Commonwealth Energy Corporation was founded in 1998, when California's deregulation laws opened competition in the marketplace to new electric service providers (ESPs). At that time the state's electric utility companies represented a sizable challenge to potential competitors. California's major utilities (Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric) had been operating as state-sanctioned monopolies for more than 100 years. Along with a few large municipal utilities they served nearly every individual, small business and large company in the state. Of approximately 301 licensed ESPs in California, Commonwealth Energy Corporation is one of a handful that remains in operation today. Commonwealth Energy Corporation began delivering electricity to California consumers in March of 1998. As competitors quickly fell by the wayside, Commonwealth grew to become the largest ESP in California, capturing over 60% of all switched accounts statewide. Reduced electric bills, first rate customer service and easy access to energy-saving products are some of the reasons for Commonwealth's success. With a proven track record in California and an understanding of successful entry and growth requirements for other retail energy markets, Commonwealth expanded into the newly deregulated states of Pennsylvania and Michigan. To brand itself for national expansion, Commonwealth services its retail customers as electricAmerica. electricAmerica is now well recognized in Pennsylvania and offers customers reliable"