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Straight answers to some frequently asked questions.

Why did electric rates in Illinois increase on January 2, 2007?
What can my business do to control electricity costs?
What is a retail electricity provider?
What are the differences between service with a retail electricity provider and a utility?
How do I know my service will be reliable with a retail electricity provider?
How can Strategic Energy help my business?
How difficult is switching to a retail electricity provider?

Q:    Why did ComEd and Ameren electric rates increase on January 2, 2007?
A:    On January 2, 2007, a decade-long freeze on ComEd and Ameren electric rates ended and new rates took effect. The end of the rate freeze marked the completion of the transition to deregulation that Illinois began in 1997.

Due to restructuring, ComEd and Ameren no longer own or operate power plants and must now purchase electricity at fair market value in a reverse auction process. The first auction, that took place on September 5, 2006, determined the current rates.
Going forward, the utility electric rates will be determined via auctions held annually and will take effect each June. Price, therefore, will be affected by the rise in energy prices, supply and demand, and market conditions.


Q:    What can my business do to control electricity costs?
A:    Make the easy switch to a retail electricity provider like Strategic Energy.

The deregulated market provides the opportunity to simplify and strategically manage your business electricity budget. Because of deregulation, your business can:
    •    Choose between the utility and a retail electricity provider
    •    Compare the rates and services of competing retail providers
    •    Capitalize on different purchasing strategies, such as fixed or variable pricing and multi-year contracts
    •    Develop an energy strategy specific to your business

A retail electricity provider like Strategic Energy can help you optimize your electricity budget and develop an energy strategy that supports your business objectives.

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Q:    What is a retail electricity provider?
A:    A retail electricity provider (REP) is a company licensed to offer products and services related to electricity generation in the State of Illinois. Strategic Energy is an REP. You may also see an REP referred to as an alternate retail electricity supplier (ARES), an electric service company (ESCO), an electric service provider (ESP), or a competitive energy supplier.


Q:    What are the differences between service with a retail electricity provider and a utility?
A:    In general, a retail electricity provider like Strategic Energy will offer more electricity purchasing options than a utility like ComEd. Strategic Energy can provide a variety of pricing structures and contract lengths, as well as a certain level of customization to the needs and objectives of individual businesses.

For a comparison of the services offered by Strategic Energy and ComEd, go to Know Your Options.

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Q:    How do I know my service will be reliable with a retail electricity provider?
A:    A retail electricity provider like Strategic Energy provides only the generation portion of your bill. The utility is still responsible for maintaining the lines, towers and transformers that deliver the electricity. There will be no interruption of service when switching to Strategic Energy, and you’ll still contact the utility regarding any power outages or downed wires.

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Q:    How can Strategic Energy help my business?
A:    Strategic Energy is dedicated to utilizing the full power of their resources to finding and securing competitive prices for electricity.

As one of the nation’s leading energy providers, Strategic Energy has been helping companies develop energy management strategies for 20 years.

We simplify the path to budget control, offering competitive rates and objective advice that will guide you through the market to a customized and appropriate energy strategy for your business.

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Q: How difficult is switching to a retail electricity provider?
 
A: It's easy.

Switching to Strategic Energy is a simple three-step process.
  1. Request a quote from Strategic Energy.
  2. Discuss your company's electric needs with a Strategic Energy representative.
  3. Sign and return the contract.
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If you're ready to learn more about how the objective guidance of Strategic Energy can help your business, click Get an Electricity Quote at the top of this page or call 1.800.959.2161.
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Quick Facts
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Founded in 1986 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Strategic Energy is licensed to serve electricity customers in deregulated energy markets including California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C.

Strategic Energy has approximately $1.6B in annual revenue

Strategic Energy serves 16 percent of the Fortune 500 companies.

Strategic Energy is owned by Great Plains Energy (NYSE: GXP)
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