The Power to Choose Your Electricity Provider What It Means for You
In the past, Texans did not have electric choice they bought their electricity from a local utility that was often the only choice in town. Utilities had very little incentive to keep rates low or go the extra mile for customers. Today however, Texas is one of a growing number of states with a competitive energy market that allows residents to purchase power from retail electricity providers or suppliers. Competitive markets are also referred to as deregulated energy markets. A competitive marketplace can have positive results for customers as competing energy providers offer a variety of plans and rates, so you have the power to choose among them.
Retail Electric Providers vs. Utilities in Texas
A retail electric provider (REP) or supplier will buy power on the wholesale market and sells it to customers. The utility (TDSP) is still responsible for delivering energy to your home, tracking your energy usage and maintaining the electric wires. With a choice of retail electric providers in one market, competition is possible that would not be with a single utility selling power to homes and businesses.
Which Texas Electricity Plan Should I Choose?
Types of Electricity Plans to Choose From in Texas
Fixed-rate electricity plans:
Power to Choose - Variable-rate electricity plans:
How are Electricity Rates Calculated?
Considerations when shopping for an electric provider:
- Your service area. In a state as large as Texas, a retail electric provider may not offer services in every town or city.
- Cost per kilowatt hour (kWh). Electricity use is measured in kilowatt hours, or kWh, and this is how your provider will share their rate.
- Fixed-rate plans. You can lock in the price per unit of energy by signing up for a fixed-rate plan. This guards against energy price fluctuations due to market forces such as demand.
- Additional costs and fees. Your new energy provider should disclose costs and fees before you sign up for service. Pay attention so that you can get a good estimate of what your monthly electricity costs will be and how they compare to what you’re currently paying.
- Reputation. It’s always a good idea to perform your due diligence when purchasing any product, and the same is true when choosing an electricity supplier in Texas.
Switching Texas Electricity Providers
- Check the terms of your current contract. You can sign up with a different electric retail provider at any time; however, you may be charged an early termination fee, or ETF, if you switch suppliers before your current contract ends. Check your original agreement to see when you can opt out of your service without having to pay a fee.
- Evaluate your energy needs. Your electricity consumption will vary based on the size of your home and family. Other variables, such as the efficiency of appliances, can be harder to pin down. Review your previous energy bills to get a better understanding of your average monthly usage. Knowing your energy needs can help you choose the best electric plan for you.
- Sign Up. Visit our Residential Sign up page to get started. You can also call us at the to free number to speak to a representative.
Choosing a New Electricity Provider When Moving in Texas
Choosing a New Electricity Provider When Moving in Texas
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Electricity Rate Guide
Power To Choose Electric rates are for comparison purposes only and are subject to change without notice and are only final when a service agreement has been completed with your chosen electricity provider. Not all of the cities in our service areas have electric choice and our pricing is based on each area rates.
All Electricity One, “Power to Choose” rates are gathered from the “Electricity Facts Label” of each retail electric provider. Please note that electricity service offers can be fixed or variable and that a variable rate may change throughout your contract. A fixed rate, however, is guaranteed for the term of a contract. This site is in no way associated with PowerToChoose.org which is operated by the PUC of The State Of Texas and has a limited and different choice of companies, rates and plans.
