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Major Utility Companies By State

Author: Justin Hardy | Reviewer: Jesse Shaver | Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Know Your Utility Companies: Understanding the major utility companies in your state is essential for managing electricity service and costs. Check your electricity bill or state Public Utilities Commission website for more details.
  • Take Advantage of Energy Choice: If you live in a state with Energy Choice, compare rates and services on electricityrates.com to find the best provider. Deregulation allows you to select from a competitive market rather than being limited to a single company.
  • Reviewing Utility Companies: Pay attention to customer reviews, track record, and company history to choose the best utility company for your needs.

Table of Contents

States ElectricityRates.com Serves

Life as we know it would be impossible without electricity. It powers homes, businesses, and essential services. Today’s article covers how the major utility companies in each state began and how energy deregulation significantly impacts your monthly electricity bills.

Keep reading for a detailed overview of the history of utility companies, the impact of deregulation, and a list of major utility companies in the USA.

What Is A Utility Company?

It is important to understand the difference between utility and electrical power companies.

Utility companies are responsible for the delivery, infrastructure, and distribution of electricity, while electricity providers simply purchase and resell the electricity to consumers, offering different pricing plans and options in deregulated energy markets.

Customers receive electricity transmission from the utility and electricity supply from their chosen provider.

History of Electricity Utility Companies

The development of electricity utility companies in the United States is a story of rapid growth and technological innovation. The journey began in the late 19th century with the establishment of the first electric power plants. Thomas Edison’s Pearl Street Station, which opened in New York City in 1882, is often credited as the first commercial power station in the United States. This marked the beginning of a transformative era.

Early Development and Expansion

In the early days, utility companies were small, local operations. However, the demand for electricity quickly grew, leading to the expansion and consolidation of utility companies. By the early 20th century, larger companies emerged, creating extensive networks to distribute electricity over greater distances.

Key Milestones in Infrastructure

Significant milestones in the history of utility companies include the development of alternating current (AC) systems, which allowed electricity to be transmitted over longer distances with less resistance. The establishment of the Rural Electrification Administration in 1935 was another pivotal moment, bringing electricity to rural areas that had previously been underserved.

Technological Advancements

The mid-20th century saw substantial advancements in technology and infrastructure. The introduction of nuclear power, advancements in grid management, and the development of more efficient power generation and distribution systems all played crucial roles in shaping the modern utility landscape.

Emergence of Major Utility Companies

By the late 20th century, several major utility companies had emerged, dominating the market and providing reliable electricity to millions of Americans. Companies like Pacific Gas and Electric, Consolidated Edison, and Duke Energy became household names, setting standards for service and reliability. Across the nation

Electricity Deregulation in the USA

Deregulation, also known as Energy Choice, introduced competition into the electricity market, allowing consumers to choose their electricity providers. This shift aimed to reduce costs and improve service quality.

What is Deregulation?

Deregulation refers to the process of removing government controls and opening up the electricity market to competition. Prior to deregulation, most Americans were served by monopoly utilities that controlled all aspects of electricity service, from generation to distribution. With more competition, utility companies are forced to keep their costs in line with the other options available in the market.

History of Energy Deregulation

The energy deregulation movement began in the 1990s, with states like California, Pennsylvania, and Texas leading the way. The goal was to create a more competitive market that would lead to lower prices and better services for consumers. An additional goal was to reduce the cost of energy management burden away from the federal government.

Deregulation has brought numerous benefits, including lower prices for consumers in some states and increased innovation in the industry. However, it has also presented challenges, such as market volatility and the risk of service disruptions.

Energy Choice and Its Impact

Energy Choice allows consumers to shop for their electricity provider from a competitive market. This has empowered consumers to find better rates and services, fostering a more dynamic and consumer-friendly market.

Energy Choice is why ElectricityRates.com can offer the best utility companies at affordable prices in all energy-deregulated states.

Major Utility Companies by State

Understanding the major utility companies in each state helps you make the best possible decision for your energy needs. Each state is served by several utility companies, ranging from large, investor-owned utilities to smaller, municipal and cooperative utilities.

