Where to Find Cheap Electric Companies

Thanks to deregulation, Texas consumers are able to choose from a variety of utility providers. This gives residents a great way to find cheap electric companies to cut down on monthly expenses. You can easily comparison shop to find affordable electric prices in your area. The first thing to do is get a copy of your current electric bill. Here you’ll find the rate that you’re paying, along with any other fees or charges that recur on a monthly basis.

Electric companies are required to offer an Electricity Facts Label, EFL. The EFL shows prices and services so consumers can make an easy comparison between different electric providers. To find cheap electric companies, look for those with the lowest rates per kilowatt hour. These rates can range from 8 cents to 25 cents per kilowatt hour. This may seem like a very wide range. While it may seem as though the lowest rate is obvious, there are other factors to consider. Some companies offer low rates but add on extra charges each month for a variety of processing fees, for example.

One way to find cheap electric companies is to look for bundle prices. These are prices that include all service fees and rates so you can see your total monthly bill more easily. If bundles aren’t available from a provider you will need to look more closely at the fine print to learn what, if any, additional charges may be incurred. If you don’t use much electricity, be sure that the company doesn’t have a minimum monthly fee. If so, you will have to pay a certain amount, even if you use less electricity.

Electric companies require you to sign a contract. The contract is usually for a year, but can be longer or shorter than that. If you don’t mind signing a two year contract, you may be able to get lower prices. Cheap electric companies will offer very low rates if you agree to keep their services for a couple of years. The only drawback is that if you find you want to switch providers before the contract is over, you’ll have to pay a fee. Another choice that can get you lower prices is to opt for variable rates. A variable rate package usually offers low rates; however, they can increase over time. When considering the best prices, be sure to choose a company with reliable service. 

Tips for Getting Cheaper Electric Rates

Most consumers are becoming tired of overpaying for utility services. Part of the problem has always been that customers had only one choice of local electric provider so they simply had to pay the going rate. Today, Texas utility customers are allowed to get their electric services from a variety of providers, allowing them to find cheaper electric rates. With monthly living expenses on the rise, it is a welcome option to be able to choose between different power providers. When considering shopping for cheaper electric rates there are a few things to keep in mind.

Before you get started you’ll need to print a copy of your current electric bill. This will give you a starting place to compare various rates and companies. In Texas, power companies are required to provide consumers with Electricity Facts Labels (EFL) for easy comparison. The EFL includes rates and facts about service so people can more easily review and compare power companies. When looking for cheaper electric rates you want to look at various things including the cost per kilowatt hour. This rate varies greatly from company to company.

As you review rates you’ll need to consider what is included. Sometimes a company offers cheaper electric rates but then adds monthly service and meter fees. It’s best to look at all the potential costs to find out what your actual monthly electric bill will be once all the extra services fees are added in. You may see companies offer bundled services. Bundles are all-inclusive so what you see on the fee is the total you’ll be charged for the month. Unbundled services may look very enticing because of low rates, but you do need to consider extra charges that aren't part of the price. Often these prices end up being about the same as those of other companies.

When looking into rate pricing there are two main options – fixed rate and variable rate. Fixed rate services offer prices that will remain the same for the duration of the contract. Variable rate contracts are riskier because the rate could go up or down during the term. However, the beginning rate may look very appealing. Keep in mind that the rates often go up rather than down and by the end of your contract you could end up paying more than you would have otherwise. Take time to look at all the various choices and options to find an electricity company that offers the best services at the best prices. 

How to Get the Cheapest Electricity

Utility prices seem to go up all the time. If you want to stabilize your monthly bills you’ll want to find the cheapest electricity rates possible. Consumers in Texas are able to choose their electricity provider so they are able to get the best prices. To find the cheapest electricity you will need to start by reviewing your current bill. There are three main things to look at including the electricity rate, monthly usage, and additional fees. With this information in hand you can more easily compare your current company with others.

