Comparing Texas Electricity Prices and Green Energy
By · CommentsWhen comparing Texas electricity prices you have several energy companies out there competing for your business. If these companies have to use words like green energy, environmentally friendly or quite a few other buzz words to get your business they will.
Now comparing these green energy plans is a little challenging as you have to deal with companies selling quite a few different variations of this green energy stuff.
For instance, many of these electric companies are buying biomass renewable energy credits in other states and than applying that to their dirty energy.
These electric provider in Texas than sell you clean energy but in reality you are cleaning up another state and not the state of Texas.
It’s great that at least you are doing your part for the US as a whole but wouldn’t it be nice if it helped out Texas?
The government is about to cramp down on these green energy buzz words that providers use to sell their electricity service.
Soon many packages for things as simple as baby diapers may have to remove the environmentally friendly labels from their packaging.
Texas electricity providers may not be able to call their electricity renewable energy unless it meets a high enough percentage and overall things will hopefully be a little more transparent as to what it is your buying.
In the big picture it will be easier to compare green energy providers in an apples to apples comparison and choose the lowest price.
However, this may have more to do with setting up the whole cap and trade system rules in which electricity companies and manufacturers aren’t simply no longer advertising that their products are no longer environmentally friendly. Instead, government deadlines are set for manufacturers, energy generation facilities, electricity providers, and so on to make their power plants and products meet these new green friendly and carbon neutral requirements.
A large part of the requirement will be a tax on these products and services if these power plants and so forth can’t operate as carbon neutral as required. These taxes will than go into a slush fund where the government may choose to do something completely different with this money as they did with Social Security taxes.
McKinney, Texas Electricity Service Comparison
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Did you know that heating and cooling accounts for over half of your total monthly electric bill? That could be why so very many of the energy saving tips out there focus on this area. One such tip is to regularly inspect your ducts to make sure they are not damaged or torn. Really…do you want to pay to heat and cool the area under your house? No.
Reducing your energy consumption is a win-win situation. You save money every month and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. But there is another way to keep that bill down and it is through ElectricRates. We research all electricity service providers in the McKinney, Texas area to find out what rates each is charging.
Use our online comparison tool for a free pass to this information. You can choose a company that is charging less per kilowatt hour than you are paying now and order service with them online through ElectricityBid. No funny games either! We average in any additional surcharges and fees and show them to you in the final calculated rate so you pay what they said you would pay.
Call our 800 number above today to speak to an energy consultant. We don’t want you paying too much for electricity in McKinney, Texas any more than you do. Our energy consultants are always happy to assist you in lowering your monthly power bill and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you have. Why wait? The savings are so close!
How to Use The Google Smart Meter in Texas
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Google PowerMeter is a free energy monitoring tool that helps you save energy and money. Using energy information provided by your Texas electric utility smart meters and energy monitoring devices, Google PowerMeter enables you to view your home’s energy consumption from anywhere online.
Benefits of Google PowerMeter
- Find What Devices and Appliances Are Always on
- Predict Your Energy Costs
- Plug in Your Fixed Electric Rate per kWh to customize your data
- View How Others Have Used Google Power Meter
- Track Energy Usage Over Days, Weeks, and Months
You will be able to quickly see patterns of electric usage during certain times of day and pinpoint what devices are using most of your energy. You may have never even thought about what appliances in your home causes you to spend the most on your electricity but the data available from Google smart meter will allow you to plan and budget to plan how you use your energy and how to lower costs.
Even if you are not the type of person to budget nd plan the Google Smart meter application that is available online keeps track of all the data for you. The application even automatically creates the graphs and shows you the patterns for where you can save the most money.
This online application is perfect for me and considering Oncor electric utility which is agressively impleneting smart electric meters in their service area is my utility I will not have to wait long to use this app.
If you are in the Dallas Fort Worth area chances are you already have a smart electric meter installed by Oncor Electric Delivery. If so I encourage you to go to the link below and sign up with Googles application.
http://www.google.com/powermeter/about/about.html
One of the neatest things about the Google smart meter app is the dark green area of their chart. The dark green area shows you what applianxes in your house are always on. Many people do not realize it in Texas but many of the appliances we use suck energy out of the electric outlet even when you turn off the device.
The Google Power meter will help you pinpoint those devies and retrofit the outlet or device so that it no longer takes energy from your usage while not being used. If you do not want to spend money on retrofits you can atleast begin unplugging those devices from the wall as an alternative.
