Canonical Definition
Dual billing is an arrangement in retail choice markets where the customer receives two separate bills: one from the distribution utility for delivery and related charges, and one from the competitive energy supplier for the energy commodity. The customer pays each provider directly. It contrasts with consolidated billing, where all charges appear on one bill; availability and provider practices vary by state and supplier.
Explanations
Dual billing means you get two separate bills for your energy service. One comes from your local utility for delivering energy to your home. The other comes from the supplier you chose for the energy itself. You pay each company on its own. This applies in states where customers can pick their own supplier. The other option is consolidated billing, where everything lands on one bill. Offerings vary by state and supplier.
Dual billing means you get two bills. One company delivers the energy over wires or pipes. The other company sells you the energy itself. Each one sends its own bill.
Analogy Bank
Dual billing is like paying the delivery company and the store separately for one online order.
It's like paying the gym for the facility and the trainer separately for the sessions — two providers, two bills.
Do Not Say
- ✕Do not assert which billing arrangement a customer has; suggest they check whether they receive one bill or two.
- ✕Do not imply dual billing means duplicate charges; the two bills cover different services.