You can now choose to buy residential energy from a different supplier than the original provider for your area. These companies are called Retail Electric Providers (REP) in Texas, Energy Service Companies (ESCO) in New York, and Alternative Gas Suppliers (AGS) in Illinois.

Deregulation allows REPs, ESCOs, and AGSs - like Ambit Energy - to buy energy wholesale from competitive providers and pass the savings along to customers.

Your current electric utility or Local Wires Company will continue to deliver your electricity. Your power will come from a regional power pool that includes energy from traditional power plants and other sources like wind, water, sun and natural gas. Your Local Distribution Company will continue to deliver your natural gas.

No. No matter which retail supplier you choose, power will continue to be delivered safely and reliably by a company still regulated by the utility commission or agency of your state.

Because your local utility is still responsible for maintenance and repair, you will call these regulated firms in the event of an emergency or outage at the number provided on your bill.

No. City-owned utilities and member-owned electric and/or natural gas cooperatives have the option of giving their customers a choice of providers, or keeping things the way they are today.

You will not be without energy. You should receive a notice from your retail provider giving you time to select a new provider. If not, your service will revert to your previous provider or a provider designated by the state utilities agency. Rest assured, Ambit Energy is financially solid and in no danger of going out of business.