Texas Utilities... (Dallas, Howe: apartments, co-ops, credit card)

[luvmykids08_10]

how does the utilities work in texas? do you guys only have one gas/heat/electric company like we do here in michigan? how much is the deposit? Can someone just explain it to me please? Thank you in advance.

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by luvmykids08_10

how does the utilities work in texas? do you guys only have one gas/heat/electric company like we do here in michigan? how much is the deposit? Can someone just explain it to me please? Thank you in advance.

Texas is a deregulated market for electricity. In most areas you can pick and choose who you want to be your provider. The state has a website that lists all the electric providers who participate. It can be found at www.powertochoose.org.

Areas served by electric co-ops are typically NOT deregulated. You have one choice - the co-op.

IMHO deregulation in TX has been a total farce. Legislators screwed up big time when they failed to break up the vertical monopoly TXU had. The co-ops typically have lower base rates than most of the commercial providers, in part because they operate as non-profit organizations. They don't have to pay a blowhard board of directors 6 and 7-figure salaries.

[Willsson]

Utilities in Texas have been deregulated. You can choose your provider and enter into a contractual agreement with that provider. Info on those choices can be found at the Power to Choose website.

In most cases those providers are simply re-sellers of electricity in Texas. The principle generator of electricity is TXU, the competition offered at Power to Choose is largely resellers of that energy. In short, a billing department under the guise of an energy company. Some of those choices do offer the inclusion of wind generated or other method generated electricity. If something breaks, you'll call your chosen contractual representative for help. Study... make a choice.

I stayed with TXU. I get a 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour rate, up to 1000 kilowatt hours, then it increases a cent. However, I get a 2.5 cent per kilowatt hour discount since I signed up for auto-credit card billing.

Depending on where you live, you will have electricity only or gas elec combination. Most apartments are now all electric. Many home are gas and electric. Gas is a separate utility, but I don't think you get much choice.

Bear in mind, where you live is going to make a difference in your electricity usage. And summer is the critical season. Coming from Michigan, I don't suspect you'll require much heat in winter.

In the summer, the heat can become... well, almost unbearable. Where you live, if in an apartment... upstairs or down. Facing south/north/east/west. Shade trees. Exposed windows. Most apartment are not going to be highly energy efficient. So, choose your locations and direction with cost in mind.

Sorry, I've had electricity so long that I don't know how much if any deposit. Sometimes a credit card guarantee will do.

[kenshi]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

In most areas you can pick and choose who you want to be your provider.

Of the places I've lived, Dallas is the only city to offer a choice. It's certainly not common at all in East Texas.