How to verify a supplier license before signing

Why verify

Deregulated states allow door-to-door sales (with restrictions). Bad actors impersonate utility employees or fake suppliers. The how-to-cancel-energy-supplier-contract guide covers slamming recovery.

Even legitimate brokers may sub-broker through unlicensed agents. Your contract is with the licensed supplier — not the door-to-door rep — so verify the name on the contract, not the rep's business card.

Each state PUC maintains a current licensed-supplier list. Search by exact name. Active status confirms the license is in good standing.

State-by-state verification links

Pennsylvania: PA Power Switch (papowerswitch.com) lists all licensed electric and gas suppliers. The how-to-use-papowerswitch guide walks through the search.

Ohio: PUCO Apples-to-Apples (energychoice.ohio.gov) covers electric + gas. The how-to-use-puco-apples-to-apples guide covers the portal.

Texas: Power to Choose (powertochoose.org) lists licensed REPs (Retail Electric Providers). The how-to-use-power-to-choose-texas guide covers it.

New York: DPS New York (dps.ny.gov) — search "ESCO" (Energy Services Company) license database.

Illinois: Illinois Commerce Commission (icc.illinois.gov) — Plug In Illinois portal.

Maryland: MD PSC (psc.maryland.gov) — supplier license database.

New Jersey: NJ BPU (bpu.state.nj.us) — third-party supplier license search.

Massachusetts: MA DPU (mass.gov/dpu) — competitive electric and gas supplier directory.

Red flags that indicate a fake or predatory supplier

The rep refuses to leave a written quote or contract. Always get it in writing on company letterhead with the licensed supplier name (not the door-to-door rep name) and a license number that matches the PUC database.

The rep claims to be from "the utility" or "the state" — neither utilities nor PUCs knock on doors selling supply contracts. Door-to-door reps work for licensed suppliers (legitimately) or for unlicensed brokers (illegitimately). The utility never sends sales reps door to door.

Pressure tactics like "this rate ends today" or "your utility is being deregulated and you must pick a supplier" are both false. Deregulation has been in effect for 25+ years in most active states; nobody is required to switch and no rate disappears overnight.

No license number on the contract or business card. If the license number is missing, refuse to sign and ask for the document to be reissued with the supplier license number visible. Cross-check the number against the state PUC database before signing.

Asking for your account number from the bill before discussing terms. Legitimate suppliers provide a written quote first; predatory ones try to get the account number to set up unauthorized switching (slamming).

If you have already signed under pressure, the cooling-off-period-energy-supplier-rights guide covers your 3-business-day cancellation right (longer in some states). Use it. There is no penalty for cancelling within the rescission window.

The 60-second verification process

Step 1: get the supplier name from the contract or quote. Note this is the licensed supplier name, not the door-to-door rep or broker brand. Many predatory operations use a brand name that differs from their licensed legal name.

Step 2: visit your state PUC supplier directory (papowerswitch.com, energychoice.ohio.gov, powertochoose.org, etc.). Search the supplier name. Active licenses appear with a license number, term, and current contact information.

Step 3: confirm active status. Suspended or revoked licenses are listed but flagged. Never sign with a supplier that has had license issues — even if the rep claims the issue is resolved, only the PUC database is authoritative.

Step 4: confirm the license number matches what is on the contract. Mismatches indicate the rep may be representing a different (or fake) entity. The contract is binding only with the actual licensed supplier.

Step 5 (optional but recommended): check Better Business Bureau ratings, state Attorney General consumer-complaint records, and online reviews for the supplier. PUC licensing is the legal minimum; consumer satisfaction is a separate signal.

What to do if you suspect you signed with a fake or unlicensed supplier

If you discover the issue within the cooling-off period (3 to 10 business days depending on state), cancel immediately using the rescission process. The cooling-off-period-energy-supplier-rights guide walks the cancellation steps.

If you discover the issue after the cooling-off period, file a formal complaint with your state PUC consumer division. Provide the contract, any communications, and the dispute. Most state PUCs treat unlicensed-supplier complaints as urgent and investigate within 7 to 14 days. Penalties for unlicensed operation can include refunds plus civil fines against the operator.

If you suspect slamming (your account was switched without authorization), file the complaint immediately and request the supplier provide the original signed authorization. If they cannot, the PUC will reverse the switch and refund any overcharges from the unauthorized period. Most state PUCs assess fines of $5,000 to $25,000 per slamming incident against the offending supplier.

For ongoing scam patterns (multiple unlicensed reps in your neighborhood, repeated solicitations after you said no), report to the state Attorney General consumer-protection division in addition to the PUC. State AGs have broader authority to pursue criminal charges against repeat offenders.