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Understanding How It Works - Michigan Energy Choice

If you choose to buy your energy supply from an Alternative Energy Supplier, here is a step-by-step action plan for you to follow:

  1. Identify and understand your electric supply needs - Look at your electric supply use and understand how it affects your overall business operations. If you need information on your energy use, call our Business Solutions Center at 877-444-0888.
  2. Determine if you are eligible to participate in the Michigan Energy Choice program - There are some guidelines that may prevent a customer from choosing a different supplier right away. These include, but are not limited to:
  • A customer must not have a past due balance with their current supplier.
  • A customer must not have a contract or tariff in place with another electric supplier.
  1. Identify if there are any Alternative Energy Suppliers available to you - An Alternative Energy Supplier is someone other than your local utility who buys electricity for your use from another generator. A list of registered suppliers available in the state is on the Michigan Public Service Commission's web site. To see if a supplier is certified with Wisconsin Public Service, call our Business Solutions Center.
  2. Determine what the best electric supply option is for you - If you choose to stay with Wisconsin Public Service, you do nothing. If you find an Alternative Energy Supplier to serve you and you want to switch, you will need to set terms and sign a contract with that supplier. Be certain to compare the total costs for the same supply services from each company you consider. Remember your delivery service remains with your local utility. Your Alternative Energy Supplier will submit a 'switch request' to Wisconsin Public Service.
  3. Confirm switch request and metering requirements - Wisconsin Public Service will validate the switch request, determine if special metering is required, set a switch date and notify you and the Alternative Energy Supplier of the pending switch.
  4. Alternative Energy Supplier supplies electricity to you - Wisconsin Public Service continues to deliver electricity to you.
  5. Alternative Energy Supplier bills you for your electric supply service - Wisconsin Public Service bills you for electric distribution service.

Return/Change to Supplier

A customer must notify their current electric supplier if they wish to change or return to a different electric supplier. Their current supplier must submit a 'drop request' form, which will be validated by Wisconsin Public Service. Metering and billing services will be changed accordingly. An Alternative Energy Supplier may also withdraw from the market, forcing a customer to switch or return to a different electric supplier.