Public Power Reviews

Updated on
min reading

Public Power is a large alternative natural gas and electricity supplier serving customers in 8 US states. Fixed rates and rewards are popular with customers. The company has a mediocre rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Our Take

Customers may be able to save on fixed rate plans with Public Power. Many appreciate the availability of rewards plans with the company.

However, variable rates may be unstable, and the company has faced allegations of misleading sales practices.

Available Plans

Rate type Details Contract term & Early cancellation fee Our Recommendations
Fixed rate plans
  • Rate remains the same for entire contract
  • Plan automatically becomes variable at end of term
  • Contract: 12 or 24 months
  • Fee: $50
  • Natural gas: 12 months
  • Electricity: 24 months  

Variable rate plans

  • Includes "index rate" plans
  • Rate changes each month
  • Index rates: formula to calculate your rate is disclosed
  • Variable rates: formula is not disclosed
None Not recommended

Fixed Rate Savings

Many customers report saving on fixed rate plans in comparison to rates offered by their local utility. Others feel that the stability of fixed rates is an added value. Because the rate you pay for electricity per kilowatt-hour or natural gas per therm/cubic foot is the same every month, any difference in your supply bill is only due to differences in consumption.

Electricity Plans

We recommend 24 month fixed rate plans for electricity with Public Power. Just be sure to keep track of when your contract ends, because you will be charged variable rates when it is finished.

Natural Gas Plans

Opt for 12 month contracts for natural gas. Rates will also become variable at the end of your contract, so track its end date.

Attractive Rewards Programs

Public Power offers a number of rewards, which many customers appreciate. Rewards for continued service with Public Power include restaurant gift cards, and bill credits up to $50. Customers can also earn $20 prepaid Visa cards for every friend they refer to Public Power who sign up for service.

Variable Rate Fluctuations

Customers may report that they are not pleased with expenses on variable rate plans. Some allege they were made to believe that they would be able to save money on variable rates, but instead ended up paying way more than the rates charged by their local utility.

Additionally, rates automatically become variable at the end of fixed rate plans. Some customers say that they did not receive a notice that their contract was ending.

Moderate Customer Service Ratings

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gave Public Power a C+ customer service score. Positive aspects of the business as assessed by the BBB include that it responds well to official customer complaints, and makes a good effort to resolve them. However, negative factors include that Public Power has not addressed the source of common customer complaints. Government action against Public Power has also lowered their score.

Misleading Practices

According to the BBB, customers allege that Public Power employees have tried to sign up new customers by falsely posing as a representative of their local utility. Additionally, customers report asking to be put on the "Do Not Call" list but still receiving telemarketing calls from Public Power.

Government Action

The state of Maryland launched an investigation against Public Power in 2011, based on complaints that the company was signing up people without their knowledge, and making promises about savings that never materialized. The company was ordered in 2013 to pay a fine and issue refunds to customers.

More Information

Public Power is based in Stamford, Connecticut. It serves over 600,000 customers across 8 states and territories with natural gas and electricity. 

Callmepower is independent and not affiliated with any supplier or utility.