If nothing else this app is very cool and interesting to play around with and review even if decide not to implement in changes in your electricity usage consumption and behavior.
Oncor is not currently listed as a PowerMeter partner but you can easily purchase a cheap device to use with this application in correspondence with your smart meter. Below are a couple of devices that can be purchased that are compatible with the Google PowerMeter application.
http://www.currentcost.com/powermeter/
Tips for Selecting a Texas Energy Provider
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Every May, our contract with our Texas energy provider comes up for renewal, and we have the power to choose whether to stay with our current provider or switch. In looking for a new provider and/or plan we not only want a good rate, but we first have to decide if we want a contract and what kind, and if we want to use green energy, all the while paying close attention to possible promotions and rewards programs. Here is the process we usually go through.
In order to choose a provider, it is best to start with a plan. The two most common plans are variable rate and fixed rate. With a fixed rate plan you’ll pay the same rate for electricity throughout the term of your contract (which is typically 2 years). The price can change only to reproduce actual price changes that are allowed by Public Utility Commission rules due to changes in law or regulatory charges. This plan is great for people who have a household budget since the rate stays the same, which protects you from rising energy prices; however, if market prices fall you have to wait until your contract is over to switch to a lower rate. If you think you might want to discontinue service after a short period of time, look for a company that does not have contracts or offers short term contracts. Companies that have contract periods often have a minimum term and if you cancel your service before the contract period ends, you might have to pay a penalty.
Variable rate, or often referred to as “month-to-month”, plans have no minimum contract period and are based on current energy market conditions. With this kind of plan, the rate you pay can fluctuate depending on the changes in the electricity market. Which means you can benefit from lowering energy rates and could help you to save on your energy bill. However, just as this type of plan allows you to save money when market prices fall, it could also have a negative affect if market prices rise because so would your electricity rate. For some people, dealing with constant changing electricity rates can be stressful so a fixed rate works best for them. On the other hand, there are others who like being able to always get the best rate and don’t mind searching for it, making a variable rate plan their best option.
Next is to choose between a non-renewable (standard) and a renewable (green) plan. You can check a Texas energy provider’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to see if their plan produces electricity from renewable resources such as solar, hydroelectric, landfill gas, biomass, geothermal, or wind. EFLs allow you to easily compare what each company has to offer to find the best fit for your energy consumption and budget. Each label contains the following information:
- Electricity Rate: This is made up of the electric company’s average price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for 500 kWh, 1000 kWh and 1500 kWh, as well as a possible monthly customer service charge and seasonal pricing. Rates can differ depending on the number of kilowatt-hours so it’s important to look at your past usage. With some companies the more kilowatt-hours you use, the lower the rate will be.
- Contract Terms: Some companies have minimum terms and will charge you an early cancellation fee, while others may not require a contract.
- Power Generation Sources: The electricity provider should list from what resources the electricity is produced (coal, natural gas, renewable energy, etc.) The percentages will be graphed to compare them to the average usage for electricity generation statewide.
- Emissions: In this section companies provide details on the types and percentage of emissions they create per kWh of electricity generated. The energy provider’s percentages will be graphed to show if the emissions are better or worse than the Texas average. This might be an important section for you if you’re interested in decreasing your carbon footprint.
Once you’ve decided which plan works for you, then the next step is to compare Texas electricity companies. You can do this by going to ElectricityBid.com where you can compare prices and ratings. Just enter your zip code and then pick the kind of plan you want. You will be able to see different Texas energy providers and their company rating, different plans offered, cancellation fee, if electricity is produced from renewable or non-renewable resources and the terms and rate for each plan. These websites will also show you promotions and incentives offered by each company and if they have a rewards program.
Lastly, review and compare all the possible incentives and rewards programs offered. Some companies offer rewards programs to their customers such as cash back and gifts. For example, Bounce Energy is currently rewarding its customers for paying their bills on-time. Customers who pay their bill on-time for 6 consecutive months receive their choice of 2 movie tickets or a free companion airfare ticket and also gain access to Bounce Energy’s VIP Customer Service line. The longer you pay on time, the more you get in return. Power providers might also offer incentives or promotions for signing up with a new plan such as gift cards, airline miles, charitable donations, or better rates if you sign up online. For example, Bounce Energy’s Express Move plan. This short term fixed rate plan makes moving much easier by not only turning on your electricity, but Bounce Energy will submit your USPS Change of Address form, add your name to the Do Not Mail and Do Not Call lists, give you free identity protection service and give you either a $25 Walmart or Home Depot gift card. Bounce Energy’s Terrific 12 plan gives the customer their choice of $25 gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart, GAP Inc., Shell, or a $25 bill credit.
