How a competitive energy market may help your business

In many industries, competition is commonplace. This is beneficial for companies and individual consumers alike, allowing a greater number of businesses to participate in the market, while giving consumers more choices when it comes to selecting products and services.


The energy industry is quite different. Unless a state is deregulated for a particular energy commodity, such as natural gas, consumers can only purchase that supply from the utility. In Georgia, natural gas is a deregulated commodity.

What are the differences between a regulated and deregulated utility marketplace?

Deregulation takes place on a state-by-state basis and has to be voted into law to allow consumers the opportunity to choose their independent energy supply provider. In a deregulated market, the utility still handles the delivery of energy and is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure (such as pipes for natural gas).


Here in Georgia, gas utilities like Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) own the lines that deliver natural gas to your business. You have the ability to choose which competitive provider to purchase your natural gas from.

What are the benefits of deregulation for commercial consumers?

Deregulation allows commercial customers to choose a supplier that meets their unique needs [link to article]. By removing the utility monopoly on supply, natural gas companies have a greater ability and are incentivized to innovate their products and contain costs, because there is more competition to acquire and retain customers.

Your options tend to be more extensive in deregulated states.

How can you participate in a competitive market?

If your business is in a deregulated state, you will likely receive calls and direct mail from providers interested in securing your natural gas business. Taking the first step in participating in the competitive market starts with reviewing affordable offers and asking to see copies of providers’ contracts. This will help you understand more about how they price for their products and any additional fees that could be assessed.

By choosing a supplier, you’re also supporting greater competition in the natural gas market, which can have an impact on energy costs for your business.