The 5LINX Energy program serves to educate consumers and bring awareness to the benefits of deregulation. Here you will find energy saving tips, an overview of deregulation and information to help you understand competitive energy supply offers.
When you’re ready, just click on the “Check for Available Offers!” button in the top right corner to see if a competitive supply offer is available in your area today.
5LINX® is a direct sales company and has agreements with competitive suppliers in select markets. 5LINX® is not a utility company or an Energy Supply Company (ESCO). 5LINX® representatives do not work directly for your local utility company or competitive supplier. 5LINX® representatives may not quote prices of competitive offers or guarantee customer enrollment into a competitive program. Rates change frequently and suppliers may be unable to switch all accounts for a variety of reasons. Only account holders are authorized to request a switch of service. Each state has a regulatory body that oversees deregulation. Once an offer is selected any terms or rights should be printed and retained for your records. Questions about utility accounts or emergencies should be directed to your local utility company.
You now have the power to choose!
Energy deregulation has enabled consumers to purchase their energy supply from Energy Service Companies (ESCOs). Before deregulation, both natural gas and electricity were supplied only by regional monopolies or local utilities that owned both the power plants and transmission lines for distribution. In deregulated markets, the utility company is no longer the only option for energy supply. While suppliers compete for your account, they keep prices down and push all participates to create better service.
Competitive suppliers are able to provide a variety of options for terms and rates. The only change that takes place is the source of supply. However, the utility company still continues to deliver the energy through the pipeline so there is absolutely no disruption to the service when switching. The local utility also continues to read the consumers’ meter and maintains service. Only the supply changes!
ENERGY SECTOR
Only the supply portion changes
GENERATION: This sector includes the power plants, mining/drilling operations, wind farms, and others that create the electricity or obtain natural gas.
SUPPLY: The supply sector is composed of many participants. The focus of deregulation is on the Energy Service Companies or ESCOs that purchase power and/or gas in order to meet the needs of their consumers. The retail supplier will purchase energy on the customer’s behalf competing on the open market for the best price and essentially act as the intermediary between the generation companies of the world and the local utility companies that service local accounts.
When consumers select a competitive offer, they are informing the local utility that they want their supply to come from the supplier of their choice, nothing else changes.
SERVICE/DISTRIBUTION: this is the portion of the energy sector that customers have the most contact with, the local utility companies that read the meters and service the account. This segment does not change when you change supplier, the same utility company will continue to service your account and respond to any emergencies.
Deregulated Areas
There are many states in the US that participate in Deregulation at some level. However, not all are open to competition of residential Natural Gas and Electricity supply. The map below shows some of the states that have some form of deregulation today.
According to the US Department of Energy, a typical US household spends on average $1900 a year on home utility bills. There are many ways to conserve energy without having to spend a lot of money.
Replace Light Bulbs
Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and save up to 75% off lighting costs
Buy energy efficient appliances
Always purchase ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and equipment- they can be up to 40% more efficient and there may also be incentives or rebates available.
Unplug electronics
Unplug any electronics, battery chargers and other equipment that are not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much energy as a refrigerator
Adjust your thermostat
Setting the air conditioner 5 degrees higher will save up to 20% on cooling costs
Adjust your water heater
Turn the water heater down to 120 degrees or the normal setting when home and to the lowest setting when away. Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy costs. Consider a tankless water heater, they are 35% to 45% more efficient and you will never run out of hot water
Power down your computer
Enable power management on all computers and make sure to turn them off at night. A laptop computer uses up to 90% less energy than bigger desktop models.
Wash clothes in cold water
When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy used when washing clothes goes to water heating.
Load up dishwasher
Run your dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded. Fewer loads reduce energy and water usage.
Find and seal leaks
Sealing cracks, gaps, leaks and adding insulation can save up to 20% on home heating and cooling costs.
What does it mean to “SWITCH”?
When you select an Energy Supply Offer you are exercising your choosing who your supplier will be and switching to an alternate supplier. The switch process begins with your enrollment form. Once you complete the form the ESCO that made the offer will notify your utility company of your choice. The process is seamless and you won’t need to do anything further.
Will a deposit be required for me to switch?
Depending upon your market, you may be required to submit to a credit check and possibly post a deposit. However, many deregulated markets participate in a Purchase of Receivables program opening up competition to all and not requiring a credit check or deposit.
