Worried about high energy bills? If so, you are not alone in Texas suffering from the same issue. However, unlike many other US states, Texans can choose their energy supplier to get the best electricity rates.
If you're considering changing your electric company, rest assured, the process is straightforward. However, it does require a careful approach to ensure you don't encounter the same issues as you were facing with your previous power supplier.
This guide will explain in detail the process of changing your electric company in Texas, whether it is worth switching, and what you should look for in an energy company before switching.
Can I Change My Electric Company In Texas?
A straightforward answer is YES!
Texas deregulated its energy market in 1999. After the passing of Bill 7 in the Senate in 2002, Texans were able to choose their energy suppliers according to their personal preferences.
This energy market deregulation has reaped multiple benefits in terms of market competition. Multiple energy companies provide highly affordable rates and plans with exciting customer acquisition offers. Rather than relying on one supplier with fixed rates, now consumers can compare multiple available options and opt for what best suits their needs.
Around 90% of Texans are now reaping the benefits of the free energy market. So, if you too considering making a switch, the process is quite simple and discussed below step by step.
How To Change Electric Company In Texas? A Step By Step Guide
Changing your electric company puts you in the driving seat to compare different energy companies and their plans. This will not only help you save significant amounts on your monthly energy bills but also ensure a reliable power supply with better customer service.
You can easily change your electric company in Texas by following the below mentioned steps.
Understand your needs
Understanding your needs means choosing a plan that aligns best with your needs. Usually, Texas electric companies provide two types of plans that are fixed rates and time-of-use plans.
Fixed-rate plans have a specified energy cost per kWh used. This fixed rate is further bifurcated into two domains. Firstly it will not be affected by the market changes of energy prices. Secondly, you can use electricity during any time of day, even during peak hours which usually have high prices but your per kWh rate will be the same.
For the time-of-use plan, as its name indicates, the electricity price will vary depending on the time of day. It includes peak hours which usually count between 6 and 10 in the morning and evening. The peak could vary from company to company.
Both the plans are good to go and have their respective pros and cons. Time-of-use plan may seem lucrative but in the end, if you cannot strictly comply with peak hours, you could end up with more bills than a fixed plan.
Additionally, consider the new customer offerings. They could help you save a significant amount when you change company.
Analyze offerings
Energy companies gimmick customers by providing offerings that are not applicable in practice. Analyzing these promotions is a crucial parameter to investigate before your company changes.
For example, they can offer free nights for a specified time. In such a scenario, this free time could be between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., when no one usually completes their household tasks and power consumption is very low. So, at first glance, these promotions may seem appealing, but not everyone can reap their benefits.
To avoid such gimmicks, one should read Electricity Fact Labels. This document comprehensively states energy prices, contract terms, promotions, and all other necessary information.
Rate comparison
Energy companies offer a variety of plan terms. One could have cost-effective fixed rates while the other could lead in a time-of-use plan. So comparing your current energy bills with those new suppliers could help choose a more cost-effective solution.
Calculating contract termination costs
If you are already subscribed to an energy plan and it is not over yet, cancelling it could make you liable to a contract termination fee. So, before you make a switch, calculate this fee and see if it's worth switching or not. However, in many cases, the fee is balanced by the promotion offered by your new energy company.
Make the switch
Now that you have thoroughly considered every consideration for changing your electric company, it’s time to make the switch. Contact your new energy company and choose a plan that aligns with your goal. Next, fill out the signup form, select a start date, and submit.
Your new provider will take care of the next process and inform you when you can start availing of the services.
Why Should I Change My Electric Company In Texas?
Changing your electric company is a wise choice for various reasons. Firstly, saving is fundamental to human nature, so looking for better rates can offer significant monetary benefits.
Next comes customer services. Pertaining to competition in the deregulated energy market of Texas, every company tries to satisfy their consumers to the fullest. So this shift can help you avail better services.
Reliability is another major concern that can prompt your shift. If you are facing frequent blackouts with your current energy supplier, you can look for other suppliers that have better infrastructure to ensure a continuous power supply even in natural disasters like storms and hurricanes.
Lastly, if you want to contribute to a green future with zero carbon footprints. You can look for a company that offers green energy plans with good prices.
Important Considerations For Changing Your Electric Company In Texas
- You can only change your electric company if you are living in a city with a deregulated energy market. Some cities in Texas like Austin and San Antonio do not fall under this category so checking your eligibility is important.
- If your current contract is valid for more than 14 days, cancelling it could result in a termination fee. So keeping this in mind will help you to calculate your overall cost benefits.
- When you choose a new company, they will review your credit history. To avoid this, you can opt for an initial deposit. So if have a bad credit history keep some amount in hand to pay as a deposit.
