Archive for Texas Electricity
Comparing Texas Electricity Prices and Green Energy
Posted 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!
Texas Electric: What Happens If You Don’t Choose a Provider?
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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.
In Texas You Have the Right to Choose an Electricity Company
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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
Posted 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
Texas Electric: What Is a Provider of Last Resort & Why You Want to Avoid Them
Posted by: | CommentsAnything with the phrase “last resort” in it is probably something you want to avoid — unless you’re talking about scoping out Caribbean vacation spots (as in, that last resort we toured was gorgeous). When it comes to energy, you don’t want to be in the “last resort” club.
As it relates to Texas electricity, following is what a Provider of Last Resort (POLR) is, and why you want to avoid being a part of their roster.
What is a Provider of Last Resort?
Actually, from a consumer standpoint, a POLR is a good thing. They are Texas energy companies that act as a back-up in case an existing service provider goes out of business.
Texas electricity consumers have a deregulated energy market, which has produced the need for POLRs. Why? Because with deregulation came a lot of competition. And, some of these new companies had neither the market savvy nor the secure financial backing it takes to be in business for the long haul.
Many of them came on the scene offering Texas electricity consumers low rates, but they couldn’t deliver when certain market forces shifted. So, they went out of business – leaving thousands of customers potentially stranded.
Enter POLRs. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) designated certified retail electric providers (REPs) to act as POLRs for each customer class in each electric utility service area open to competition.
While this is a comfort, it can be a nightmare in that there is no guarantee that the rate you paid with your old Texas electricity company is the one you’ll get with your new one. And, if you’re already paying the high cost of a prepaid electric service plan, your costs could escalate even more.
Why It Pays to Choose a Traditional Texas Electricity Company
This is why it pays to sign on with a traditional Texas energy supplier – even if it means saving up to pay a deposit. Although, many have low-deposit and no-deposit electric service plans you may qualify for. All it takes is a phone call to find out.
Texas Electric: What to Do If You’ve Been a Victim of Electric Cramming
Posted by: | CommentsMany Texas electricity consumers are paying more for electricity than they need to. And the kicker is, they don’t even know it. How is this possible? In short, electric cramming. Following is what it is and what to do about it if it’s happened to you.
What Is Electric Cramming?
Electric cramming is when an unauthorized energy supplier charges you for services that they aren’t even providing. Most customers don’t realize that this is happening to them, so it can go on for months – or even years – if you are not diligent about checking the charges on your Texas electric bill.
If You’ve Been Crammed, Following Is What You Need to Do
1. Contact Your Texas Electricity Supplier Immediately: Tell them about the charges and that you are a victim of electric cramming.
Note: You should pay the rest of your bill on time (just don’t pay the cramming charges). If you don’t pay the legitimate portion of your bill, you risk having your electric service terminated.
2. Ask for Removal of Charges: Your electric company will usually comply with this request immediately.
Tip: If you go back through old bills and find that you’ve unwittingly paid cramming charges, ask for a refund.
3. File a Complaint: If you can’t come to a resolution with your Texas electricity company, you can file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) by calling 888-782-8477.
When you start examining your Texas electric bill for unauthorized charges, you may notice that what you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh) is higher than the norm. If this is so, you may be using a prepaid electric service plan where costs can be 25, 30 or 40% higher than those who have regular plans and enjoy some of the lowest rates around.
Even if you have bad credit or what’s considered a low income, conventional Texas electricity companies have low-deposit and no-deposit electric plans that can help you save – a lot – on your monthly energy bill. All you have to do is contact your Texas electricity company to find out about which options they have that can help you.
Texas Electric: Advice on Moving from a Regulated to a Deregulated Energy Market
Posted by: | CommentsIf you’ve moved from a regulated energy market to a deregulated one, the first thing you need to do is get used to the idea of freedom. Freedom? Yes, the freedom to choose your electricity supplier.
Study after study has shown that competition has led to better service and lower rates for Texas electric customers. However, many haven’t taken advantage because they don’t know where to start.
How to Shop for a New Texas Electric Company: Find a Trusted Source
The first place to start is with a trusted source. Websites like ElectricityBid.com put all of the resources you need to shop quickly for a Texas electric company at your fingertips. What you’ll find on sites like this are:
Comparison Charts: These list rates for multiple Texas electricity companies within a given region.
Requests for Energy Proposals: By filling in just a few pieces of information, you can get bids from numerous Texas electric companies to compare. This eliminates the need to visit website after website or make phone call after phone call to gather he info you need to make an informed decision.
Low Deposit/No Deposit Electric Service Plans: Have bad credit? A low income? On a fixed income? Conventional Texas electric companies have options for every type of consumer. You don’t have to automatically assume that the only options available to you are high-cost prepaid electric service plans.
These are just a few of the helpful categories you’ll find on sites like ElectricityBid.com. Everything you need to find the best Texas electric plan for you can be found there.
