WHO WE ARE

Choose Who You Use exists to ensure residents of New Jersey are offered a real choice when it comes to their electricity and natural gas suppliers. We want to give consumers the power to make the best energy choices for themselves and their families.

The Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act of 1999 (“EDECA”) was designed to transition New Jersey’s energy market toward open competition and away from the traditional monopoly system run by electric and natural gas utilities. The law was written to create a more consumer-focused retail energy industry.

The retail electricity market has successfully limited rate increases in New Jersey. According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, from 2008-2023, the average price of electricity increased only 13%, well below inflation during that time period.

Customers who choose can also save. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Agency for 2017-2023 shows that commercial customers who exercised their right to choose power suppliers saved $881 million.

While EDECA has been in place for over two decades, utilities still maintain significant control over the market. Many residential, business, and large commercial/industrial customers have yet to take advantage of the opportunity to shop and choose their own energy supplier.

Like many states, New Jersey is facing concerns about its ability to meet rising energy demand at a time when residents are facing rising electricity bills. The current deregulated market has provided consumers with greater choice, innovative products, and more competitive pricing. Rolling back the clock to pre-1999 regulations will eliminate the progress the industry has made over the last 25 years.

When residents of New Jersey don’t shop for their energy supplier, they are automatically placed on a default service plan through a utility, limiting their control over what they pay, when they pay, and where their energy comes from — whether it’s from traditional sources or renewables like wind and solar.

We believe the best way to support a reliable, innovative, and service-focused electricity natural gas marketplaces is by better informing consumers and expanding fair, accessible competition. That’s what we’re committed to delivering — with your help.