The Deregulated States Bundle: How to Save $500–$1,000+ Per Year on Household Utilities

How Deregulated States Let You Save $500–$1,000+ Per Year on Household Utilities

If you live in one of the deregulated states, you have a financial advantage most Americans don’t know about. In these states, you can shop your electricity supplier, compare natural gas plans, and even choose your internet provider — all independently, without being locked into a single company. The households that do all three save an average of $500 to $1,000+ per year. Systematically. Every year.

What Are Deregulated States?

In these markets, the electricity and energy sectors have been opened to competition. Instead of having a single utility monopoly, residents in deregulated states can choose from dozens of competing electricity suppliers. This competition drives prices down and gives consumers the power to lock in better rates, choose green energy, or pick fixed-rate plans that protect against price spikes.

As of 2026, the major deregulated states include Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and several others. Each state has its own rules, but the principle is the same: you have a choice.

The Deregulated States Bundle: Three Switches, Maximum Savings

Living in these markets means you can independently optimize each of your major household utility costs. You don’t need to bundle everything with one provider — and in most cases, you shouldn’t. The best electricity rate and the best internet rate rarely come from the same company.

Switch 1: Your Electricity Supplier

Your local utility (like ComEd in Illinois, Eversource in Connecticut, or PPL in Pennsylvania) still delivers your electricity. But a third-party supplier sets your actual rate. By comparing suppliers on a site like MyUtilitySearch, you can find rates 10–25% lower than your utility’s default rate. That’s $15–$30/month in savings, or $180–$360/year, just from one switch.

Switch 2: Your Internet Provider

In every major metro, there are typically 2–5 competing internet providers. If you’ve been on the same plan for more than 12 months, your promotional rate has almost certainly expired. Switching to a new provider — or negotiating with your current one — saves most households $20–$40/month, or $240–$480/year.

Switch 3: Your Home Security Plan

The third lever isn’t technically energy-related, but it’s just as impactful. Comparing home security systems (Vivint vs. ADT vs. SimpliSafe vs. DIY options like Ring) can cut your monthly monitoring costs by 50% or more. That’s another $10–$30/month in savings.

Top Deregulated States for Total Utility Savings in 2026

Not all states with open energy markets are created equal. Here are the best options for total household utility optimization:

• Texas — The most competitive energy market in the US, with 100+ retail electricity providers and strong metro internet competition in Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
• Illinois — Chicago residents can shop ComEd’s delivery area for alternative electricity suppliers, and metropolitan internet competition is strong.
• Ohio — One of the most underutilized deregulated states; Ohio residents often overpay because they don’t know they can switch.
• Pennsylvania — Has a robust competitive electricity market with dozens of licensed suppliers, plus good broadband competition in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
• New York — Some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, making ESCOs (Energy Service Companies) especially valuable for cost savings.
• New Jersey — Highest average electricity rates in the region, but strong supplier competition means significant savings are available.

How to Start Saving in Deregulated States

The process of saving money in these open energy markets takes less than 15 minutes total. Here’s the step-by-step approach:

1. Find your current rate: Look at your last electricity bill for your price per kWh.
2. Compare suppliers: Use MyUtilitySearch to compare available electricity suppliers in your area. Enter your zip code to see your options.
3. Check your internet plan: Log into your internet provider’s account and confirm your current rate and contract end date.
4. Compare internet providers: Enter your address to see competing options and promotional rates.
5. Compare home security: Use our home security comparison tool to see which system fits your needs at the lowest monthly cost.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deregulated States

Is switching electricity suppliers in deregulated states safe?

Yes. Your local utility still delivers the power and responds to outages. Switching suppliers only affects who sets your rate. Your lights won’t flicker, and service doesn’t get interrupted during a switch.

How much can I really save in deregulated states?

The $500–$1,000+ figure is based on combining all three switches: electricity supplier, internet provider, and home security. Each one individually saves $120–$480/year. Together, the total household utility savings in these states regularly exceed $1,000/year for the average household.

Do I need to switch all three at once?

No. You can start with whichever utility is costing you the most. Most people start with electricity since it’s the easiest to compare and the savings are immediate. You can always add internet and home security comparisons later.

Start Comparing Utilities in Your Deregulated State Today

MyUtilitySearch makes it easy to compare electricity suppliers, internet providers, and home security systems in deregulated states — all in one place. Enter your zip code and see what’s available in your area right now.

For more information on electricity market competition, visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s resource on deregulation.