Electricity Basics

The Competitive Electricity Marketcompetition. The PUC has delayed retail competition
In the past one company provided all parts of yourfor customers of Entergy Gulf States, Southwestern
electricity service (generation, transmission andPublic Service Company, El Paso Electric Company,
distribution, and retail sales). With competition, theseand AEP SWEPCO because the PUC has determined
parts are separated into different companies.that there is not adequate competition in the
Retail Electric Providers (REPs)/Electric Companieswholesale electricity market for retail competition to
With electric competition, retail electric providers (alsowork successfully in these areas. Electric cooperatives
known as "REPs") sell electricity to you and routinelyand city-owned utilities may decide whether their
handle customer service and billing. REPs compete forcustomers will have a choice of Retail Electric
your business by offering a variety of differentProviders. Customers in these areas should contact
pricing options, renewable energy options, addedtheir electric cooperative or city utility for more
customer service benefits or other incentives.information.
Note: Not all areas of the state are open to