Here are some of the questions the Illinois Commerce Commission suggests you ask suppliers before signing with them:

— What is the price per kilowatt-hour?

— What is the total price for, say, 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity usage?

— Is it a fixed rate or variable rate?

— Are there other charges that could change during the term of the agreement?

— What is the length of the agreement?

— Is there a penalty for canceling an agreement before the term is up?

— What steps must I take if I want to change suppliers or return to supply service with the utility?

— How will I be billed? Who provides the bill (or bills)?

— Am I able to participate in different bill plans such as budget billing or deferred payment arrangements?

— Will notices that are required by law (disconnection, tree-trimming, claims, etc.) be sent to me if the bill is not provided by the utility?