Deregulated energy means that consumers in the area of deregulation can choose who they'd like to receive energy supply services from and are not forced to accept service from the local utility. In short, deregulation gives consumers the ability to shop around for their energy product and services.
No, there will be no interruption in your electricity service when you switch to a new provider. On the day you start with a new provider, your Advanced Meter will report your usage to your previous electric provider as final usage to generate a final bill. From the day you start with a new provider, your usage will be reported to it and included in your first bill. You will not be billed for the same usage from two companies.
No, it is not necessary to notify your current provider of your intent to switch. One or two days before your switch is complete your current provider will be notified that a switch is taking place.
The price per kilowatt hour (kWh) tends to be a bit higher for Fixed Rate products than with Variable Rate products because Fixed Rate products guarantee your rate will not go up during your contract term. Energy Variable Rate plans tend to be lower than Fixed Rate plans and do not require you to sign a contract. Variable Rates are based upon the prevailing wholesale market rates and can fluctuate.
Advanced metering describes a new system of smart technologies and advanced meters that adds computer and communications technology to the existing electricity grid so it can operate more efficiently and reliably. For example, your local delivery company will be able to immediately pinpoint a power outage without having to be called by a customer.
Advanced meters (also known as "smart meters") are replacing the old meters most customers have today, which are based on 50-year-old technology. The new digital meters communicate with the smart grid, provide remote readings and help give consumers insight into how and when they are using energy.
No. The LOA is an industry standard form that lets us obtain your recent electricity usage history from your local wires company. We use the information to obtain quotes for you, based on the amount of energy you used over the past 12 months.
ERCOT, or the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, watches over the reliability and security of the Texas electricity grid. When you switch to a new electricity company, your new provider contacts ERCOT to take care of the actual switch process, and you will receive a notice from ERCOT confirming your switch.
No. Your electricity service will not be interrupted. You will be notified and switched to your default local provider, and we will find a new supplier for you. However, we have never recommended a provider that went out of business.
Non-recurring fees are charges from your local utility company, also known as the Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP) or Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU), and may include items such as a new service initiation fee or a meter-reading fee if you requested a meter reading outside of your normal billing cycle. These charges are listed separately on your monthly bill and are not from your energy provider.
We offer future date pricing and make contracts available that start at the end of your current contract.
The Electricity Facts Label is part of your Terms of Service Agreement. All electricity companies are required to provide this. You can view energy rates, fees, and renewable energy content regarding your electricity plan.