Another question about power companies - HELP who to choose??? (Houston: apartment, renting)

[Dewailer]

[SIZE=2]My husband and I will be moving from the US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean to Houston the first week of July. We will be renting an apartment in Richmond and I'm begin my search for power companies. We be renting for one year and I do know we would prefer to have a fixed rate. I must say I have a horrible headache as I have no idea who to choose once I started to look at the rates on powertochoose.org. I'm moving from St. Thomas where there is only ONE company - so we don't have much of a choice and the service is HORRIBLE. Does anyone have any suggestions as there are so many threads on here about power companies that I wanted to get up to date recommendations. Thanks so much, I need all the help I can get.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]

[travelguy_73]

I really feel for people coming here who are overwhelmed by "choice." Except it is a false choice. Yes there are 10,000 energy marketers, but only one supplier. If the power goes out, you don't call the company that sends you a bill, you call Centerpoint (if they are the electricity provider). Confused yet?

So, you can go on price, choosing 1-year fixed rate, and probably be fine. Unless you are using an incredible amount of electricity each month, any small difference in rate between providers won't amount to much of anything.

The only real risks are (1) that a provider actually go out of business and you end up with Reliant at a higher rate (it has happened before, but isn't common), or that (2) you end up in a contract that is longer than you need, and you have to pay to break it (more likely than (1)).

[TimBomb]

i like sparkenergy

[chris_ut]

Never had a problem with Champion. I also use Gexa and they are a bit more hassle but give me airline miles to make up for it

[NTT]

If you're moving here in July, it's best to go with a 3-month or 6-month contract. The rate usually changes when the weather cools down. When it does, it will be lower. It's best to lock in 12 or 24 months contract in the winter when the rates are normally at their lowest.

[Lbateman]

The state of Texas recommends using Power to Choose where you can compare rates and contract terms.

[Dewailer]

Originally Posted by NTT

If you're moving here in July, it's best to go with a 3-month or 6-month contract. The rate usually changes when the weather cools down. When it does, it will be lower. It's best to lock in 12 or 24 months contract in the winter when the rates are normally at their lowest.

Thanks, that's very good to know!!!!

[Dewailer]

Originally Posted by chris_ut

Never had a problem with Champion. I also use Gexa and they are a bit more hassle but give me airline miles to make up for it

Thank you!!!