As you compare prices to find the cheapest electricity rates, begin by checking the Electricity Facts Label, EFL. Each electric company in Texas is required to provide this for consumers. The label makes it easier to compare electricity rates as well as other fees that may apply. Electricity is measured in kilowatts per hour and rates may range widely from as low as 8 cents to as high as 25 cents. Looking at the kilowatt per hour rate isn’t the only thing you’ll need to do. You also need to review any other fees and charges that could be added to your monthly bill. These may include such things as a meter fee, processing charge, and service fees.

Electricity providers may offer bundled services. When shopping for the cheapest electricity rates you will need to compare what is included in each specific bundle package. A bundle usually gives a good rate and includes all the monthly service fees so you can easily see what your total monthly bill will be. If you prefer to choose a plan with rate pricing you’ll need to take the time to look more closely at the fine print to find out what additional fees may be added to your monthly bill.

Another thing to look at when checking prices is the length of the contract. Signing a long contract may get you some lower prices, but keep in mind you’ll be locked into the provider for up to two years. If you want to change providers before the contract is up you may end up having to pay a hefty termination fee. Check with your current provider to find out when your contract ends and begin looking at prices at least a couple of months ahead of time. It’s also important to know whether the provider has a monthly minimum fee, which could mean that you’re going to pay a certain amount each month, even if your electricity usage is low.

Different Electric Suppliers Offer Different Features

Since you have the power to choose your own electric suppliers, it means you can think about what matters the most to you. If you have never made this decision before, then you may assume that all providers are the same. However, they aren’t. In fact, there are numerous features you need to take into consideration when picking the best service provider.

You need to learn the different features available so that you can determine which of the electric suppliers will make the most sense for your household.

The Green Energy Choice

Here is a frightening statistic: “Electric plants in Texas (population 25 million) emit as much CO2 as electric plants in the combined states of New York, California, Florida, Massachusetts, and Oregon (population 86 million). (Nagle, 2011) This means that most Texas residents are using quite a bit of energy, and that’s bad for the planet.

If you would like to make the green energy choice, then you can pick from electric suppliers that will offer renewable energy from wind, water, or the sun. You will need to compare the different energy companies to determine how much of their electricity is actually green so that you can make the best pick.

The Rates Selection

Did you know that different electric suppliers offer different rate methods? There are two main choices: fixed and variable. Their definitions are pretty straightforward. You will need to think about this when choosing the right company to supply energy to your home. Do you want to know how much you will pay every month and possibly pay a higher rate or would you prefer to pay different amounts based on how much energy you use?

The Contracts

Electric suppliers will also offer different features as far as contracts as well. You need to think about this when you choose the company for your home. You can often choose the length of the contract, such as month-to-month, six month, or even a year. It’s really up to you, but often choosing more extended contracts will help you save money.

If you are living in Texas, you do have a choice of electric suppliers. However, you may not know what to pick. Each company offers different features, so be sure you take all of those things into consideration. You can choose the rate plan and contract right for you, and you can pick green energy options if you would like.

Shop best electricity rates at www.shopcheapenergy.com

Why Comparing Available Houston Electricity Rates Is Important

Since the deregulation of the energy market in Texas happened in 2002, Houston electricity rates have become highly competitive. Many competing energy supply companies are now lowering prices in an effort to woo potential customers. Their efforts to provide better service, lower prices, and the identical product offered by the local utility company, gives every electricity consumer the advantage of purchasing power at a low-cost.

Energy Choices

It is important to compare the available Houston electricity rates between the various energy suppliers. Some of these companies offer extremely low “introductory” rates in an effort to entice the potential customer. However, after their introductory price expires, the cost of variable or fixed rates might be extremely high when compared to their competitors.

Alternatively, some companies offer businesses the ability to purchase electricity at a wholesale rate. These Houston electricity rates can save businesses substantial amounts of money every month. Usually, the business signs an agreement or contract that states exactly how much they will pay per kilowatt hour during certain times of the day, month or year. Generally, these contracts or agreements will last for years at a time.

For the homeowner, they can save on their monthly utility bills by electing to pay for their power at a variable rate, or a fixed rate. The variable rate will change, sometimes daily or monthly, based on the demand for energy. They may pay higher rates during peak times, when Houston residents and business owners are cooling or heating their homes at the hot or cold times of the day.

