Reliant Energy

Several major competitive power suppliers have recently entered Maryland’s electricity markets, and the resulting competition is driving switching rates higher among consumers – a trend noted in a recent COMPETE report on the success of retail electricity markets.
 
These developments come fast on the heels of similar upward switching trends in other Mid-Atlantic states, and happen as lower energy prices present opportunities for consumers to lower their costs.
 

Customer satisfaction with competition has never been higher in Texas, according to the third annual JD Power and Associates survey on customer satisfaction with retail power suppliers.
 
Retail customers reported increased satisfaction levels and high power supplier switching rates , thanks to a mix of innovative new energy programs, customer service, lower wholesale electricity prices and deals that will save Texas consumers millions of dollars over the next few years while helping to stimulate clean energy technology.
 

At a Google policy discussion this week focused on “unleashing innovation in home energy use,” several speakers touted competition as a key ingredient to enabling consumer benefits through smart meters and energy management.  Others cited the barriers to technology innovation posed by continued monopoly protections for incumbent utilities.

Innovation is a “key component” of competition, said Reliant Energy President Jason Few. The Texas electricity market that Reliant competes in is “extremely competitive,” Few noted, citing more than 60 different retail service providers offering a variety of products.

“The reason things are moving so fast in Texas is because of the competitive market,” said Adrian Tuck, Tendril Networks CEO.  Tendril finds market entry for its smart grid and energy management products is much easier in Texas and other competitive markets outside of traditional monopoly-protected utility regions, Tuck said.  Without a solution to the barriers posed by monopoly protections, “then the technology will founder,” he warned.