Competitive power suppliers are an essential part of our energy grid, providing cost-effective and reliable electricity. They own, operate, and invest in power generation, technologies, and facilities of all kinds (including natural gas, coal, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage).
How They Work
Unlike traditional regulated utilities, competitive power suppliers invest in, build, and maintain projects at their own economic risk. They do not receive a guaranteed return on investment from ratepayers through utility bills, and they must compete in the wholesale electricity markets to offer safe, reliable power at the least cost.
Why Competition Matters
A competitive system keeps power generators accountable, drives innovation, and encourages more efficient operations. If a project is over-budget, late, or turns out to be unnecessary, consumers and taxpayers don’t get stuck with the bill. This market discipline leads to lower costs for consumers, better performance, and encourages innovation and the adoption of newer, more efficient technology as it becomes available—all while ensuring the grid remains reliable.
Competitive power suppliers have been leaders in investing in and building more efficient, cleaner technology while providing reliable power at the least possible cost. EPSA members are among the earliest investors in wind, solar, and electric vehicle technology along with battery storage and carbon capture and storage.
Meeting Rising Demand in the Age of AI
As artificial intelligence, data centers, electrification, and U.S. manufacturing growth rapidly increase demand for power, competitive suppliers are stepping up to deliver the flexible, scalable, and reliable energy needed to fuel this growth. They’re investing in dispatchable natural gas resources and advanced generation and storage technologies, expanding capacity, and modernizing the grid to ensure the U.S. remains globally competitive in an energy-intensive digital economy.
Powering Today and Building Tomorrow
Competitive power suppliers are actively building the grid of the future while bringing you reliable, efficient power today.
