Account ServicesLong Island Choice: Phase III
Long Island Choice is a LIPA program that provides commercial customers with the option to purchase their electric supply directly from energy service companies other than LIPA.
What is Long Island Choice and why is it being offered?
Long Island Choice is a key element of LIPA’s objective to
foster electric retail competition as a means to increase
consumer choice and potentially generate additional cost savings
for Long Islanders. If you do not contract with an ESCO, you'll
continue to receive your electric supply directly from LIPA. The
program is entirely voluntary.
Choosing an Energy Service Company
Since February 1, 2002 virtually all eligible customers have the
option to choose their electricity supplier directly from
competing Energy Service Companies (ESCOs).
Before Long Island Choice, LIPA supplied and delivered your electricity. With Long Island Choice, you can contract to purchase your electric supply either through LIPA or through ESCOs. Electric supply, or the commodity of electricity, represents about 30 percent of your LIPA bill. Under Long Island Choice, you may choose an ESCO to supply the commodity of electricity and will continue to pay LIPA for the remaining services.
But the competitive marketplace for electricity is in its early stages. As time goes on, we would expect a greater number of ESCOs to participate in the New York State and Long Island markets. This section is designed to help you better understand your current and future options regarding the purchase of electricity.
What are the Phases of Long Island Choice?
Long Island Choice is implemented in 3 phases. Applications
for the first phase began April 15, 1999, and made 400 MW
available for retail choice. Power delivery began August 1,
1999. The second phase commenced May 1, 2000 and made 800 MW
available for retail choice. The third and final phase began
February 2002 and essentially opens the program to all
customers.