As you’ve probably seen, there are many Texas energy providers and plans to choose from but by doing some research you will be able to find one that is right for your electricity needs and budget.
Online Resources
http://powertochoose.org
http://www.electricitytexas.com
Bridgeport Texas Electricity Rates and Companies
By · CommentsIn order to to compare electricity rates in Bridgeport Texas you first need to compare a list of retail electric providers that offer reputable contracts. Some Bridgeport Texas electricity companies will offer what appears to be a good cheap rate but fees and charges are hidden in the contract details and terms of services.
The question to consider is why do these disreputable electric providers in Bridgeport Texas hide these fees from their advertised rate? They could just as easily bundle in these charges and fees in their advertised rate but they don’t in order to sucker in more customers.
We work much differently than providers like these. Our goal is to educate Bridgeport electricity customers in order to assist in achieving for them the cheapest residential electric rate available.
The electric ompanies in our Bridgeport TX electricity comparicon chart offer rates that have all fees and charges bundled into the rate. Taxes are not included in the rate although this is industry standard and makes up a small portion of the overall rate.
When comparing electric rates it is also important to avoid choosing a variable electric rate unless it meets your needs. Variable electricity rates are subject to change from day to day.
There is no price stability with a variable price because it can go up one month and down the next. The times when it makes sense to choose a variable changing price for your electricity service is when you will be living somewhere short term.
A variable rate offers a no commitent contract allowing you to leave at anytime without paying an early termination penalty.
A fixed rate locks you in for a certain period of time but the positive offered is price predictability. Your electric rate in Bridgeport will remain the same for the entire term of the electricity agreement.
I recommend comparing the 6 month or 12 month fixed electric rates in our comparison chart. This way you will not have to worry about going shopping for a cheaper electricity price everytime your rate goes up in price.
You can sit back for 12 months and then revisit the shop and compare process. To begin ordering your electricity service in Bridgeport Texas online just type in your zip code in our comparison box and click on “compare rates”.
The electricity providers available in the chart from Bridgepor will appear and you can choose an electric provider that offers the rate, plan, and terms of service that best fit your needs.
If you would prefer to call and speak with a Bridgeport Texas energy consultant please call us at 1-800-971-4020
Texas Electric: How Wind Makes Electricity
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Wind energy is a growing green energy option for many Texans. In the last four years, in fact, wind turbines have provided a significant portion of the state’s electricity. But, have you ever wondered how wind produces electricity? Here we explain how.
Wind is simply air in motion. The surface of the earth is made up of different elements, ie, land and water, which absorb the heat of the sun at different rates.
During daylight hours, the air above land heats up faster than the air over water. This warm land expands and rises. When this happens, cooler air rushes in to take its place. This creates wind. At nighttime, the process is reversed because air cools more rapidly over land than water.
This makes wind a renewable (ie, green) energy source because as long as the sun shines, wind will be produced.
To produce electricity, wind machines (aka wind turbines) use blades to collect the wind’s kinetic energy. When the wind flows over the blades, this creates what’s known as “lift,” akin to the effect wind has on airplane wings. Wind turbine blades are connected to a drive shaft, which turns an electric generator and makes electricity.
If you’re interested in this green energy option, shop around for Texas electricity suppliers who provide it.
Another Way to Bring in the Green
Going green in your energy options is not the only way to save some green (money). If you’re on a prepaid electric service plan, for example, you are paying more for your energy.
Solution: Switch to a conventional electric service plan. If you’re worried about having to pay a deposit, take comfort in the fact that there are low-deposit and no-deposit electric plans offered by energy suppliers that have been serving Texans for decades.
For example, the LITE-UP Texas Program. It’s a no-deposit electric service plan that gives customers a discount on their energy bills every May through September. Even if you have to save up to pay a deposit to take advantage of energy savings like this, it’s worth it because you not only get the lowest rates around, you get the best service as well.
Harker Heights Texas Electricity Usage
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Those in Harker Heights are generally in a duplex or apartment sinec they are in the military. Some lucky ones have bought a house for temporary living but everyone knows most will soon be selling and moving out eventually. Apartments and duplexes in Harker Heights have terrible energy efficiency. Generally you may pay as much for electricity service for your Harker Heights apartment as a family of four who owns an updated house.
