energy used to measure the amount of natural gas consumed. One therm is equal to 100,000 British thermal units (BTUs), which is approximately the amount of energy released by burning 100 cubic feet of natural gas.
When comparing natural gas rates, you are shopping for the price per therm or per cubic foot of natural gas, which will determine how much you pay for your natural gas consumption over time. It is important to compare rates from different suppliers to find the best price for your consumption.
Utilities and Suppliers
A supplier is a company that generates or purchases electricity or natural gas and sells it to end-users, such as commercial customers. Suppliers can operate in a regulated or deregulated energy market, and may offer a variety of products and services, including fixed or variable rate plans, renewable energy options, and energy efficiency programs.
You will begin receiving your energy supply from your new supplier rather than your old one. This may result in changes to your billing, payment options, and customer service contact information. You may also see changes in the cost of your energy supply, depending on the terms of your new agreement. It’s important to review your new contract carefully.
A utility is an organization or company responsible for providing essential public services, such as electricity, gas, water, and sewage. Utilities typically operate as regulated monopolies within a given geographic area and are subject to government regulation to ensure their prices and service quality are fair and reasonable. They manage and maintain the infrastructure required to deliver services.
There are two types of billing options: consolidated (one bill from the utility) and dual billing (one from the supplier for the supply costs and one bill from the utility for distribution costs). Most standard agreements will be consolidated billing.
The delivery of your natural gas and electricity is still regulated and maintained by the local utility. Should you experience a service disruption, your local utility should be contacted immediately for assistance.
Not at all. The local utility continues to operate services to your building and flows through the associated charges through your newly selected retailer. As a regulated utility, they are mandated to ensure reliability to each customer in their service area. It makes no difference to them which retailer supplies your energy.
In almost all cases, no additional equipment is required. The chosen supplier will deliver the electricity over the same lines as before, because the transmission and distribution system is still owned and provided by the utility.
It depends on the specific terms and conditions of your current energy contract. Some contracts may include early termination fees or other charges if you switch suppliers before the end of your contract term.
Pricing
As an energy broker, we work with multiple suppliers to get the best energy rates for our clients. We use our expertise and industry knowledge to negotiate rates and contract terms on behalf of our clients. We are transparent in our pricing and provide competitive rates that are market-driven.
Our services are free of charge for our clients. We are paid by the energy suppliers we work with, so there are no direct costs to your company for using our services.
Automatic pricing is a feature offered on USA Energy’s website that allows customers to quickly receive pricing information for their energy needs. The automatic pricing option is available for electricity usage up to 500,000 kWh and 30,000 therms of natural gas, providing customers with a pricing quote within seconds.
Custom pricing allows customers to select a range of electricity usage from 300,000 kWh and up and 10,000 therms and up of natural gas. For energy usage above 500,000 kWh and 30,000 therms, custom pricing is required. With custom pricing, customers receive a tailored pricing quote based on their specific needs. This option may take up to 72 hours to receive a quote.
The main difference is the level of customization and the range of electricity usage covered. Automatic pricing is a quick and easy option available for usage up to 500,000 kWh and 30,000 therms, returning a quote within seconds. Custom pricing provides a more personalized and tailored quote for higher usage and may take up to 72 hours, but provides more detailed pricing information that can potentially save more money.
The Price to Compare is the rate that your local utility charges for the supply portion of your energy bill. This rate is used as a benchmark when comparing offers from energy suppliers. By comparing supplier offers to the Price to Compare, you can determine if the offers you receive are competitive and if you will save money by switching.
Yes, you can contact energy retailers directly. However, this can be time-consuming and confusing, and many will only work with the broker and not the client. By working with USA Energy, you save time and gain access to multiple suppliers and competitive rates. We also handle the negotiations and contract management on your behalf.
Energy Plans
Energy plans typically come in three types: fixed rate plans, variable rate plans, and hybrid rate plans.
Fixed rate plans offer a set rate for the duration of the contract term, which can be up to several years. This means that your energy rates will not change, regardless of fluctuations in the energy market.