Knowing your utility company is essential for managing your service, understanding your bill, and knowing your rights as a consumer. You need to contact them when there is an issue with your services or contract. Knowing your utility company also allows you to take advantage of Energy Choice if your state offers it.

To find your current local utility company, just check your monthly electricity bill or visit your state’s Public Utilities Commission website. Check our our article for more information on reading your utility bill.

List of Major Utility Companies by State

Here, we provide a comprehensive list of major utility companies by state, covering the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West regions of the USA.

Northeast Region

Midwest Region

South Region

  • Texas
    Oncor
    CenterPoint Energy
    AEP Texas
    Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP)
  • Florida
    Florida Power & Light (FPL)
    Duke Energy Florida
    Tampa Electric (TECO)
    Gulf Power
  • Georgia
    Georgia Power
    Cobb EMC
    Jackson EMC
  • North Carolina
    Duke Energy Carolinas
    Duke Energy Progress
    Dominion Energy North Carolina
  • Virginia
    Dominion Energy Virginia
    Appalachian Power

West Region

  • California
    Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)
    Southern California Edison (SCE)
    San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
  • Washington
    Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
    Avista Utilities
    Pacific Power
  • Oregon
    Portland General Electric (PGE)
    Pacific Power
    Idaho Power
  • Colorado
    Xcel Energy Colorado
    Black Hills Energy
    Colorado Springs Utilities
  • Arizona
    Arizona Public Service (APS)
    Salt River Project (SRP)
    Tucson Electric Power (TEP)

Understanding Your Utility Bill

Components of a Utility Bill

Utility bills typically include charges for energy consumption, delivery, taxes, and fees. Understanding these components can help you better manage your expenses.

Rates are often determined by several factors, including fuel costs, regulatory charges, and maintenance expenses. Knowing how rates are calculated can help you anticipate changes in your bill.

Simple strategies like energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, and regular maintenance can help reduce your electricity usage and lower your bill. See our Energy Choice blog for more ways to reduce your energy bill.

How to Read Your Electricity Bill

Utility Companies Near Me

How to Find Local Utility Companies

Use resources like state public utilities commission websites and online directories to find local utility companies. Online tools and mobile apps can help you locate and compare utility companies in your area.

Local utility companies often provide personalized service and support and may offer community-specific programs and incentives.

Consumer Rights and Protections

Rights as a Utility Consumer

Consumers have rights regarding fair billing, service reliability, and dispute resolution. In most states you cannot have your power turned off during weather events or emergencies. These are known as electricity shut off laws.

Protections Against Unfair Practices

Regulations protect consumers from unfair practices, ensuring transparency and accountability from utility companies.

Resources for Consumer Assistance

State public utilities commissions and consumer advocacy organizations provide resources and support for resolving issues with utility companies. You can also explore our blog for more information.

Understanding the major utility companies by state and the associated electricity shutoff laws is essential for managing your electricity service and costs.
With the right knowledge and resources, you can better understand how utility providers operate and take advantage of Energy Choice to find the best rates and service

Type your area code in the search bar to see your local energy options.

FAQs About Utility Companies by State

  • Each state has several major utility companies, ranging from investor-owned utilities to municipal and cooperative utilities.

  • You can find your local utility company by checking your electricity bill or visiting your state’s Public Utilities Commission website.

  • Electricity deregulation allows consumers to choose their electricity providers from a competitive market rather than being limited to a single utility company.

  • Shutoff laws provide guidelines for when and how utility companies can disconnect service, ensuring that consumers have access to electricity during times of financial hardship or extreme weather.

  • Use energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, and regular maintenance to reduce your electricity usage and lower your bill. See our savings articles for more ways to lower your monthly utility and power bill.

  • Factors that influence your electric rate include access to natural resources, the cost to generate electricity with those resources, electricity demand, electricity distribution costs, state regulations and the type of electricity customer you are (residential customers usually pay more than businesses).

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