alternative power sources? (Garland, Frisco: condo, co-op, townhome)

[SPORTBIKER1450]

does anyone use any? seems the electric rates are high.my townhome here in south florida is powered for about $140 a month.we were shocked by a bill for $185 one time.

[socketz]

I think aot of people out here pay more than double that amount on average out here.

This is one reason I went with new construction vs. an older home. Energy efficiency has come a long way in the last 5 years. It can also make about a 50% difference in your utility bills. Look for things like Radiant Barrier, Seer 13/14 AC units, R38 insulation, etc. Frisco has had high standards for energy efficiency since the beginning, so if your going to buy an older home, check out Frisco.

[cdelena]

The latest month of stats from DOE shows that the average Florida rate is 12% lower than Texas. If you compare Florida to some of the higher 'deregulated' rates you will find Florida electricity to be 28% cheaper. My last heating bill for my condo was over $300 and I buy from one of the lowest retailers.

[SPORTBIKER1450]

Originally Posted by cdelena

The latest month of stats from DOE shows that the average Florida rate is 12% lower than Texas. If you compare Florida to some of the higher 'deregulated' rates you will find Florida electricity to be 28% cheaper. My last heating bill for my condo was over $300 and I buy from one of the lowest retailers.

this is what i'm confused by. we have fp&l only for power you guys can choose who you get power from?

[GoPadge]

From what I understand, yes. There are several companies that generate some or all of their own electricity and sell it to consumers, but there are also companies that strictly resell electricity.

[cdelena]

Originally Posted by SPORTBIKER1450

this is what i'm confused by. we have fp&l only for power you guys can choose who you get power from?

Yes, in many parts of Texas electricity is sold by a retailer who buys a commitment off the grid and pays the local transmission company supply you. It sounds complicated but it is not, you just select a company plan.

The theory is it is supposed to spur competition and lower rates but in fact it has not, and the areas with city or co-op supplied power generally have the lowest rates. Texas has some of the highest rates in the country; higher than all the states that border it.

Looking at DOE stats it does appear you get a better deal than any offered here.

[momof2dfw]

Not every area can pick their electric or gas provider. It depends on where you are. I'm in Garland and we have GP&L and can not go w/ anyone else. My mother in law in East Texas lives in an area that is supplied by a co-op so she can not pick another provider.

My most current electric bill for a 5000 sq foot home, 4bedroom/4bath/pool, etc was $260 and this was for the entire month of December and we had a HUGE Christmas tree that stayed lit practically 24/7, lights outside lining the sidewalk, shrubs, on the house, etc.

Our most current gas bill was $350 and we have gas heat, pool, stovetop, ovens, hot tub, water, etc. Again, this was for the month of December and I hosted a large Christmas dinner and a huge New Years Dinner and my double ovens I swear were on for 2 days straight. Then all of the washing and showers for the family.

In the summer the gas bill drops to next to nothing and the elec goes up. Our highest elec bill was around $800 this past summer but that included our water also. Watch the water rates too. Some cities have very high water rates.

[SPORTBIKER1450]

my water here is $30 a month...oh well we are flying in thursday morning.