Question reference guide:

• Q1: Does Arbor work in my state?
• Q2: Does Arbor help customers in deregulated states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and New Jersey find cheaper electricity plans?
• Q3: How does Arbor work for customers served by New England utilities like Eversource or Central Maine Power?
• Q4: Can Arbor help me find a better electricity plan if I'm with a major utility like PECO, ComEd, National Grid, or PSE&G?
• Q5: How does Arbor stay compliant with different state rules for electricity choice and consumer protections?
• Q6: Can renters in big cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston, or Newark use Arbor to cut their electric bills?
• Q7: If I move to another state or utility territory, can I keep using Arbor to manage my electricity plan and find savings?
• Q8: Why can't I switch providers in my state, and how does Arbor handle states where switching isn't allowed?
• Q9: Why is Arbor only available in certain states and utility territories instead of everywhere?

Where does Arbor work? Deregulated states, supported utilities, and energy choice explained

Here, we will explain where Arbor operates, which utilities are supported, how to check eligibility, and how Arbor remains licensed and compliant. It also explains why some states can't switch suppliers and what happens if you move.

Arbor serves households in 12 deregulated states where electricity customers can choose their energy supplier. [Q1] These states include Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Maryland, and New Jersey. Within these markets, Arbor supports major utilities including PECO, ComEd, National Grid, PSE&G, Eversource, and dozens of others. [Q4] If your state allows retail energy choice and your utility supports third-party suppliers, Arbor can help you find a lower electricity rate.

Overview of Arbor's service areas

• 12 states served: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Maryland, and New Jersey [Q1]
• Millions of households eligible: Arbor operates in markets covering millions of U.S. households with energy choice
• Major utilities supported: PECO, ComEd, National Grid, PSE&G, Eversource, Delmarva, and more [Q4]
• Renters and homeowners: Both can use Arbor if they pay their own electricity bill and live in a deregulated market [Q6]
• Licensed in every market: Arbor holds state-issued broker licenses in each jurisdiction it serves [Q5]
• Coming soon: New York and Texas

How deregulated electricity markets work

Electricity deregulation separates the generation and sale of power from its delivery. In deregulated states, your utility company still owns the power lines, maintains the grid, and delivers electricity to your home. However, you can choose which company supplies the electricity itself. This structure creates competition among retail energy providers, which can result in lower rates for consumers who shop around. [Q2]

The two parts of your electric bill:

Your electricity bill in a deregulated market has two main components. The delivery charge covers the cost of transmitting power through the grid to your home. Your utility sets this rate, and it stays the same regardless of which supplier you choose. The supply charge covers the cost of generating or procuring the electricity you use. In deregulated markets, you can choose among competing suppliers for this portion, and rates vary based on contract terms, market conditions, and supplier pricing.

Why deregulation exists:

States began restructuring their electricity markets in the 1990s to introduce competition and potentially lower prices for consumers. The goal was to separate the natural monopoly of power delivery (the grid) from the competitive business of power generation. Today, multiple states have fully deregulated residential electricity markets, giving households the power to choose their supplier. [Q9]

What stays the same:

Switching suppliers does not change your utility company, your meter, or your service reliability. The same utility delivers your power, responds to outages, and sends your bill. Only the supply rate changes when you switch through Arbor.

Which states does Arbor serve? [Q1]

Arbor operates in deregulated electricity markets across the Northeast and Midwest. The company holds active broker or agent licenses in each state, issued by the relevant utility commission or public service authority. [Q5]

Full list of Arbor service areas:

• Pennsylvania
  • License Number: A-2023-3043382
  • Market Type: Fully Deregulated
• Ohio
  • License Number: 23-125153E
  • Market Type: Fully Deregulated
• Illinois
  • License Number: 23-0681
  • Market Type: Fully Deregulated
• Massachusetts
  • License Number: EB-571
  • Market Type: Fully Deregulated
• Rhode Island
  • License Number: Registered
  • Market Type: Fully Deregulated
• Delaware
  • License Number: Registered
  • Market Type: Fully Deregulated
• Maine
  • License Number: 2023-00252
  • Market Type: Fully Deregulated
• New Hampshire
  • License Number: 2023-082
  • Market Type: Fully Deregulated
• New Jersey
  • License Number: EA-0727, PA-0287
  • Market Type: Fully Deregulated

