Gas. Electricity. Telephone. These are just a few of your monthly expenses, but they can
really add up. Using the Internet to learn more about services and rates can give your money power.
(But buyer beware: Many of these comparison sites accept advertising. Even though the sites claim to
be unbiased, always check directly with the provider to verify rates before signing up.)
Electricity/Gas/Oil
You may have heard about energy deregulation, which breaks down the monopoly of state-regulated utilities.
Previously you didn't have a choice of electric or natural gas companies. After deregulation, you're more
likely to have a choice of who generates your power, while the state continues to regulate the transmission
and distribution of that power. Find out more about deregulation and its history from
The Center for Responsive Politics.
Wondering watt the status of your state is? This
map from ENERGYguide.com can help.
You can even be e-mailed when things change. If you're wondering whether it's worth it
to change providers, read these
Switching Suppliers FAQ's.
This audit can help you analyze your own rates.
If you do have a choice, ENERGYguide.com can help you decide. Enter your zip code and the
sites will guide you to providers in your area and their rates.
If you'd like to have low environmental impact while getting the power you need, you might consider
going "green." Green power includes solar,
wind and hydroelectric.
Telephone
As of August 1, 2001, there are also big changes in the regulation of phone service providers.
The Federal Communications Commission is forcing phone companies
to "detariff, " or announce every rate plan
directly to consumers. Reading the fine print on this statement (which should arrive to you via snail mail)
can help you determine if there's a more economical plan available from your provider.
But if you're looking into other providers, you don't have to look far: Unlike the energy industry,
there is a lot of competition for your phone line (as you probably know from the telemarketing calls that
encourage you to switch providers). Before you do that though, make sure you know exactly what you're
getting into. New York State's
Office of the Attorney General
provides some good tips.
If you want to get a cellular phone for the first time, check out
Myrateplan.com's advice.
Or, if you already have a cell, then read this article on
cutting roaming costs.
For comparing phone rate plans, there are a few options. Myrateplan.com
and saveonphone.com compare all sorts of calling plans, including wireless
and prepaid cards.
Check out A Bell Tolls for international, instate and state-to-state rate
comparisons. If you don't want to sign up for long distance service, you can compare the rates
of dial-around services, those numbers that start with 10-10, at
10-10phonerates.com. The site also answers
common questions about these services.
General Comparison Sites
A few sites can help you compare rates for many utilities, even cable and Internet access.
Shop around Lowermybills.com and
GetConnected.com until you find a rate that fits.
--- M. Magnarelli
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