Territories
The map below shows the states in which Goldstar Energy is PSC licensed and operating. Goldstar is in the process of attaining licensing to operate in the following states: Illinois, Washington DC, and Rhode Island. Further expansion planned for 2010-11.
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Texas
- California
- Rhode Island
Competition and choice in electricity began in New York in the late 1990s when the State restructured its electric utility industry through negotiated settlements between the utilities and various stakeholders. In New York, all customers are able to choose a competitive supplier, also known as an energy service company (ESCO). Rate structures and rates for non-residential customers vary by usage and by utility.
Effective August 1, 1999, New Jersey electricity customers were able to choose a company to supply them with electric power. This choice is available due to the enactment of the "Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act", which allows competition in the power generation portion of the electric industry. As a result of the new state law, the different responsibilities of the utilities were "unbundled" and the power industry was separated into four divisions: generation, transmission, and distribution, and energy services. Competition is allowed between companies to provide power and other energy services directly to customers. Several companies have been licensed to sell electricity in New Jersey.
In January 1, 2011, the much publicized, much anticipated new rates for PPL became effective and the sticker-shock was extreme. Customers (residential, commercial & industrial) experienced price increases of anywhere from 10 percent to 45 percent. The early rumbling is that PECO, Met Ed, Allegheny, and Penelec will see similar increases.
Maryland businesses located in the Baltimore Gas and Electric, (BGE), Delmarva Power and Light Company, Allegheny Power and the Potomac Electric Power Company, (PEPCO) electric service territories can benefit by shopping for electricity and natural gas supply contracts offered by a number of competing retail energy providers. By comparing the varying rates and offers, they can choose the competitive energy supplier best suited for their business.
On January 1, 2007, electricity rates increased 25% to 72%, in the Connecticut Light and Power and United Illuminating electricity service territories, resulting in higher costs for all commercial customers. Connecticut businesses can benefit by choosing an electricity supply contract from one of several competing retail electricity providers that can offer a better price and better contract terms than is offered by the utilities. By quickly finding and comparing the available rates and contracts, Goldstar can help them choose the competitive electricity supplier best suited to their business.
From the Attorney General’s Office website: “Electric and natural gas prices in New England have risen sharply over the past decade. Although the AGO vigorously represents consumers to keep costs as low as possible, prices have increased due primarily to the higher cost of natural gas, which is set through world supply and demand. Natural gas is used by power plants in New England to produce over 40 percent of the region’s electric power, meaning a significant increase in the price of natural gas also results in higher electric rates. Although petroleum and natural gas prices have fluctuated greatly in recent years, the long-term forecast is for high prices.”