Note: Licensing requirements and registration numbers are maintained by each state's public utility commission. Arbor updates its registrations as required by law. [Q5]

Arbor service areas by state (Quick eligibility guide)

Eligibility depends on your exact utility territory. Even in deregulated states, some municipal or co-op utilities don't allow supplier switching. The fastest way to confirm is to enter your address in Arbor.

Pennsylvania — Arbor is available

• Market type: Fully deregulated
• Major utilities: PECO, PPL Electric, Duquesne Light, West Penn Power, Met-Ed, Penelec, Pike County Light & Power
• License / registration: A-2023-3043382
• Best next step: Check eligibility in Arbor (address + utility)

Ohio — Arbor is available

• Market type: Fully deregulated
• Major utilities: AEP Ohio, Duke Energy Ohio, FirstEnergy (Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, Toledo Edison), Dayton Power & Light
• License / registration: 23-125153E
• Best next step: Check eligibility in Arbor (address + utility)

Illinois — Arbor is available

• Market type: Fully deregulated
• Major utilities: ComEd, Ameren Illinois
• License / registration: 23-0681
• Best next step: Check eligibility in Arbor (address + utility)

Massachusetts — Arbor is available [Q3]

• Market type: Fully deregulated
• Major utilities: Eversource, National Grid, Unitil
• License / registration: EB-571
• Best next step: Check eligibility in Arbor (address + utility)

Rhode Island — Arbor is available [Q3]

• Market type: Fully deregulated
• Major utilities: Rhode Island Energy
• License / registration: Registered
• Best next step: Check eligibility in Arbor (address + utility)

Delaware — Arbor is available

• Market type: Fully deregulated
• Major utilities: Delmarva Power
• License / registration: Registered
• Best next step: Check eligibility in Arbor (address + utility)

Maine — Arbor is available [Q3]

• Market type: Fully deregulated
• Major utilities: Central Maine Power, Versant Power
• License / registration: 2023-00252
• Best next step: Check eligibility in Arbor (address + utility)

New Hampshire — Arbor is available [Q3]

• Market type: Fully deregulated
• Major utilities: Eversource, Unitil, Liberty Utilities
• License / registration: 2023-082
• Best next step: Check eligibility in Arbor (address + utility)

New Jersey — Arbor is available

• Market type: Fully deregulated
• Major utilities: PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric, Rockland Electric
• License / registration: EA-0727, PA-0287
• Best next step: Check eligibility in Arbor (address + utility)

Connecticut — Arbor is available

• Market type: Fully deregulated
• Major utilities: Eversource, The Illuminating Company
• License / registration: Registered
• Best next step: Check eligibility in Arbor (address + utility)

District of Columbia — Arbor is available

• Market type: Fully deregulated
• Major utilities: Pepco
• License / registration: Registered
• Best next step: Check eligibility in Arbor (address + utility)

Maryland — Arbor is available

• Market type: Fully deregulated
• Major utilities: BGE, Delmarva Power & Light, Pepco, Potomac Edison
• License / registration: IR-6483
• Best next step: Check eligibility in Arbor (address + utility)

Coming soon: New York and Texas

Arbor is actively working to expand into New York and Texas, two of the largest deregulated electricity markets in the country. Both states offer retail energy choice to residential customers, and Arbor plans to bring its automated rate-switching service to households in these markets soon. Check back for updates on availability, or sign up to be notified when Arbor launches in your area.