To save and lower your electricity usage consumption I recommend moving into a newer built apartment. Rent may be higher but your electricity bill will be less.
Also compare electricity rates with several reputable electric companies in Harker Heights. We have a comparison chart that shows you some of the cheapest electricity prices in this area. Just type in your zip code and click on compare to gest started.
With all the talk about choosing your electricity provider, many still haven’t done it. “So,” you may be wondering, “what happens if you don’t exercise your right to choose your Texas electricity company?” Following is some insight.
When you elect not to choose your electric provider, your service will be supplied by what’s called an Affiliate Retail Electric Provider. Who/what is this?
An Affiliate Retail Electric Provider is an entity associated with the original Retail Electric Provider (REP) that services your area.
If you don’t know which company this is, you can find out by logging on to sites like ElectricityBid.com. You can speak with a representative there, or plug in some info like your zip code to find out which Texas electric companies service your area.
What You Give Up by Not Choosing Your Texas Energy Company
The most important thing you give up is energy savings. Why/how?
Conventional Texas electricity companies offer so many money-saving plans for all types of consumers. For example, if your credit has gotten a little dinged up in the last few years – and many have seen this happen with the raging foreclosure crisis and steep job losses — you may think that the only plan you can get is an expensive one like a prepaid electric service account.
This is far from the truth.
With no-deposit and low-deposit electric plans like the Texas LITE-UP Program, energy savings have never been easier to get.
FYI, the Texas LITE-UP Program gives discounts to customers from May through September on their electric bill.
So “choose to choose” your Texas electric provider. Sites like ElectricityBid.com make it so easy. Literally, with a few clicks of the mouse, you can be on your way to reducing your monthly electric bill.
If you are relocating from out of state or are moving to a different Texas city from places like Austin, El Paso, Garland, Plano, El Paso and a few other areas you may be happy to know that you may now choose your electric company. Texas is the most competive electricity market in the world and because of this it has helped in lowering electricity rates for residential and commercial electricity service customers.
To begin shopping for residential electricity rates and comparing electric companies just use our comparison chart at the top left of this page. You will need to enter in your zip code and a list of electricity rates and providers will appear. Pick the cheapest provider based on either a fixed or variable term.
Make note that a variable price may be lower but it is subject to go up in price after the first month. This is because you are not locking in your electricity price when choosing a variable rate.
For most people a fixed electric rate makes more sense because you will have a predictable electricity rate and you will know what the price will be each and every month.
The choice in Texas is called the Power to Choose because you have the ability compare over 20 different competitive electricity providers and find the cheapest rate.
Clute TX Electricity Rates and Plans
By · CommentsIn Clute Texas there are several electricity companies competing to win the business of both commercial and residential electric service customers. Not all companies will be cheaper than Reliant Energy but many are. Before just going with the cheapest Clute electric provider it is important to understand the plans available.
Our electricity rate comparison chart categorizes the electricity rate plans based on term. There are variable electricity rates and fixed rates. Don’t just sign up with a variable price because it is the cheapest. Variable prices change each month and the positive aspect to a rate like this is that you will not be locked into the Clute electric rate for any specific term.
To get started click here to use our residential electricity comparison chart
This means with a variable rate you will find it to be worthwhile if you will only be at a location for a short time. A variable electricity price follows the energy commodities market up and down. If you are risk averse it is best to get on a fixed electricity rate instead.
A fixed electric rate can be anywhere from 3 months to 36 months out. A fixed Clute TX electricity price simply means that the rate will not change on you for the entire term of the contract. For most people a 6 month – 1 year fixed electricity rate is the best choice. You will not have to worry about the electric rate fluctuating in price every month.
We recommend comparing Reliant Energy’s prices with the electricity rates in this chart. We think you will find substantial savings. All fees and charges are included in the prices in our comparison chart. The only think not in the rate are taxes and this is industry standard.
When looking at too good to be true offers elsewhere on the internet you may see some energy suppliers leaving off TDSP charges or line loss and ancillary charges. This means that although their fixed electric rate appears the cheapest in their advertisement you will see a completely different rate when you get your first months electric bill.
Our company does not have a business model based on tricking customers. Our comparison chart averages in all fees in the rate so you know what you will be paying. Since everything but taxes is in the electric rate you will be able to compare apples to apples with Reliant Energy and other reputable electricity providers in Clute TX.
To get started click here to use our residential electricity comparison chart