Energy Buying FAQs

What does deregulation mean to my business?
Deregulation means that you may now choose a supplier on your own or as part of a group.

How can I become part of an Energy Buying Pool?
Contact Synergetic to see if an Energy Buying Pool is forming in your area. If there is no program in place, we will contact you about getting one started.

Who is Synergetic Energy Pools?
Synergetic Energy Pools, Inc. was formed in October 2007 and was granted a license by the Maryland Public Service Commission on December 19, 2007 (# IR-1162).  Company President Bonnie Grady is the former President/CEO of the Carroll County (MD) Chamber of Commerce and was responsible for bringing the first electricity buying pool to Carroll County, through the Chamber of Commerce, in 2004.  Ms. Grady left the Chamber in late-2005 and worked for almost two years as an Independent Consultant for another energy management consulting firm where she led their Chamber and Association programs in Maryland, Illinois and Delaware.  The Synergetic team's combined experience in the Chamber industry and in energy procurement consulting provides the knowledge and skills required to develop and manage energy buying pools with dedication and superior customer service. 

How many businesses are needed to get a good price offer?
There is no minimum number of businesses or organizations required.  Depending on final enrollment figures, a pool may be combined with other pools going out for quotes at the same time.  This is standard practice and benefits all members by creating a much larger buying Pool.

Why do you need copies of my electricity bills?
Synergetic gathers the data from the previous two months' bills for each of your accounts and assembles the Request for Quotes.  The suppliers use this information to create a load profile for the group and come up with one or more offers for the members.

Why do you request quotes from several different suppliers?
Synergetic issues a Request for Quotes to licensed, qualified suppliers interested in participating in the competitive bid process.  By having multiple suppliers participate, Synergetic is able to compare the best offers from each.  Synergetic negotiates on behalf of all members for the best rates, terms and conditions. 

How long should I expect to wait before being offered a contract?
Suppliers' offers are based on the market; therefore, it is not unusual for the waiting period to take four to six months.  During this time, Synergetic monitors the market carefully.  When conditions are favorable, an offer is presented to buying pool members.  Since our company has no control over the weather, the price of oil, or other factors that affect the market, it is not possible to attach a timeframe to this part of the process.

What happens if I don't sign the contract on Offer Day?
On Offer Day, each buying pool member must decide whether to accept or reject the offer presented by the Synergetic team.  Members who accept the offer will have their accounts transitioned to the new supplier.  Members who reject the offer leave the buying pool and either stay on the utility’s Standard Offer Service rates or make other arrangements on their own.    

If I choose a new supplier, will my service be interrupted?
No. Your local utility (BGE, PEPCO, Delmarva or Allegheny Power) will continue to deliver electricity to your business. You will still call them if your power goes out or if you need to change your service.

How will I be billed?
You may receive a consolidated bill from the local utility, showing both delivery and supply charges, or you may receive one bill from the utility and a separate bill from your new supplier.

How can I choose a supplier on my own?
Choosing a supplier requires careful research, thought and deliberation.  If your business is small or mid-sized, you may have difficulty negotiating a favorable rate on your own.  This makes your business a perfect fit for an Energy Buying Pool.

Is there an Energy Buying Pool forming in your area?   Click here to find out.

Synergetic Energy Pools, Inc. is an energy procurement consulting firm dedicated to strengthening local economies by assisting small and mid-sized businesses in the formation of energy buying pools in partnership with Chambers of Commerce and other member-based Associations and through open enrollments.