Reviewed September 12, 2026 · Independent information guide

Group purchasing and energy aggregation

Understand who signs the supply contract, who receives any payment, and whether members can decline participation.

Public aggregation and private referral programs differ

California's Community Choice Aggregation allows local jurisdictions to arrange energy supply, with a process for customers to opt out. It is a specific public program, not a label for every private group discount or fundraising offer. Other states have their own arrangements. [1]

Questions for an organization considering an offer

• Which legal entity is the supplier, and who is authorized to enroll members?
• Is participation voluntary, and is there an opt-out or cancellation process?
• What is the total member cost compared with the relevant alternative?
• Does the organization or an intermediary receive a referral fee, rebate or commission?
• Is a donation conditional on enrollment, continued service or a usage threshold?
• What happens to the supply rate and the promised payment when the agreement renews?

Request the supply agreement and any fundraising agreement separately. A contribution to a group should be assessed alongside what participating members pay. The supplier questions published by PUCO are a useful starting point for contract review. [2]

Find the applicable state resources

Use the state directory to locate utility and regulator guidance. Utility Choice Savings does not run an aggregation or fundraising program and does not enroll organizations or their members.