Residential Frequently Asked Questions

Enrollment

What rate plans are available to me?

You can choose between the Renewable Energy fixed rate or the Traditional Energy fixed rate plan. In either case, there is no enrollment fee and your rate stays the same for the duration of your contract. Your cost per kWh won't go up or down based on the season or time of day, and it won't vary with the volume of electricity you consume.

Why do you ask for my utility account number to sign up?

In order to enroll for electricity supply with BlueStar you must have an active utility account at the location you are enrolling. In switching to BlueStar, we will supply your energy and your utility will deliver it to your home. You will remain a customer of your current utility as they continue to deliver the energy, read your meter and maintain the wires.

Does my utility account have to be in my name?

Yes, the name you enroll under must match the name on the associated utility account. This will allow us to communicate properly with the utility regarding your switch to BlueStar supply.

Do I have to sign a contract?

Yes, a 12-month agreement is required.

What happens if I move before my contract ends?

You can avoid an early termination fee if you move within the same service territory and you sign up your new location. If possible, you should notify BlueStar and your utility 45 days before your move.

Do you have an early termination fee?

Yes. If you terminate prior to the end of your contract, you will be responsible for an early termination fee equal to the number of months remaining in the agreement multiplied by ten dollars ($10).

Do I need to call my utility to cancel service?

No. Switching to BlueStar does not eliminate or cancel your current utility service. BlueStar will supply your energy and your utility will deliver it to your home. You will remain a customer of your current utility as they continue to deliver the energy, read your meter and maintain the wires. There are no changes in wiring or hardware, and you won't experience any interruptions as a result of switching.

Can I switch if I have an outstanding balance with my utility?

All customers are eligible to shop suppliers and switch. Your outstanding balance will still be owed to the utility and ultimately, as long as the balance remains outstanding, you are in danger of being disconnected, no matter if you are with a supplier or not.

What are the security question(s) for?

We use the security question(s) to verify your identity should you request that your username or password be emailed to you.

Where can I find my utility account number, meter number and rate class?

Your account number, meter number and rate class can be found on a recent electricity invoice. If you do not have a recent invoice, you can call your current utility and ask for this information. BlueStar can assist you in connecting you with your utility for this information, 866-BLUESTAR (258-3782).

When will my service with BlueStar begin?

BlueStar will process your switch with the utility. Unless otherwise indicated, service will start on your next available meter read date after processing by your local utility. Typically, it takes 1-2 bill cycles before you start receiving BlueStar supply charges.

When I switch, will I lose power for a certain period of time?

No, you will not experience any interruptions as a result of switching.

Can I change the email or password I used when I enrolled?

Yes. Once your account is set up, you'll be able to log on and make changes.

How do I renew my agreement?

Prior to the end of your contract we will provide you with a new rate structure and terms for your review and acceptance.

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Enrollment — Miscellaneous

Do all customers qualify for service with BlueStar?

Yes. However, not all customers will be able to save on BlueStar's energy supply charge. Some exceptions are noted below. If you have specific questions about whether you can save, please call 866-BLUESTAR (258-3782).

Space Heat and Thermal Storage customers

Customers who use electricity as the primary way of heating their residence and who are designated as "space heat" or "thermal storage" by their utility rate class cannot save money with BlueStar.

Time- of-Use, Hourly or Real Time Pricing customers

If you currently have a pricing structure where the rate you pay varies from hour-to-hour based on wholesale market prices, you can't save with BlueStar. This type of program has different names, such as Real Time Pricing (RRTP), Time-of-Use/Time-of-Day, Hourly Pricing, or Power Smart, depending on the utility.

I currently get my electricity from my municipality. Can I switch to BSE?

No. BlueStar is registered to serve customers of public utilities. At this time we can't switch addresses that are served by electric cooperatives or municipal corporations.

I'm new in town and don't have an account in my name yet. Can I sign up with BlueStar?

BlueStar is licensed to sell electric power to retail customers, but we need to work through the local utility to deliver it. When you call your utility to set up new service, ask the representative for your new account and meter numbers and your rate class. Once you have that information you can return to this website to complete your enrollment. Call BlueStar Customer Care at 866-BLUESTAR (258-3782) if you need help finding the number for your utility.

I had a “disagreement” with my utility and my service has been disconnected. What can you do for me?

You need to be a customer in good standing with your local utility in order to become a BlueStar customer. Otherwise, we have no way to deliver electricity to your home.

I am enrolled in Net Metering through my utility; can I still sign up with BlueStar?

Illinois: Yes, BlueStar has a net metering program in Illinois so we can support net metering customers.

Pennsylvania: Yes, you are eligible for enrollment with BlueStar. However, BlueStar does not currently have a net metering program in Pennsylvania and does not offer credits for excess generation.

I am a current BlueStar customer and am interested in net metering. Do I sign up through you or my utility?

Illinois: If you are interested in net metering, we can help you enroll through your utility and they will assist you in setting up the proper equipment. Contact us to get the process started.

Pennsylvania: If you are interested in net metering, you can enroll through your utility and they will assist you in setting up the proper equipment. However, BlueStar does not currently have a net metering program and does not offer credits for excess generation.

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Renewable Energy

How does BlueStar help me become part of the solution to protect the environment?

The BlueStar Renewable American Energy plan relies solely on wind power, which helps customers reduce their carbon footprint. Also, by adopting a paperless billing and registration process, both BlueStar Energy and our customers further protect and conserve the environment in a simple yet very real way.

What is Renewable American Energy?

BlueStar Energy's renewable energy plan is produced from 100% wind power in the United States and is Green-e™ certified. By purchasing renewable power from BlueStar, you are helping to create clean-energy American jobs.

