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5 Essential Questions to Ask Your Energy Broker Before You Switch Providers
Choosing the right energy plan can be confusing — especially when rates, terms, and suppliers vary by state and utility. That’s why many homeowners and businesses turn to energy brokers for guidance. But not all brokers are created equal.
Before signing a contract, here are five essential questions to ask your energy broker to ensure transparency, trust, and long-term value.
✅ 1. Are You Licensed in My State?
Why it matters:
Energy regulation differs from state to state. Some states (like Texas or Illinois) require brokers to be licensed or registered before offering quotes or enrolling customers.
What to listen for:
Your broker should clearly state:
- Their license/registration number
- The states where they are authorized to operate
- Whether they’re directly licensed or working through a supplier-integrated marketplace (like Enerex)
Mazala Tip:
Mazala Energy is currently licensed in Illinois and Texas, and operates in partnership with Enerex to serve additional deregulated states with full supplier transparency.
✅ 2. Do You Represent Multiple Suppliers?
Why it matters:
Some brokers work with only one or two suppliers. Others (like Mazala Energy) offer access to a competitive marketplace of providers — ensuring you get the best rate for your usage profile.
What to listen for:
- How many suppliers do they work with?
- Are the rates shown inclusive of all fees?
- Is the broker truly independent, or are they incentivized to promote specific suppliers?
Mazala Tip:
We provide real-time quotes from 20+ licensed Retail Energy Providers through our integration with Enerex Exchange — giving you unbiased options based on your needs.
✅ 3. What Is the Contract Term and Are There Cancellation Fees?
Why it matters:
Some plans look great on the surface — but carry early termination fees, automatic renewals, or hidden charges. Understanding the full contract scope is essential.
What to ask:
- Is this a fixed-rate or variable plan?
- How long is the contract term (e.g., 12, 24, 36 months)?
- What’s the early termination fee (ETF), if any?
Mazala Tip:
Our platform clearly shows all plan details upfront, including contract term, price per kWh/therm, and any cancellation policies — before you commit.
✅ 4. How Will I Be Billed and What Will Change?
Why it matters:
Many consumers worry they’ll get two bills or lose their utility provider after switching. A knowledgeable broker should explain the post-enrollment process clearly.
What to ask:
- Will I still receive my bill from my utility?
- Will the supplier send a separate bill?
- What happens if I don’t renew in time?
Mazala Tip:
In most cases, you’ll still receive a single bill from your local utility, with your new supplier’s rate shown as a line item. We also track your contract end date and alert you before it expires.
✅ 5. How Do You Get Paid?
Why it matters:
Transparency in compensation helps build trust. Reputable brokers disclose their business model clearly and avoid markups on supplier rates.
What to ask:
- Do you charge me anything directly?
- How do you get paid?
- Do you receive more commission from one supplier vs. another?
Mazala Tip:
We are compensated by suppliers only after you enroll, and at no extra cost to you. We never mark up rates, and our quoting tool provides a fair, side-by-side comparison to help you make the best choice.
🟢 Final Thoughts
Your energy broker should be more than a salesperson — they should be a trusted advisor. By asking these questions, you’ll uncover:
- Whether they’re compliant
- How transparent their process is
- Whether they truly have your best interest in mind
At Mazala Energy, our mission is to make energy choice simple, secure, and fully transparent.