- Companies bill consumers depending on various factors. One such critical parameter is tiered rate structures. If you consume electricity above or below then a certain limit, your per kWh rates will increase or decrease. Understanding these factors is crucial to make a calculated decision.
- Lastly, one fundamental reason for company change is the increase in electricity rates after a specified time limit. Companies lure customers with low rates that increase later on. So ensure to study the rate plans for extended periods.
What Are The Benefits Of Changing Electric Company In Texas?
Changing your electric company has scores of benefits. One fundamental advantage that is mentioned multiple times in this guide is cost savings. Electric Companies' plans greatly differ from each other in terms of cost. So, making a calculated switch by analyzing the rate structure of different plans could surely help you save a good amount of money.
Further, companies also differ in terms of the type of energy they provide. For example, some providers offer electricity produced from fossil fuels like oil and coal, while others might offer renewables. This offers more control over your choice of energy, eventually limiting your carbon footprint.
Lastly, each provider has its set of offerings which you choose based on your personal preferences. So it will align more with your goals whether they are about good customer service, reliability, cost savings, or green energy.
Is It Worth To Change Your Electric Company In Texas?
Changing your electric company always depends on your personal preferences. However, it's important to note that even small per-month savings could offer significant cost benefits by the end of the contract which usually lasts for 24 to 36 months.
A potential downside of changing your energy supplier is the contract termination fee. If you are cancelling your contract mid-shift to make this shift, it will not be a wise decision unless your contract termination fee is less than the overall cost benefits you will reap from the new provider.
Additionally, look for your new company's previous client testimonial before making your final decision. This will give you an exact idea about the company's overall service, whether it gimmicks its consumers or actually offers good services.
In the end, changing your electric company is a wise decision if it is well-calculated, well-analyzed, and well-compared.
Do I Need a Home Backup for an Emergency Power Outage?
Power outages are annoying, especially in case of severe weather conditions outside, they can be scary. Though, almost every energy company in Texas ensures a smooth and reliable power supply natural disasters like storms and hurricanes ensue blackouts.
Further, climate change has increased the frequency of such disasters, making it crucial to be prepared for these power outages. Home battery backups are the most reliable choice in this regard.
Below are 2 top pickups for home battery backup from BLUETTI. They cannot only help you through blackouts but can also save hefty amounts on your monthly electric bills. Read their details to know how.
BLUETTI AC300 + B300
This 3000W output capacity pure sine wave inverter has a surge power of 6000W, which is more than enough to fulfil all the power needs of a medium-sized home.
Its built-in 3072Wh LiFePO4 battery can be expanded up to 12288Wh ensuring a reliable power supply for hours and days. So if paired with solar panels, it can store enough energy to power all your appliances when solar radiation is not available.
Further, the system can be charged through 7 different charging streams including solar, AC, AC+solar, car, and lead acid battery. So you can charge your solar system through conventional grid power during off-peak hours which can later be used during peak hours when electricity costs are high.
Lastly, what sets this unit apart from its competitors is its PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE. This means if you find any other unit of the same specification low priced than this you can claim the extra amount within 30 days of your purchase.
BLUETTI AC500 + B300/B300S
Save a huge amount of $1199 with a 30% Federal Tax Credit on AC500. AC500 is a perfect choice whether you need a power backup for your small apartment or a large home. Its 5000W output capacity with a 10000W surge ensures your every appliance is working at its best.
Its 3072Wh battery capacity offers 3500+ lifecycles which ensures the unit’s lifespan of more than 10 years with one charge cycle per day. To make the operations smooth, you can operate this backup through Wifi, Bluetooth and BLUETTI smart app.
AC500 also offers 6 ways to recharge AC, solar, AC+Solar, car, and generator. So, it's up to you to use this as backup or cultivate its benefits to lower your monthly electric bills.
Further, it is integrated with 16 different output ports, including 2 wireless charging ports that make it compatible with all your home appliances. Lastly, it also qualifies for a PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE, ensuring you are getting the best price in town.
FAQs
How Long Does it Take to Switch Texas Electricity Companies?
Usually, the process takes 6-10 days to complete. However, you can sometimes book your slot in a new company even months before.
Do all cities have energy choices in Texas?
Most cities in Texas have a deregulated energy market. However some cities like Austin and San Antonio do not allow choosing your energy company.
What is a 'Switch Hold'?
This term is used to terminate the electricity supply for customers that have unpaid dues. However, this termination is temporary, and once the consumers clear their withstanding payments the energy supply is restored.
Final Thoughts
The process of changing your electric company in Texas is simple and can be completed by providing the necessary information. However, choosing an electric company that aligns with your needs may involve a deep comparison of various factors.
While the fundamental reason behind changing your electric company is cost savings, BLUETTI solar backups are best for this. They are reliable and cost-effective. Only a one-time investment in them could offer you free energy for years.