How does purchasing renewable energy help the environment?

Electricity generation is a leading cause of industrial air pollution in the U.S. Most electricity comes from coal, nuclear, and other non-renewable sources. Producing energy from these resources takes a toll on our environment, polluting our air, land and water. Renewable energy sources can be used to produce electricity with fewer environmental impacts. It is possible to make electricity from renewable energy sources without producing CO2, the leading cause of global climate change.

Where is the green energy coming from?

BlueStar Energy's renewable energy plan is 100% wind power generated in the United States. It is not physically possible to route electrons from a specific generation source to a specific physical address. While all electrons are the same, whether generated from renewable resources or traditional fossil fuels, consumers can take real steps to support renewable resource generation. Renewable or 'green' energy is supported by renewable energy certificates (RECs) that BlueStar purchases on behalf of its customers to support the development of renewable resources by customers paying a financial premium for the environmental attributes of that renewable generation. These RECs are administered through the Center for Resource Solutions' (CRS) Green-e™ program, generally recognized as the gold standard for REC certification. Purchase of these RECs helps to further create a marketplace for renewable resource generation. The greater the marketplace, the more renewable generation that will be built, helping to displace generation from non-renewable resources. BlueStar Energy is a certified marketer with the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e™ program. Each year BlueStar is audited and we provide proof of our total green demand and the supporting purchases we've made from Green-e™ qualified resources.

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Billing

What is a kWh and how does it factor in to my rate plan?

kWh = Kilowatt Hour. Electricity is measured in units of watts, often expressed in terms of kilowatts (1,000 watts). The kilowatt hour is commonly used for purposes of billing, since the monthly energy usage of a typical residential customer ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand kilowatt hours. Your energy supply charge (ESC) is your energy rate multiplied by the number of kWh you have used.

How will I be billed?

In most cases, customers are billed through their existing utility. The utility will send you a consolidated bill that lists BlueStar as your energy supplier. If your utility is PPL, you will receive a BlueStar consolidated bill that incorporates your utility company's delivery charges. In either case, your rate and charges will be clearly identified.

If you receive your bill from BlueStar, please note that we do not mail bills through the U.S postal system. Each month you'll get an email containing a link to your online bill. The notice is sent on the same day the bill is generated. You can log into your online account at anytime and view all previous and current invoices.

Which line items on my bill are from the utility?

Charges generally are divided in to two categories: Generation or Energy Supply Charges and Delivery Service Charges. The utility provides delivery services which includes costs to deliver electricity to your home via transmission and distribution lines. These costs include a customer charge (covers utility service connection and billing), a standard metering charge, and a distribution facilities charge. Taxes and other charges include taxes and miscellaneous items such as franchise fees and costs related to energy efficiency programs.

What is a delivery charge?

Delivery service charges, charged by the utility, include costs to deliver electricity to your home via transmission and distribution lines. These costs may include a customer charge (covers utility service connection and billing), a standard metering charge and a distribution facilities charge.

When will I get my first bill with my BlueStar rate?

You can expect your first bill with the BlueStar rate approximately one month after your BlueStar start date.

I am currently on a budget billing plan with my utility. What will happen when I switch to BlueStar?

PECO, Ameren or ComEd Customers:

• Your budget billing status with the utility will not change as the utility will still be issuing your bill that consolidates the BlueStar energy supply charge with the utility delivery charges.

West Penn Power, Met-Ed or Penelec Customers:

• Your budget billing for energy supply and delivery services will be handled separately. Please contact BlueStar for budget billing on the supply portion of your bill, 866-258-3782. The utility will handle the budget on the delivery portion.

PPL Customers:

• Since BlueStar will be issuing your bill, your account will be removed from Budget Billing prior to your switch. The utility will true up your account at that time, showing your total balance due on your last utility bill. If you want to sign up for Budget Billing with Bluestar, you can do so after your account has been enrolled. Please contact BlueStar to have this set up, 866-258-3782.

What is an e-statement?

Electronic copies of your monthly statements are stored on our secure website. An email notice containing a link to your online statement is sent the same day the statement is generated. You can have the notice sent to multiple email addresses if you like.

What is my current rate?

You can find your current rate on any BlueStar Energy statement. Visit your BlueStar Energy Account Management homepage to access current and previous statements. The Energy Supply Charge line item under BLUESTAR ENERGY ELECTRIC SUPPLY CHARGES details your current rate (ex. $0.09990). If you purchase renewable energy, the Green Adder rate should be added to the Energy Supply Charge rate to determine your total rate.

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Payment

Who do I make my payment to?

Payments should be made out to and sent to the billing agent, per the instructions on your invoice. If you receive your invoice from BlueStar, please make payments to BlueStar. If you receive your invoice from your utility, please make payments to the utility.

What payment options are available?

Payment options may differ depending upon who delivers your invoice. If you are billed by the utility, please refer to their website or customer service for specific payment options.

If you are billed by BlueStar, we accept electronic payments via check or credit card. We also offer Auto-pay.

Miscellaneous

What is electric deregulation?

In the past, one company provided all parts of your electric service (generation, transmission and distribution, and retail sales). With deregulation, these entities are now separate and you have a choice in your electricity provider.

What is a Utility?

The "local wires and poles" company that is responsible for making sure that you receive power at your home or business. They are also responsible for maintaining the power grid and doing onsite work such as installing and reading meters and responding to power outages.

How do I report a power outage?

You continue to notify your utility as you always have. They remain responsible for the delivery of your energy, as well as for any maintenance and repairs needed. Call BlueStar at 866-BLUESTAR (258-3782) and we will assist you in connecting you with your local utility's outage reporting system.

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