If your market requires a credit check or deposit, you will be notified during the order process and will have the option to continue or stop the process before a deposit is made.
How can I Enroll or Switch?
Simply click on the “Check for Available Offers!” link on this website to begin the enrollment process.
First, we will determine if you are in a deregulated market where we have an affiliated supplier. If so, you’ll go step by step through the simple enrollment process.
Do I need to contact my Utility Company to notify them of my choice?
No. Upon completing the enrollment process, the supplier will notify your utility company and take care of any details. You will receive confirmation of your choice.
It’s always a good idea to refer to your current local providers’ terms and conditions to see if anything specific is required by you. Customers whom are currently in a term contract with a different supplier should refer to your customer agreement to be aware of current contract terms and any applicable fees.
How long are the contract terms?
Contract terms will vary in each market and may change at any time. Full disclosure of offer details is provided during the enrollment process. Click on “Check for Available Offers!” to see what offer is available in your area today.
What happens when my contract period expires?
If you are on a Fixed contract, you may choose to enter another fixed energy rate contract at current rates, or the account will go into a month to month status with the current variable rate. Your service will not be automatically terminated.
If you are on a Variable contract, you will continue to receive current variable rates, or the account will go into a month to month status with the current variable rate. Your service will not be automatically terminated.
Details of each offer are provided in full during the enrollment process. Refer to your specific offer for full details. Additional information may be obtained by contacting your energy service company.
Is there a penalty if I terminate my contract?
There may be an Early Termination Fee applied to your account by the supplier if you fail to meet the terms of your contract. Once you complete the term of your contract, no termination fee will be applied to your account.
ETF penalties vary by market and supplier, refer to your specific offer for more information or contact your energy supply company with specific questions.
What do I do in an emergency or if I smell gas?
Contact your local utility company and local emergency services.
Does it cost anything for me to change my supplier?
No. To change from an existing utility served account to an alternative supplier does not costs you anything. However, some markets may require a deposit to be made before a “Switch” can occur. Also, utility accounts should not have a past due balance due.
Will I receive two bills?
Billing practices will vary from market to market. In some markets, the supplier will bill you directly for your energy supply usage. This is called Dual Billing. In dual billing arrangements the utility will bill for the service and delivery but the supplier will bill for the energy used only.
Many markets offer Consolidated Billing. This means nothing changes, you will still receive the bill from your utility company as you always have. The supply portion of your energy will be listed on your bill along with the name of your supplier. If you don’t see the name of the supplier showing on your bill you may have to wait for another cycle before the “switch” is complete.
What should I do if I move?
When you move you will contact your local utility company to cancel service at your existing address and to start service at the new address. You should also contact the supplier to assure that you stay with the supplier at the new address otherwise the utility company may not recognize your choice at the new address.
How long does it take to switch my supplier?
It usually takes 60 days to allow the changeover to your new supplier. The time will vary slightly from market to market and will depend upon your utility companies cycle dates as well as your order placement date.
What is the difference between Fixed and Variable rate offers?
Variable rate plans fluctuates with the market. When the cost of energy raises, the rate increase as well, when it decreases, the rate will decrease. With fixed plan however, your rate stays consistent no matter how much the market fluctuates. There are no monthly surprises because of rate changes. You control the energy cost by controlling your consumption and can potentially save money over time.
Who do I call if I have an issue with my service?
Your local utility services your account and should be your first point of contact. The Supplier should only be contacted if there is a question regarding the supply portion of your service.
Your 5LINX® representative and 5LINX® Corporate do not have any control over your utility account and can only advise you to contact your local utility company with any questions.
Will my home or business require new meters or wiring?
No. The meters and wires will not change; you will still be using the existing meters, pipelines, and wire that are present in your home or business. If you ever require assistance with meters or infrastructure you should contact your local utility company.
Who do I call with questions about my bill?
You should always contact your local utility company with questions regarding your service. If you are in a consolidated billing market, then your local utility is the one bills you on a single bill. You should contact the utility company for all questions except for the supply portion of your bill.
In markets with dual billing, the utility will bill you for service and delivery while the supplier bills directly for the supply portion only. If you have a question on either bill in a dual billing market you should contact the party that sent you the billing statement.
How do I cancel my Major Energy order within 3 days of enrollment?
To send a message to Major Energy through email, click the following link: Major Energy