For households that stick to a strict budget, it might be simpler to purchase their Houston electricity from a supplier at a fixed rate. Even though there may be times when electricity sold at a variable rate might be lower, overall, they may be able to budget their energy use by paying a fixed rate over time.

Smaller households and businesses does not consume much electricity might do better to compare electricity rates of utility suppliers that offer low variable prices. These types of variable rates will often increase and decrease based on energy demands caused by outside forces, including the fluctuating price of oil, gas, and other fossil fuels used to generate electricity.

With a wide array of alternative Houston electricity suppliers available, consumers can take advantage of paying lower prices, when switching to a new provider. Usually, there is no change or interruption in the service, with the exception of receiving a different looking bill from their new energy provider.

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Cost Savings Options Offered by Alternate Houston Electricity Providers

Houston electricity providers offer businesses and households electrical energy at retail prices. These providers handle the generating of electricity, and moving it across transmission lines to the distribution centers of the local utility company. Since the deregulation of the Texas energy industry, electricity consumers have had the ability to shop between alternate Houston electricity providers for lower prices and better customer service.

Comparison Shopping

Before making the switch, every consumer should comparison shop between the available Houston electricity providers. Many of them offer specific benefits, discounts and incentives, along with a variety of payment options. Some even offer a flexible plan designed specifically for renters.

Another thing to consider before selecting the best Houston electricity provider to meet the needs of the customers is whether or not they use renewable energy resources to generate their power. Some produce electricity using wind farms, solar panels, and other natural resources as a way to create energy while helping the planet. Some Houston electricity providers even offer account management systems online, to maximize the savings for their customers.

Cheap Electricity Providers

When seeking cheap energy rates, there are numerous Houston electricity providers that can offer substantial savings through lower monthly utility rates. Most of these electricity suppliers offer extensive flexible packages, with fixed and variable rates at low prices. However, many of these flexible electricity packages require the signing of an agreement for a fixed rate that last six months or longer. This does provide an opportunity for businesses and households all across Houston to budget the amount of energy they use daily at a price they can afford.

Fixed rates tied to a contract typically do not work well for renters. Many of these contracts are signed with termination agreements. Early termination often requires paying a cancellation fee, if the customer backs out of the contract before the time of the commitment has expired.

Changing from one Houston electricity retail provider to another is a simple process that requires nothing more than an easy application. Switching Houston electricity providers lasts approximately 7 to 10 business days, and will usually create instant savings on the next utility bill.

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Taking the Power to Choose a New Energy Supplier

If you have not yet switched your electricity supplier, you might not be aware that you have the power to choose lower utility rates. Doing so can help you save money each month on your energy bills. The process of switching providers from the local utility company to an alternate supplier is a simple one. It does not disrupt the service, or cause the need to disconnect power to change the meter.

On average, energy consumers that have taken the power to choose lower utility rates have saved significantly every year. Generally speaking, the average household can save hundreds of dollars annually, and small and medium-sized businesses can save thousands of dollars or more.

Even energy consumers that have made the switch before to an alternate energy provider still have the power to choose lower rates offered by other suppliers. Every month, numerous energy providers change their prices for electricity based on a variety of factors. Some offer fixed rates, where the consumer can lock in a price for years at a time. However, other providers offer variable rates, which can often fluctuate.

Switching Providers

No matter what company the energy consumer chooses, they can always change their mind, and their provider. Some energy consumers recognize the advantage of purchasing electricity generated through renewable resources. They use their power to choose to select companies that create power through wind farms, biofuels, geothermal processes, solar panels, landfill gases, and other “green” techniques. Not only do they save money, but they can help the planet, by purchasing electricity generated through eco-friendly processes.

Depending on the rate chosen (fixed, indexed, or variable) the energy consumer might need to sign a contract to achieve the same fixed price for a specific amount of time. The length of the contract can last 90 days, 180 days, or much longer. Some contracts contain an early termination cancellation fee, if the energy consumer backs out of the agreement early.

Once the energy consumer has taken their power to choose to switch energy suppliers, the process becomes very easy. Typically, the new provider will simply ask for the customer to complete an application form, and at times, make a deposit.

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