With Maryland Electric Choice, you are able to choose the electric supplier that provides the electric supply component of your electric service. Remember, if you choose a new electric supplier, Allegheny Power will continue to deliver the electricity to your business, and you should continue to call us if you would experience an interruption in your electric service.

Checklist for Making Energy Choices:

1. Information: Know your business' energy use
2. Assistance: Find qualified assistance
3. Contracts: Read contracts; understand energy supply offers
4. Education: Educate yourself about the changing electric industry

# 1 - Information: Know your business' electricity use
Knowing how and when your business uses electricity is the first step in being able to shop for a new supplier of that electricity. Allegheny Power can provide your business' usage information, including Peak Load Contribution (PLC), which is a measure of the peak amount of electricity a customer uses. When you have that information, examine how you use electricity and what you might be able to change to make your usage look attractive to electric suppliers. Such options include shifting the time of day you use the most electricity to an off-peak time or changing a process within your business to make your usage consistent over a 24-hour period.

# 2 - Assistance: Find qualified assistance
The next step is to find assistance in making your selection. You may want to consult with other businesses in your area or with business support groups, such as trade associations. Networking with your colleagues can help you find more detailed information about what is happening in your area and in other parts of Maryland. Contact the PSC, because it must certify all electric suppliers. You can get an updated list at any time by calling the Maryland Public Service Commission at 1-800-800-4491 or visiting its customer choice web site at www.md-electric-info.com. In addition, a list of suppliers offering electricity in your area is available from the Attorney General's office at 410-576-6550 or www.oag.state.md.us/energy. The internet also provides a number of informational resources aimed at helping business customers navigate electric choice.

You may also want to consider an Aggregation Pool/Buying Group. Aggregators join customers together to form a buying group and purchase electricity on the group's behalf. Aggregators must also be certified through the PSC. Another option is to consider speaking with Independent Consultants or Brokers. These entities have experience in energy buying and management, but may charge you for their services.

# 3 - Contracts: Read contracts; understand energy supply offers
When you have selected the electric supplier that is right for you, you will have to enter into a contract with the electric supplier. Before doing so, make sure you read and understand all of the terms and conditions of the contract. Some key things to consider are:
· Know what's in the fine print.
· Know your current price to compare.
· Understand all terms and conditions of the contract.
Price-Is the rate fixed, variable, or a flat percentage off?
Length of term-Most contracts will require a minimum term. Make sure you know the time commitment in a supply contract and that it is acceptable to your business and what penalties are associated with terminating the contract early.
Special offers-Marketers may package offers with special incentives for signing up.

# 4 - Education: Learn more about the changing electric industry
Visit the Customer Choice web site at www.md-electric-info.com.
Call the toll-free Answer Center at 1-800-800-4491.

Contact your Allegheny Power Account Manager or call our Customer Service Center at 1-866-523-4081, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., to speak with a Business Account Specialist.