Choosing Your Supplier
The NaturalChoice℠ Program gives both residential and business customers the power to choose their natural gas Energy Service Company (ESCO).
If you elect to purchase your natural gas from an ESCO, National Grid will continue to deliver your natural gas, maintain our local gas distribution network be available 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies as always.
Enrollment in this program is free. You may get started in the NaturalChoice℠ Program by selecting an ESCO from the authorized list. These companies have met the qualifications set by the New York State Public Service Commission and National Grid. Potential savings will depend on your contracted price of gas from the ESCO and the amount and pattern of your gas usage.
If you buy gas from an ESCO, the way you are billed will depend upon which company you have chosen. Some ESCOs have their charges included on your National Grid bill, while others will send you separate bills for the gas you use. In either case, you will continue to receive a bill from National Grid for delivering the gas, metering, and other services and taxes that we are required by law to collect.
Please note: National Grid does not endorse any ESCO nor are we responsible for the content of external Web sites.
FAQs about Purchasing Gas from an ESCO (Energy Service Company):
On March 14, 1996, the New York State Public Service Commission approved plans to allow residential, commercial, and industrial customers the option to start buying their own natural gas supply from sources other than National Grid
Customers may choose to purchase their gas from a non-utility ESCO (Energy Service Company), also known as a marketer or supplier, or continue to purchase gas from National Grid. Through competition, it is expected that some customers may see savings reflected in their gas bills. Individual customers will receive different results depending on the ESCO chosen.
Why Does New York Need Competition?
The New York State Public Service Comission actively supports policies that encourage competition in the utility market with innovative approaches that offer more choices to all customers and the possibility of better prices and services. Competitive markets are expected to produce positive economic results for customers in general. The Commission's challenge during this transition to a competitive marketplace has been to create a framework that balances the needs of different customers and provides greater business opportunities in New York.
Getting More Information
You may get additional info by contacting the NY State Public Service Commission.
New York State Public Service Commission
Consumer Services Division
3 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12223
1 (800) 342-3377
Or visit website at https://dps.ny.gov/.
ESCOs are companies that sell natural gas. The name ESCO is an abbreviation for Energy Service Company. You may receive phone calls or receive brochures from ESCOs offering to supply your natural gas. National Grid provides your gas delivery, no matter what company supplies your gas.
As when making any major purchase, be sure to choose a gas ESCO carefully:
- The ESCOs you contact are should be authorized to sell gas in your area. See our list of authorized ESCOs.
- Compare prices and terms of service among several ESCOs to get your best value.
- Read and understand the ESCO’s formal, written contract. Be sure that it reflects what the ESCO has promised you verbally.
If you elect to purchase your natural gas from an ESCO, National Grid will continue to deliver your natural gas, maintain our local gas distribution network be available 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies as always.
For more information about purchasing gas from an ESCO, please contact us.
Remember: If you do not choose to purchase gas from an ESCO, National Grid will continue to provide you with both gas supply and delivery service.
You have elected to purchase your gas from another Energy Service Company (ESCO). If you choose to purchase your natural gas from an ESCO, National Grid will continue to deliver your natural gas, maintain our local gas distribution network be available 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies as always.
You have elected to purchase your gas from another Energy Service Company (ESCO). If you choose to purchase your natural gas from an ESCO, National Grid will continue to deliver your natural gas, maintain our local gas distribution network be available 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies as always.
You were enrolled by meeting or speaking with a representative from the ESCO. You would have had to agree verbally or in writing and provide them with your account number to have been enrolled.
The contract for the price of natural gas is between you and your ESCO. You can view National Grid current as well as historical National Grid rates.
Yes, however if you have made an agreement with your ESCO, there may be exit fees by not fulfilling your contractual obligations. It is important for you to discuss your contract with your ESCO prior to making a decision. If you wish to purchase your gas from National Grid, you can contact your ESCO directly or contact us.
Unfortunately, we cannot answer ESCO rate or billing program questions, please contact your ESCO.
Please contact us.
A block can be placed on your account. This will prevent the release of information such as your gas profile, gas billing history, credit history as well as any unwanted switches to an ESCO. If you wish to have a block placed on your account please contact us.
ESCOs that are approved to do business in our service territory can be found on our list of authorized ESCOs.
If you have a complaint about your ESCO, please contact the ESCO directly. If you are not satisfied with your response, you have the option to contact the Public Service Commission on their website or at 1-800-342-3377.