1. We still don't have 100% Reliability. No matter what we pay .. . it goes into someone elses pockets 2. YEa. . . but it maybe less out of my personal pocket. 3. Last year on average her bill was about 60$ over average. (I took the usage and the cost. Only like 2 months was the bill lower than the usage. It was not even that close) Rocket River
Idk, can't speak to your personal experience. I'd advise not to use it if you don't trust it. But, unlike other gimmick products, I'm not aware of balanced billing being used as a shell game. But, I'd look at the particulars with you if you wanted.
If you guys think you're getting reamed with a .04 per kWh upcharge... you are correct. But with the Mississippi river being low, the coal barges that haul fuel for my local provider had to basically halve their loads for reduced draft. This means bills have effectively doubled and is now over 22 cents per kWh. I think it was .11 something before. If this fuel surcharge lasts the whole year (it isn't supposed to but you know how that goes) my whole solar setup pay back time is cut in half. That is really a bonus.... the big push to grow the solar stuff was hurricanes Laura and Delta that knocked out power for a month and had me driving all over creation looking for fuel and changing generator oil every other day and trying to keep my grandmother from dying because she needs power for her oxygen machine.
What's everyone thinking as a good rate nowadays? Anyone you guys recommend? Looking to lower my bill from Reliant.
This past Friday, I switched to Gexa for 12.9 cents. I was paying 15.1 cents to Constellation on my previous contract. Try this site https://www.powertochoose.org/
First time looking to switch electric providers. What should I be looking for besides rate? Thank you for responding by the way. Home would be considered small (below 1999 square feet) according to their plan options.
Since things opened up, the companies I've used have been Reliant, Champion, Gexa and Constellation. Personally, I wouldn't use a company rated below 3-stars. This is purely arbitrary on my part as I've never had a problem whatever the star rating is. Other than that, it's all about (1) cents/kWh, (2) contract length and (3) early cancelation terms. Like a lot of people, I got burnt to a crisp two years ago when my rate doubled from 8.0 to ~16. Hope this helps.
I don't use them, but you could also try something like these guys. I've heard people use them and be satisfied in the past. It's a similar service : https://www.energyogre.com/
I got the same deal after ding a flat rate with them for $145 a month................2 story townhouse 2200 sq feet, my bill has been less than $100 but I live alone and keep the thermostat at 75
Just saw a plan that was about 9.9c but required using 1000kw minimum per month. Winter months I'm routinely below 1000kw fir several months so still looking.
Unless you really enjoy min-max your life, I would just get the cheapest 36 month completely flat rate plan. Looking at Powertochoose, I see this one. https://truepowerefl.com/eflportal/efl/view/Centerpoint/670 If I lived alone, I'd probably enjoy optimizing my life to the plan and get one of those free nights plans. I would push all of the heavy electric use chores like dishwashing, clothes washing, and EV charging to the middle of the night. Then set the AC to go exceedingly cold at night so it can coast as much as possible during the day. I would enjoy that and possible save tens of dollars a month. However, I am not going to ask my wife to do all of that too. So I just get the flat rate plan.
Thank you for the suggestion, I'm indeed looking for something simple so I don't have to worry about it. Wife and kids spend more time at home than I do, particularly during daytime so I don't want to rock the boat either lol.
Yep, still using them. Been very happy with them. The caveat is that they don't do anything you couldn't do yourself (as you can see from the responses in this thread) but the question is do you have the time and energy to? For me, $99/year is a good price to have them do everything. I just don't have the time to devote to constantly searching for the lowest rate, factoring in early cancellation fees, contract lengths, heavy vs. light usage seasons, etc. They do all that for me.
It was Gexa but was probably a variable rate based on 1000kw usage. I don't see it now, still trying to learn what it all means. No idea on connection fee, still new to this.
I think that this information is correct. Some of us probably still have spreadsheets that we used in the past for various usage scenarios. As long as you provide a link to a plan or post the complete set of numbers (charges) of a plan that you are considering, you should be able to get the information that you are seeking. Understanding your Texas electricity bill Important terms to know on your electricity bill kWh (Kilowatt-hour): This is the standard measurement used for electricity consumption. It is equal to 1,000 watt-hours. Every device and appliance in your home that uses electricity contributes to the total kWh you consume. Retail energy provider (REP): REPs sell energy plans to consumers, manage your electric account, and send your monthly energy bill. In deregulated cities, you can select your energy provider. TDU, UDC, or TDSP delivery charge: This fee is the cost to have your utility company (separate from your provider) transport electricity from the power plant to your home or business. Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT): This is Texas’ regulatory agency focused on several utilities, including electricity and water. The PUCT regulates the cost of energy to ensure fair pricing. PUC assessment: The PUCT charges utility companies a fee to service each customer’s address. This fee is passed through to customers. Gross Receipts Tax Reimbursement: REPs are charged a Miscellaneous Gross Receipts Tax for operating in an incorporated city. Providers may pass this fee through to consumers via the Gross Receipts Tax Reimbursement. Bill or usage credit: A bill credit is a discount on your total bill when you use a certain amount of electricity during that billing cycle. Not all plans have bill credits; you should read your plan’s Electricity Facts Label
This is great information, I'll be looking for this items. Thank you! Was thinking about signing up with Rhythm for 13.1 fixed rate. Anyone now if they are any good? I've heard of Gexa before but never of this company. https://api.gotrhythm.com/api/pricing/offers/latest-offers-efl/16243/?locale=en