Variable rate plans offer rates that can fluctuate based on changes in the energy market. These plans often start with lower rates, but they can increase over time. Historically, customers lose the most money in the long run with variable rate plans.
Hybrid rate plans are a combination of fixed and variable rate plans. They typically offer a fixed rate for a set period and then switch to a variable rate for the remainder of the contract term.
Choosing the best energy plan depends on factors such as your energy usage, budget, and risk tolerance. At USA Energy, we believe that fixed rate plans are the most beneficial because they offer price protection and stability. With a fixed rate plan, you lock in a set rate for the duration of the contract, which helps you budget and plan for your energy costs.
Clients can switch energy plans after signing up, but we recommend waiting until the end of their current contract date to avoid early termination fees. Our team can help clients evaluate their options and choose the plan that best fits their current energy needs.
Energy Providers
We have established partnerships with several reputable energy providers, including Direct Energy, Freepoint Energy Solutions, Gexa Energy, AEP Energy, SFE Energy, NextEra Energy, Homefield Energy, Dynegy, Hudson Energy, Vista Energy, Nordic Energy, TXU Energy, Champion Energy Services, Smartest Energy, Constellation, Indra Energy, Engie, Sprague, Gas South, Tiger Natural Gas Inc., NRG, Green Mountain Energy, Infinity Energy, Energy Harbor, and Washington Gas.
USA Energy has a rigorous vetting process for selecting energy providers. We consider factors such as the provider’s reputation, the quality of their services, and their ability to offer competitive rates. We also ensure the providers we work with are licensed, certified, and comply with all regulations and standards.
USA Energy provides a convenient way to choose an energy provider by offering a free rate analysis to help customers find the best energy plan for their needs. Going through our rate analysis process ensures you are getting the best rates available.
USA Energy offers a free rate analysis that compares rates from a variety of energy providers to help customers find the most cost-effective fixed rate energy plan for their specific needs. Our team thoroughly analyzes the customer’s energy usage and budget to find the most suitable plan.
USA Energy works closely with energy providers to negotiate the best possible rates for our customers. Our team leverages our buying power to secure competitive rates that are not available to the general public.
You are primarily shopping for the best price available in your area, including the price per kWh and/or therms, plus any additional fees or charges. Consider whether the rate is fixed or variable, the length of the contract term, the supplier’s reputation and customer service record, and review all terms and conditions carefully.
Energy Usage
There are several ways to monitor your energy usage, such as installing a smart meter, using energy monitoring apps or devices, or checking your monthly utility bills.
Yes, USA Energy provides energy-saving tips and resources to help you reduce your energy usage and lower your energy bills. Our energy experts can also provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific energy needs and usage patterns.
Energy efficiency programs are initiatives that promote the use of energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce energy usage and costs. These programs may include incentives, rebates, or financing options to help consumers upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment and appliances.
Qualification requirements vary depending on the program and your location. Some programs may have income or eligibility requirements, while others may be available to all consumers. USA Energy can help you find and enroll in energy efficiency programs available in your area that you may be eligible for.
Only the commodity portion itself is deregulated. Businesses are able to choose who supplies their energy, and the manner by which they are charged. The transmission/distribution portion of your invoice is still regulated, meaning your local utility continues to service the physical delivery of your energy.
Billing and Payments
The client typically receives their energy bill from their current utility company and/or supplier. This is a monthly bill that can be received via mail, email, or through an online portal.
Consider the type of plan being offered: fixed, variable, or hybrid. Fixed rate plans are generally considered the best option because they provide a set price for the entire contract term. Look for a plan that meets your specific needs, such as the length of the contract and any fees or penalties for early termination, and consider the reputation and reliability of the energy supplier.
Clients make payments for their energy bill through the new supplier, which is then processed through the local utility.
Automatic payments can usually be set up with the new supplier to ensure timely payments.
If a payment is missed, the client will need to handle the issue with their supplier and/or local utility.
If there are any billing or payment disputes, the client should address them with their supplier and/or local utility, who should provide options for resolving any issues.
