Texans can choose from various plans and rates in the deregulated energy market to meet their unique electricity needs.
Choosing the right plan is easy when you know what you need. Start by considering your lifestyle, energy usage, and average monthly bill.
Be sure to read and understand the Electricity Facts Label, or EFL, included with every plan. This resource lists all pricing variables and fees.
Variable Rate Plans
You have various electricity choices in Texas, where the energy market is deregulated. However, it would be best to choose the right Texas electric choice plan for your specific needs and financial situation.
Variable rate plans are great for those looking to save money but also open you to price fluctuations that may impact your monthly budget. Because of this, you should always shop around before signing up for a variable rate plan.
Fixed-rate plans are more reliable than variable-rate plans and usually offer more savings in the long run, though they can be unpredictable at times. Choosing a fixed rate plan will give you peace of mind knowing that your electricity prices will stay the same throughout your contract period.
The best way to compare energy plans is to use a tool like Power Wizard. This state-operated energy shopping website is managed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and can help you find the right plan for your home.
You can use the tool to see how much you pay on your current electricity bill and the average cost of other electricity plans in your area. You can then use this information to compare your options and make an informed decision about what is best for you.
In Texas, variable-rate plans are typically cheaper than fixed-rate plans. However, this can change depending on your location and weather conditions. For example, your rates can skyrocket during extreme heat waves or cold spells.
Fixed Rate Plans
There are a lot of energy plans in the Texas market, and it cannot be easy to know which one is right for you. You must understand your needs and preferences to choose the right electric choice plan.
A fixed-rate plan is suitable if you want to lock in your price per kilowatt hour. These plans lock in the same price of electricity (kWh) for a set contract period, so you’re protected from market prices that rise or fall.
Another advantage of a fixed rate is that you’ll always be able to budget your energy usage and save money. However, you should be aware that these plans have limitations regarding market fluctuations.
During hot Texas summers, energy demand is typically the highest, which can increase your bill. This makes it more critical than ever to compare fixed rates with variable rate plans to get the best deal.
Do you want to be able to lock in your price for the whole year? A 12-month or 24-month fixed-rate plan could be the best choice.
In addition, you’ll also want to consider your contract start and end dates. If your current plan renews during a summer month, you may be better off signing up for a partial-year fixed rate that ends in late winter or early spring to lock in your rate when pricing is usually lower.
Green Energy
Texas has been a deregulated energy market since 2002, allowing consumers to choose an electricity provider. This freedom enables Texans to find an electric plan that suits their budget, lifestyle, and needs.
The power grid in Texas is primarily sourced from fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. However, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are growing.
Green energy is considered a cleaner, more sustainable form of energy that provides the highest environmental benefit. It includes solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, and low-impact hydroelectric power.
In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, many energy plans offer incentives for switching to green power. For instance, some programs include a certain percentage of green energy and allow you to increase it as you see fit.
Another option is to sign up for a prepaid electricity plan, which lets you purchase energy upfront and use it as needed. This option typically requires no credit check and is a great way to save money on your electricity bill.
Choosing the right electric choice plan in Texas is essential to your finances and environment. The best electricity plans will provide a consistent and affordable energy rate that fits your budget. When shopping for a new electricity plan, several factors include your energy usage, the type of contract you want, and your preferred payment method.
Account-Based Plans
Most Texans can shop around and choose their energy provider in deregulated Texas. This gives them a lot of power to control how much they spend on electricity and what type of plans they get.
Dozens of companies offer electric choice plans, each with different rates and plan options. This can make it hard to determine the best plan for you.
Choosing the right plan is essential to save money on your monthly electric bill. You want to be sure you’re getting the best rate possible for your home and that you can manage the plan without overpaying.
You’ll also want to consider the size of your home or commercial space when comparing electricity plans. Larger homes can use more electricity than smaller ones, so you’ll need to compare prices based on your specific usage.
Another thing to keep in mind when comparing electricity plans is your budget. You’ll need to be sure you can afford the monthly payments and any fees associated with your new energy plan.
Many Texans opt for multi-year fixed-rate energy plans, which provide stability when pricing is at cyclical lows and protect against bill surprises caused by seasonal rate spikes. However, this type of plan isn’t always the cheapest option, so research and choose wisely.
