Corporate monopolies can be a big problem for those who run small businesses and just for personal lives, too. If a company can control someone just by implementing common changing, or inventing new policies that consumers then have no choice but to put up with, consumers simply lose out. By contrast, competition encourages fair, balanced practices, something monopolies just won't do.

Corporate monopolies can be a big problem for those who run small businesses and just for personal lives, too. If a company can control someone just by implementing common changing, or inventing new policies that consumers then have no choice but to put up with, consumers simply lose out. By contrast, competition encourages fair, balanced practices, something monopolies just won't do.

Today, utility monopolies are a problem in many states. However, in'96, Pennsylvania undertook steps to correct this imbalance. Pennsylvania's electricity market, in other words, was deregulated, which meant that more competition could come in, and service-oriented electric providers became commonplace in every region.

It was soon recognized that deregulation of electricity was a positive step for residents. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) next issued an order to include the local telephone market. The last leg of this journey was made when on November 1,'99; natural gas customers were included in free choice of utilities.

For each utility category in Pennsylvania, consumers get approximately 10 companies choose from, to provide their services. All service providers make low rates a priority, and this is probably the most important benefit they give to consumers. Service is a close second, such that customers are assured outages are going to be taking care of as quickly as possible. Customers' good ratings and referrals then increase companies' chances for more business.

Although utility companies can offer incentives to attract customers when there is competition, and they can provide industry knowledge that's been updated, watch out for "free gift" perks. These aren't necessarily bad, but remember that nothing is really free. Before you sign up for any agreement with a provider, read the fine print and make sure you understand it.

If you do ever feel that you've been scammed, or if you feel that you've been "crammed," which is the practice of adding additional charges to your account without your knowledge or consent, contact the Office of Consumer Advocate. The Pennsylvania General Assembly set up this organization in'76, to give consumers the ability to demand just and fair service from utility providers.

Today, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission focuses on balancing between the needs of both utilities and consumers so that reliable, safe and affordable services are ensured. The public is first in consideration, and they want to further economic development as well by making sure the public is aware of the sound choices it can make when it comes to choosing a provider of utility services for their needs.

Monopolies can be predatory and unjust in their practices and procedures, and complaints can simply go nowhere because companies have no reason to listen. That's because consumers simply have no recourse for their complaints. Because of that, Pennsylvania's forethought made changes when they saw the state was heading in this direction, and subsequently made the decision to give consumers a say in who provided those utility needs. The Public Utility Commission, too, works with them to give consumers the best service possible at the most affordable price available.