Q: What am I choosing?
A: You're picking the firm that generates or obtains ("supplies") electricity for you.
Q: What if I don't make a choice?
A: PPL Electric Utilities will obtain power for you, as it's been doing for nearly all of its residential customers since "Electric Choice" began in 1999.
Q: Why is this a big deal all of a sudden?
A: PPL's residential prices will soar nearly 30 percent Jan. 1, so competitors finally are entering PPL territory, at last giving customers a choice.
Q: Can I save money by picking a competitor?
A: Yes. Three competitors so far are making offers to PPL customers, with prices 10 percent to 13.5 percent less than PPL's new price. More competitors are expected.
Q: How can I learn what my choices are and how to shop?
A: Competitors are advertising and contacting PPL customers. Information also is available from the state Consumer Advocate (www.oca.state.pa.us or 1-800-684-6560), PPL (www.pplelectric.com/choice or 1-888-668-4775) and the state Public Utility Commission (www.puc.state.pa.us/utilitychoice or 1-800-692-7380).
Q: How can I contact PPL's competitors?
A: Visit their Web sites or call them; see the accompanying chart for contact information.
Q: What if I pick a competitor and it stops serving me or goes out of business?
A: PPL will immediately resume being your supplier. Or you could pick a different competitor.
Q: Who will get the electricity to me?
A: Whether or not you pick a competitor as your supplier, PPL will deliver the power over its wires to you, as it does now.
Q: What if my power goes out?
A: Call PPL, as you would now.
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