What the Power to Choose Your Electricity Provider Means for You

What is Power-To-Choose? In the past, Texans 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, Texas is one of a growing number of states with a competitive energy market that allows residents  The Power To Choose and 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. More Simply put you have electric choice.

Retail Electric Providers vs. Utilities in Texas

A retail electric provider or supplier will buy power on the wholesale market and sells it to customers. With Power To Choose the utility 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?

Energy choice gives Texans the opportunity to purchase an electric plan that works for them. A fixed-rate plan includes signing a contract and is ideal for those looking to lock in the price per kilowatt-hour to have energy budget certainty. Variable-rate plans are on a month-to-month basis with no long-term contract but leave you open to price fluctuations, so Power To Choose requires some research by the customer.

Types of Electricity Plans to Choose From in Texas

There are two popular types of electricity plans in Texas:

Fixed-rate electricity plans and The Power To Choose:

Customers lock in the price per unit of energy for the duration of the contract. More Simply, you pay a fixed price for each kilowatt-hour regardless of when you use it. These plans can protect you from price fluctuations due to demand, seasonality, and other factors beyond your control.

Variable-rate electricity plans:

The price per kilowatt hour can change on a variable rate plan. That means you may pay more for power during periods of high demand, such as a hot Texas summer. Variable-rate plans usually run month-to-month, which may make it difficult to estimate or budget for your energy costs.

How are Electricity Rates Calculated?

Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is a figure that corresponds to the kilowatts used by an electric device or appliance in an hour. Your monthly electric bill reflects the number of kilowatt-hours used multiplied by the rate per kilowatt-hour. Read your provider’s EFL, or Electricity Facts Label, for detailed information about your rates per kWh. What’s a kilowatt? It’s simply another name for 1,000 watts of electricity. With Power-To-Choose it's important learn more about kilowatt-hours by reading and Understanding Your Energy Costs and Bill page.

Important Considerations when shopping And Choosing For an electricity Company:

1. Your service area. In a state as large as Texas, a retail electric provider may not offer services and Power To Choose in every town or city. Some areas may be under a co-op or have electricity provided by the city.
2. Cost per kilowatt hour (kWh). Electricity use is measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh, and this is how your provider will share their rate.
3. Fixed-rate plans. You can lock in the price per unit of energy by signing up for a fixed-rate plan. This guard against energy price fluctuations due to market forces such as demand.
4. 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.
5. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Sign Up. Visit our Residential Signup 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

When you move into a new apartment or house in Texas, you can choose your electricity provider. You may be able to keep your existing contract if the new address falls within the company’s service area. If not, you’ll need to make exercise your Power To Choose and make a choice. The process is like that described above, with one major exception: there are no early termination fees for canceling your retail electric contract if you provide proof you’ve moved.

Power To Choose | Compare Electricity Companies And Rates with a Click of a Button

While our company isn’t an energy provider, we are your best source for comparing the providers in your area. Utilize the state-of-the-art tools we have available for you to work with, and you will find it as easy as a few clicks of your mouse to find the best deal in town and begin the process of changing over your electric service under Texas Power-To-Choose.

Contact us when you are looking for affordable residential energy providers.

Oncor Service Area Selected