Texas Electric Customer Shopping Tip
Ask, ask, ask! When moving from a regulated to a deregulated energy market, most customers assume that the old rules apply. So, if they’ve had an expensive prepaid electric service plan before, they automatically assume that’s all they can get again.
Not so.
Ask about no-deposit electricity plans like the Texas LITE-UP program. It gives customers a discount on their electric bill five months out of the year.
Call and ask for qualifying details and/or to inquire about other programs like this that can help you defray the cost of your Texas electric bill.
Transmission Losses and Ancillary Charges Passed Through, Is That Right?
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Bad Texas Electricity Gimmick Number 123
From time to time we bring up some tricks and gimmicks some of the disreputable electric companies will do in Texas and I think it only fair to talk about this little doozy. Some retail electric providers in Texas are advertising a “fixed rate” while then passing on what are known as “transmission losses” and “ancillary charges”. These charges can change from time to time and so some electric companies have written in the finer details of their contract that they can change these if necessary.
Rather Than Secure The Risk To The Customer They Pass The Charges on Secretly
Rather than hedging and accounting for possible changes in these charges like most Texas electric companies will do these disreputable electric companies will modify their advertised fixed rate and pass those through to their customers. This is not a good tactic and is very dishonest and confusing to all but the most educated electricity service consumer.
Texas Consumers Are Quick To Forget
Some of the electric providers that do this practice have the idea that Texas electric customers are soon to forget these tricks and so they feel as though they can get away with it. In fact there are so many new electric service customers that come to Texas each day that these bad electric companies in the market don’t really care about their reputation. If word gets out that they are increasing their electricity rate on their customers they simply keep doing the same thing. They know that there are plenty more electric customers that will fall for the same old tricks again and again without being the wiser.
More Common Tricks Involve Hiding TDSP Charges
Unfortunately there are electric companies in Texas that do this hidden fee gimmick in their electric rate but it is not the norm. A much more commonly used trick beyond this is to advertise an unbundled electricity price that does not include TDSP charges. Most electric companies bundle in the TDSP charges but since it is arguably not required by law not all electric providers will bundle it in.
So even if an electric company doesn’t bundle in the TDSP charges in their electric rate they are also being misleading. What will end up happening is you will get your first months electric bill and notice your rate is a few cents higher than what you were advertised. You may wonder how an electricity company can get away with doing this.
These Texas electricity suppliers believe the same way as the other energy companies I mentioned that know that there are many more electric service customers willing to fall for the same trick. The Texas consumer is quick to forget these types of things according to them and so they will continue to do the same dishonest and sneaky tactic of leaving off the TDSP charges from their advertised electric rate.
Of course you will find the total bundled electricity rate based on area in the electricity facts label and terms of service but how many people take the time to examine these. The advertised rate in bold colorful print is what most people are sold on. If the electric rate is really a few cents higher than this it is misleading otherwise why would the reputable electricity companies be bundling in those charges in their advertised electricity prices?
Compare Bundled Rates With No Hidden Charges
Before you fall for one of these stunts be sure to click on our electricity rates comparison chart and see all-in bundled electricity rates that include all fees and charges accept for taxes. You can compare based on fixed or variable terms and pick the plan that best meets your situation. There are several reputable ethically run electricity providers in Texas to choose from in the chart. Just enter your zip code and click on “compare” to get started.
Texas Electric Market: Competition Leads to Better Customer Service for Consumers
Posted by: | CommentsSince Texas deregulated its electricity market in 2002, many new companies are competing for the same pool of customers. This has been a win-win for Texas electric consumers because it has put the customer front and center via improved customer service.
Consumers can now shop around for an electricity company. And while rate remains a high determining factor as to which energy supplier a customer chooses, customer service is on the list as well.
What Better Customer Service Means for Texas Electric Consumers
Better customer service has led to several innovations by the energy market that benefit consumers. Following are a few.
Product Innovation: It’s practically impossible to talk about energy today without mentioning the phrase “green energy.” Many consumers are concerned about the environment and want green energy options. Hence, electric companies have started to offer this to consumers.
To find out if an electricity company offers green energy options, check its Electricity Facts Label. This document tells you how an energy provider generates its electricity.
Money-Saving Plans: Many traditional Texas electric suppliers offer numerous plans that save consumers money.
One of the most popular is the LITE-Up Texas program. It offers discounts on energy bills during the high-energy consumption months of May through September.
Conventional energy suppliers also offer no-deposit electric service plans. When you compare no-deposit plans to prepaid electric service plans, for example, the savings are usually phenomenal. This is because prepaid electric plans charge so much more.
Energy Rebates: If you make improvements to your home by purchasing buy Energy Star-rated appliances, you can get rebates on those purchases – anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. This is all made possible via the Texas Trade-Up Appliance Rebate Program.
With innovations like these, Texas electric customers are truly the winners since the market was deregulated.