It depends on the supplier. If your business moves, we can simply request a change of address form along with a new account number. Generally, if you turn off the meter and there is a cancellation fee associated with your contract, you will be responsible for that fee.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy refers to energy that comes from natural resources that are replenished over time, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. Unlike non-renewable sources like fossil fuels, renewable energy sources have minimal environmental impact and are considered sustainable.
While USA Energy does not offer any renewable energy solutions directly, we work with suppliers who may offer renewable energy plans. We encourage our clients to consider these options and make informed choices that align with their values and goals.
Whether you can switch to a renewable energy plan depends on the availability of such plans in your area and the suppliers we work with. It is best to contact us or check with your current supplier to see if this is an option.
The benefits include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change, improving public health by reducing air and water pollution, and creating jobs in the clean energy sector. Renewable energy sources also have the potential to provide energy independence and energy security.
Challenges include high upfront costs for installation and infrastructure, intermittency and variability of some sources, and the need for energy storage and grid modernization. However, many of these challenges are being addressed through innovation and technological advancements.
Customer Service
You can contact USA Energy’s customer service by calling +1 (855) 328-8008 or by emailing info@usaenergy.io.
USA Energy’s customer service hours are from 9am to 5pm EST Monday through Friday.
USA Energy only offers customer service in English.
Yes. We welcome your feedback. Email us at info@usaenergy.io or call +1 (855) 328-8008, and you are always welcome to leave a review on our Better Business Bureau profile.
Please contact customer service at +1 (855) 328-8008 or email info@usaenergy.io. Our team will work to resolve your complaint as soon as possible.
Energy Glossary
A megawatt-hour is one thousand kilowatt-hours (1 MWh = 1,000 kWh). Large commercial and industrial accounts are often priced in dollars per MWh rather than cents per kWh.
A BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Natural gas energy content is measured in BTUs, and one therm equals 100,000 BTUs.
Ccf means one hundred cubic feet of natural gas and Mcf means one thousand cubic feet. Utilities bill gas in Ccf, Mcf, or therms depending on the region; one therm is roughly one Ccf.
A capacity charge is the cost of reserving enough generation to meet peak demand on the grid. In markets that have it, capacity can make up around a quarter of a commercial electricity price.
A transmission charge covers moving electricity over high-voltage lines from the generator to your local utility. Depending on your state and product, it may be billed by your supplier or your utility.
A distribution charge covers delivering energy over the local lines to your building. It is part of the regulated utility portion of your bill and cannot be shopped or changed by a broker.
A demand charge is a fee based on the highest rate of power you draw, measured in kilowatts, during a billing period. It rewards steady usage and penalizes short, sharp spikes in demand.
Load factor is the ratio of your average power use to your peak power use. A higher load factor means you use energy steadily rather than in spikes, which usually earns more competitive supplier pricing.
A capacity tag, also called Peak Load Contribution or Installed Capacity, is a value set by how much power you used during the grid’s peak hours. It drives your capacity costs for the following year.
An ESCO, or Energy Service Company, is a licensed competitive retail energy supplier you can choose in a deregulated market instead of taking your utility’s default supply rate.
A Letter of Authority is a simple form that lets USA Energy obtain your usage history and request quotes from suppliers on your behalf. It removes the need to chase down bills, especially for larger accounts.
A Renewable Portfolio Standard is a state requirement that a set percentage of electricity supply come from renewable sources. Where it applies, an RPS charge appears as a small part of your rate.
A Renewable Energy Certificate represents the environmental attributes of one megawatt-hour of renewable generation. Buying RECs lets a business claim renewable energy use even on the shared grid.
Ancillary services are the behind-the-scenes services that keep the grid stable and reliable, such as frequency regulation and voltage support. They typically account for a small share of an electricity rate.
Line loss is the small amount of energy lost as electricity travels from the generator to your meter. Suppliers account for it when they price your supply.
A smart meter is a digital meter that records your energy use in short intervals and reports it automatically to the utility, enabling more accurate billing and detailed usage data.
Net metering is a billing arrangement that credits customers for excess electricity their on-site generation, such as solar panels, sends back to the grid.
