That is the question. I am moving into an apartment in a few weeks, and unsure if I should sign a 12 month contract and lock in the rate, or go month to month. Right now the Month to Month rate is like 5.3 cents a KW and the Annnual is 9.3 cents a KW. Any suggestions, or experience would be appreciated!!
Look at your old utility bills. What was the highest rate you paid last year? Can anyone else answer that question? HL&P is probably required to tell you what their rates were over the past year. One would assume this time of year in Houston is the peak for electricity demand.
I've always gone month to month at the couple of apartments I've stayed at first year - 18 months it was routinely $120 or so, but over the last 3 years it's been between $40 and $75. Of course I have no idea what i was paying per KW, but from my perspective, go monthly.
I've never been drawn to a variable rate just because you can be on the hook for a big increase. In the summer, i try to do a 3-6 mo fixed rate contract (I've noticed that if you sign up in April, the rates are lower than if you sign up in say June) and then go month to month w/ a fixed rate in the fall/winter/spring.
Why's that? Im currently on my second contract with them. When my first contract expired, they didn't have a similar plan available. I talked to a rep and asked for my current plan bit at a cheaper rate. I was given the deal on the spot, and I re-upped. I have that 20% wind eplan. My parents has them as well, and they were awesome when we had the hurricane a few years back.
The cheapest is 4.5 cents here in Nacogdoches. I've always locked in, but this being my last 6 months up here and my contract is expiring this month, I'm going to let it stay variable.
I'm variable rate right now with Reliant. The rate is 5.0. I've been on it for a couple of months because that was cheaper than any locked in rate. Loving the lower bills so far!