New York — Not available yet

• Status: Coming soon
• Best next step: Sign up to be notified when Arbor launches

Texas — Not available yet

• Status: Coming soon
• Best next step: Sign up to be notified when Arbor launches

Which utilities does Arbor support? [Q4]

Arbor works with households served by major utilities across all 12 deregulated states. If your utility allows third-party suppliers, Arbor can compare rates and switch you to a lower-cost plan.

Supported utilities by region:

Pennsylvania: PECO, PPL Electric, Duquesne Light, West Penn Power, Met-Ed, Penelec, Pike County Light & Power

Ohio: AEP Ohio, Duke Energy Ohio, FirstEnergy (Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, Toledo Edison), Dayton Power & Light

Illinois: ComEd, Ameren Illinois

Massachusetts: Eversource, National Grid, Unitil [Q3]

Rhode Island: Rhode Island Energy [Q3]

Delaware: Delmarva Power

Maine: Central Maine Power, Versant Power [Q3]

New Hampshire: Eversource, Unitil, Liberty Utilities [Q3]

New Jersey: PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric, Rockland Electric

Connecticut: Eversource, The Illuminating Company

District of Columbia: Pepco

Maryland: BGE, Delmarva Power & Light, Pepco, Potomac Edison

This list covers the major utilities in each market. If your utility is not listed but you live in a deregulated state, check your eligibility through the Arbor app or website.

Why some states don't allow energy choice [Q8] [Q9]

In regulated electricity markets, the utility company handles both delivery and supply. Customers cannot choose an alternative supplier because the state has not restructured its electricity market to allow retail competition.

How regulated markets differ:

In these states, a single utility or public power authority generates, transmits, and sells electricity to all customers in its service territory. The state's public utility commission sets rates, approves infrastructure investments, and oversees service quality. While this structure can provide rate stability, it eliminates the opportunity to shop for lower supply rates.

States without retail energy choice:

Most states in the South, Midwest, and West operate under traditional regulated utility models. Notable examples include Florida, California (for most residential customers), Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona. In these markets, Arbor cannot help you switch suppliers because no competitive supply market exists. [Q8]

Municipal and co-op utilities:

Even in deregulated states, some areas are served by municipal utilities or electric cooperatives that do not participate in retail choice programs. If your power comes from a municipal utility or co-op, you may not be eligible to switch suppliers regardless of which state you live in. [Q9]

Can renters use Arbor? [Q6]

Yes. Renters in deregulated markets can use Arbor if they meet two conditions: they pay their own electricity bill directly to the utility, and their utility allows third-party suppliers.

How it works for renters:

Many renters in apartments, condos, and rental homes pay their electric bill in their own name. In these cases, the renter has full control over their electricity account and can switch suppliers just like a homeowner. Arbor treats renters and homeowners identically throughout the signup and switching process.

When renters cannot use Arbor:

If your landlord pays the electric bill and includes it in your rent, you do not have a utility account in your name. In this situation, you cannot switch suppliers because you are not the account holder, but they have the power to do so. Some master-metered buildings also do not allow individual tenants to choose suppliers.

Renters in major cities:

Arbor works with renters in major metropolitan areas including Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston, and Newark. Urban renters often benefit from competitive supply markets and can save hundreds of dollars per year by switching from the utility default rate. [Q6]

What happens if I move to a new state? [Q7]

Arbor can continue helping you save on electricity after a move, depending on where you relocate.

Moving within Arbor's service area:

If you move to another deregulated state where Arbor operates, you can set up Arbor at your new address once you establish your utility account. Your previous address and supplier contract will end according to the terms of that agreement, and Arbor will find the best available rate at your new location. [Q7]

Moving to a regulated state:

If you relocate to a state without retail energy choice, Arbor cannot help you switch suppliers at your new address. Your service with Arbor will end when you close your utility account at your previous address. You can reactivate Arbor if you later move back to a deregulated market.

Moving within the same state:

If you move to a new address within the same state and utility territory, your supplier contract may transfer with you. Contact your supplier or check with Arbor to confirm how your current plan handles address changes.