Time-of-use pricing charges different rates depending on the time of day, with higher prices during peak demand hours and lower prices off-peak. Shifting usage to off-peak hours can lower costs.
Base load is the steady, minimum amount of power a facility uses around the clock. Peak load is the maximum power it draws at its busiest moment. The gap between them affects how you are priced.
The wholesale market is where generators, suppliers, and brokers trade large volumes of energy. The retail market is where businesses and homes buy energy from a supplier. Brokers like USA Energy operate between the two.
The margin, or uplift, is the small amount a supplier builds into your rate to pay the broker. It is how USA Energy is compensated, which is why our service is free to you with no separate fee.
Power factor measures how efficiently your facility uses electricity. A low power factor can lead to extra utility charges; equipment upgrades can correct it and reduce those charges.
Blend and Extend is USA Energy’s approach of blending your current rate with current market pricing to lock in a new, longer fixed-rate agreement. It secures the longest sensible term and maximizes price protection.
Contracts and Switching
Switching usually takes one to two billing cycles. The change happens on your meter read date, and there is no interruption to your service during the transition.
No. Switching suppliers is purely a financial change. Your local utility continues to deliver your energy over the same lines, so there is no interruption and no new equipment.
Fixed-rate terms typically range from 12 to 60 months. USA Energy generally recommends the longest sensible term so your rate is protected further into a rising market.
When a fixed contract ends, you are often rolled onto a higher hold-over or variable rate. We reach out well before expiry so you can renew on a new fixed rate and never drift to the default.
An early termination fee is a charge some suppliers apply if you leave a fixed contract before it ends. We review your current terms before recommending any switch so there are no surprises.
Yes. Through Blend and Extend you can secure a new fixed rate ahead of your expiry date, protecting against rising prices without waiting for the contract to lapse.
Usually just one recent energy bill, which shows your usage, current rate, and utility. For larger accounts a Letter of Authority lets us pull your usage directly from the utility instead.
No. Your new supplier and USA Energy handle the administrative details with the utility. You do not need to call or notify them yourself.
Yes. Once your supplier contract ends you can return to your utility’s default rate or choose another supplier. You are never locked in beyond your agreed term.
A hold-over rate is the variable, month-to-month price you fall onto if a fixed contract expires without renewal. It is usually higher than a fixed rate, which is why timely renewal matters.
Large and Commercial Accounts
Yes. We have a dedicated process for large commercial and institutional accounts, including museums, hospitals, universities, hotels, manufacturers, and multi-site operators. See our Large Accounts page for details.
Large commercial generally means usage above 500,000 kWh of electricity or 30,000 therms of gas per year. Accounts above one million kWh are handled through our custom procurement process.
We take your usage under a Letter of Authority, run a competitive request for proposals across our suppliers, and present a normalized, side-by-side proposal so you can compare every offer on the same terms.
For large commercial accounts we typically deliver a custom proposal within 24 to 72 hours of receiving your usage data.
Yes. We routinely consolidate many meters and locations, even across multiple states, into coordinated agreements with aligned terms so renewals are simple to manage.
Yes. Many clients use us for both commodities. Locking fixed rates on electricity and gas together roughly doubles the protection at no extra cost to you.
Yes. We can prepare a line-item energy budget based on your contracted rate and historical usage, and update it if the regulated delivery portion of your bill changes.
Deregulated States and Eligibility
We broker commercial energy across the deregulated U.S. markets, including Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.
If your business is in a state that has deregulated electricity or natural gas, you can choose a competitive supplier for the supply portion of your bill. Send us a recent bill and we will confirm your eligibility.
Electricity is open to commercial choice in markets such as Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.
Natural gas choice is available for businesses in many states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland, and others, alongside several gas-only markets. We can confirm for your specific location.
No problem. We can broker energy for all of your locations across the deregulated states and coordinate them under aligned agreements, even when each site sits in a different market.
No. Reliability is unchanged. Your local utility still owns the lines, delivers the energy, and responds to outages, no matter which supplier provides your energy.
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