Texas Electric Choice – How to Compare Electricity Plans in Texas
Since Texas lawmakers deregulated the electricity market, customers have the opportunity to choose their energy provider and plan. The state’s Power to Choose website is a one-stop shop that allows consumers to research rates and plans from various retail electric providers (REPs). The site also provides resources, such as an industry scorecard and tips for choosing an energy provider.
The site also offers a comprehensive list of available energy plans, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, renewable energy, and bundled plans (available in select areas). It’s important to note that not all electricity plans are created equal. Some providers offer introductory rates that are lower than the rate on their base plan, while others add in hidden fees and charges to boost their profits.
Choosing the best energy plans in texas requires understanding your usage levels and considering additional costs like ancillary services, recurring fees, and environmental surcharges. In addition, it’s essential to factor in the contract length when comparing electricity plans. Shorter contracts may have higher rates, but they also allow you to change your provider before the contract ends without penalty.
Before you start shopping for an energy plan, you should understand how your bill is calculated. Energy bills are typically displayed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average Texas household uses 1,132 kWh per month, which means you’ll want to search for plans that can accommodate your energy needs.
The public utility commission of Texas created the Power to Choose website to promote a competitive retail electricity market by providing information and choices to consumers. However, the site has come under heavy criticism and scrutiny for its complexity, potential for market manipulation, and limited consumer protections. As a result, consumers have been seeking alternatives to the site for assistance in evaluating and selecting their electricity provider.
Another alternative to the power to choose website is ComparePower, a site that allows residents to enter their zip code and view all available offers from competing electricity companies. Residents can then choose a plan and sign up online in minutes. Unlike Power to Choose, the comparison tool does not provide contact information for each provider or separate provider pages. ComparePower does, however, provide a full list of rates for each provider and an easy-to-use rate calculator to help shoppers find the best option.
Lastly, it’s important to consider the customer service offerings when choosing a provider. The company you select should be able to answer your questions and be readily available for any billing concerns or other issues that arise. In addition, it’s a good idea to read customer reviews of the provider you’re interested in before making your decision. This will give you an accurate picture of the company’s reputation and level of customer satisfaction. For example, if you’re looking for an electricity provider with outstanding customer service, consider an option with an A+ BBB rating or better.