Retail Energy Supplier.
Retail Energy Suppliers
Retail energy suppliers exist in deregulated energy markets and are involved in the reselling of energy from the wholesale markets to end-use consumers. In deregulated states, retail energy suppliers are many times referred to as providers or competitive, third-party suppliers, and are required to get licensed. In the U.S. retail energy suppliers must also comply with FERC federal regulations and become members grids where they plan to sell energy. Many times, retail suppliers will sub-contract sales efforts to energy brokers who acquire customers on their behalf.
Do Retailers Own Utility Lines?
No. Retail energy providers are simply involved in the sale of energy in the retail markets and do not own utility lines. Local power lines are owned by utility companies who are responsible for maintenance, delivery, and billing. Retail suppliers can, however, own generation plants, and many large suppliers own their own power generation.