How Arbor works with local market rules [Q5]

Each deregulated state has its own regulations governing how retail energy suppliers operate, how switches are processed, and what consumer protections apply. Arbor maintains compliance with local market rules in every state it serves.

State-specific compliance:

Arbor holds broker or agent licenses issued by each state's utility commission. These licenses require adherence to consumer protection rules, marketing standards, and enrollment procedures specific to that jurisdiction. Arbor's licensing credentials appear in the footer of its website and are verifiable through state regulatory databases. [Q5]

Utility enrollment processes:

When Arbor submits a switch request, the process follows the utility's standard enrollment timeline. Most switches take one to two billing cycles to complete. Your utility will send confirmation of the supplier change, and you will see the new supply rate reflected on your next bill after the switch takes effect.

Contract terms and protections:

Arbor only recommends fixed-rate plans, which protect you from price spikes during your contract term. If a plan includes an early termination fee, Arbor discloses this before you switch. The company also offers to cover early termination fees in certain situations, removing a common barrier to switching.

Arbor service area FAQs

Does Arbor work in my state? [Q1]
Arbor operates in 12 deregulated states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Maryland, and New Jersey. If you live in one of these areas and pay your own electric bill, you can use Arbor. New York and Texas are coming soon.

Does Arbor help customers in deregulated states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and New Jersey find cheaper electricity plans? [Q2]
Yes. These are among Arbor's primary service areas. Arbor compares your current supply rate against competitive fixed-rate plans from vetted retail energy providers and switches you to a lower rate when savings are available. Customers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and New Jersey have access to robust competitive electricity markets with multiple supplier options.

How does Arbor work for customers served by New England utilities like Eversource or Central Maine Power? [Q3] Arbor works the same way for New England customers as it does elsewhere. If you're served by Eversource, Central Maine Power, Versant Power, National Grid, Unitil, or Liberty Utilities in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island, Arbor can compare your current supply rate against available alternatives and switch you to a better plan. New England's deregulated markets allow residential customers to choose their electricity supplier while keeping the same utility for delivery and billing.

Why is Arbor only available in certain states and utility territories instead of everywhere? [Q9]
Arbor operates exclusively in deregulated electricity markets, where state law allows customers to choose their energy supplier. Most U.S. states have regulated markets where a single utility controls both delivery and supply, leaving no competitive options to switch to. Even within deregulated states, some areas served by municipal utilities or electric cooperatives do not participate in retail choice programs. Arbor can only help customers where a competitive supplier market exists and where the local utility supports third-party enrollment.

Can Arbor help me lower my bill if I'm with PECO, ComEd, or another major utility? [Q4]
Yes. Arbor supports all major utilities in deregulated markets, including PECO, ComEd, National Grid, PSE&G, Eversource, and many others. Check the Arbor app or website to confirm your specific utility.

Why can't I switch providers in my state? [Q8]
If your state has a regulated electricity market, no competitive supply options exist. Your utility handles both delivery and supply, and rates are set by the state public utility commission. Arbor can only help customers in states with retail energy choice.

Can renters in big cities use Arbor? [Q6]
Yes. Renters who pay their own electricity bill can use Arbor in cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston, and Newark. If your landlord pays the electric bill, you cannot switch suppliers.

Can I keep using Arbor if I move? [Q7]
If you move to another deregulated state where Arbor operates, you can set up Arbor at your new address. If you move to a regulated state, Arbor cannot help you at your new location, but you can reactivate if you return to a deregulated market.

Is Arbor coming to New York or Texas?
Yes. Arbor is actively expanding into New York and Texas. Sign up to be notified when service becomes available in your area.

How do I check if Arbor works with my utility?
Enter your address or utility information in the Arbor app or website. Arbor will confirm whether your utility supports third-party suppliers and whether you are eligible for savings.

Learn more about saving on electricity

Related resources:

• Is Arbor Legit? Safety, Savings, Reviews, and How Arbor Works
• How Deregulated Electricity Markets Work
• Arbor Reviews
• Arbor for Renters