Energy Choice

Virginia Energy Choice is the Commonwealth's effort to introduce Virginians to the new way they will be purchasing electricity. Currently, one utility company has the exclusive right to provide all components of electric service - generation/supply, transmission and distribution - within a specific geographic area in Virginia.

In the future, many different companies ( "Competitive Service Providers" or "CSPs") will compete to be a customer's energy provider, thus allowing customers to shop for energy service.

Customer choice for electricity suppliers in Virginia began to be phased in over a three-year period beginning January 1, 2002. Shenandoah Valley Electric plans to offer retail access no later than April 1, 2003. All consumers in Virginia will be able to choose their electric energy provider by January 1, 2004.

What Exactly will you be choosing?

You will be able to choose the company that generates, produces, or contracts the energy you need. The delivery of the electricity will remain regulated. The Cooperative will continue to deliver the electricity, maintain the lines to their homes and businesses, read the meter, and perform billing services to those individuals within its current service area.

Some of the terms used for Energy Choice may be unfamiliar to you.  For your convenience, we have created a glossary that contains terms regarding Energy Choice.  Click here for the Virginia Energy Choice Glossary.