Customers can purchase energy from an energy services company (ESCO) or from a traditional utility. If you choose to purchase energy from an ESCO you are entitled to:

• A clear description of the services offered by the ESCO.
• Receive energy delivery and 24-hour emergency services from your utility company.
• Clear procedures for switching energy suppliers, including information about the enrollment process.
• Disclosure, in simple and clear language, of the terms and conditions of the agreement between you and the ESCO including:
• Price and all variable charges or fees
• Length of the agreement
• Terms for renewal of the agreement
• Cancellation process and any early-termination fees, which are limited by law
• Conditions, if any, under which the ESCO guarantees cost savings.
• Rescind an agreement with an ESCO within three days of receiving the agreement for residential customers.
• A description of how pre-payment agreements work, if offered.
• Notice from the ESCO, no less than 30 days prior to the contract renewal date, of the renewal terms and the options you have as a customer.
• A fair and timely complaint resolution process.
• Provision of any written documents (contracts, marketing materials and this ESCO consumer bill of rights), in the same language used to enroll you as a customer.

If you’re a residential customer, you’re also entitled to the rights and protections of the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA), which requires that all utility customers be treated fairly with regard to application for service, customer billing and complaint procedures.

Read your HEFPA rights.

Get more information about energy alternatives.

Report Complaints

ESCOs that do not assure these consumer rights could lose their eligibility to provide service. Please report any complaints to the Department of Public Service.

Office of Consumer Services
NYS Department of Public Service
3 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12223

Toll-free
1-800-342-3377
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.