Glossary

Securely connect your utility account with your login credentials or account number so Arbor can analyze usage, evaluate plans, and, if able to find a better rate, initiate a switch. This can be disconnected anytime.

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Total expected supply cost considering rate, usage, term, and fees; basis for Arbor recommendations.

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Arbor feature that monitors rates and secures you a new supply rate plan on an ongoing basis. You may opt-out of a supply rate plan at anytime without any cancellation fees.

A co-op utility (electric cooperative) is a member-owned electricity provider that serves specific communities or regions. Many co-ops do not participate in retail electricity choice, which can prevent customers in co-op territories from switching to third-party suppliers, even inside a deregulated state.

How Arbor collects, uses, retains, and safeguards customer information; see Privacy Policy for details.

Technical and administrative measures (e.g., encryption in transit/at rest, access controls) used to protect data.

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Default service is the electricity supply option customers receive if they do not choose a competitive supplier. In deregulated markets, default service is typically provided through the utility (or a utility-run program), and rates may change periodically. Customers may be able to switch away from default service to a competitive supply plan where allowed.

Regions where customers can choose a third-party retail energy provider for electricity supply.

A penalty a provider may charge for ending a fixed-rate contract early. Arbor covers any early termination fees if there are any.

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Electricity is a form of energy resulting from the flow of electric charge. It powers homes, industries, and devices, making it essential for modern living. The flow of electricity is typically generated through various sources such as fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable resources like solar and wind.

A municipal utility is an electricity provider owned and operated by a city or local government. Municipal utilities often operate outside retail electricity choice programs. That means customers served by a municipal utility may not be able to switch suppliers, even if they live in a state that has deregulated areas.

PUC (Public Utility Commission) and PSC (Public Service Commission) are state agencies that regulate electricity markets and enforce consumer protection rules. Depending on the state, they may oversee utility delivery rates, approve supplier participation, publish market rules, and provide public resources related to electricity choice and customer rights.

A regulated market is an electricity market where a single utility (or public power authority) provides both the electricity supply and delivery service to customers. Because there is no retail competition, customers generally cannot choose a third-party supplier, and rates are typically set or approved by state regulators.

A company that sells the electricity supply in deregulated markets. Sets the Supply Rate and contract terms; distinct from the Utility Provider that delivers power.

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Arbor’s approach for projecting savings, including current vs. alternative Supply Rate, usage, term, and fees.

A service territory is the geographic area where a specific electric utility is responsible for delivering electricity (the poles, wires, meters, and outage response). In states with retail electricity choice, eligibility to shop suppliers often depends on the utility’s service territory, not just the state. Two customers in the same state may have different options depending on which utility serves their address.

The price per kWh for electricity supply charged by a retail provider; distinct from utility delivery charges unless on the utility default supply plan.

Many electricity bills include two main components: supply and delivery.

• Supply is the cost of the electricity you use (the energy itself). In deregulated markets, customers may be able to choose a supplier for the supply portion.
  
  
• Delivery is the cost to deliver electricity through the utility’s infrastructure (poles, wires, meters, maintenance, and outages). Delivery is handled by the local utility and generally remains the same even if a customer switches suppliers.

This “split” is why customers can often switch suppliers without changing their utility.

The company that delivers electricity and maintains lines in your area (e.g., PECO, PPL, Duquesne Light). Does not change when Arbor switches your supply plan.

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