An energy retailer is the company you sign up with for an electricity or gas plan, and it usually sends your bills, manages your account and handles customer service. Retailers buy energy from the wholesale market or suppliers and charge you under the plan you choose. The distributor is a separate business that owns and maintains the poles, wires, pipes and meters in your area, and responds to network faults. You can compare available retailer plans through the government’s Energy Made Easy website, although your choice of retailer may depend on your location.