Electricity Rate Tax Hikes . . . Start Aug 1 (home, utilities, prices) - Houston - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

BFFMaya · 08-01-2012, 04:56 PM

So I just called Brilliant to see what the CS rep would say about whether they intend on raising our rates since we are in a fixed-rate contract through January. She looked up our account, confirmed we are in contract through January and said we should be good to go since they can't raise rates on contract customers. I didn't argue with her, but according to the news reports the PUC said the providers can raise the rates, even on customers in fixed-rate contracts.

Whether or not Brilliant, and other providers, will raise rates on current contract customers, according to the article I read, the PUC's report put the potential annual additional cost statewide at around $4.7 billion which, if passed on to customers, could amount to hundreds of dollars a year extra on average for each residential customer.

Texas PUC Waits for Power Companies That Dare Raise Prices

Furthermore, the articles states that the PUC will not do much about the argument on whether the providers can legally raise the rates until they start receiving complaints from consumers. For convenience purposes, here is that link in the event you need it.

File a complaint with the PUC

testmo · 08-01-2012, 05:20 PM

Who voted for deregulation? Seems most of the comments on the news sites are right. TXU and Reliant are rubbing their bellies they are so happy

City Love · 08-01-2012, 05:35 PM

I've been hearing about it, but I've never heard mention of what consumers should actually expect per kwh now! It's all been smoke in our face about the exact hikes. Granted, I haven't researched it a lot, just what I hear on the news.

chris_ut · 08-01-2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by testmo

Who voted for deregulation? Seems most of the comments on the news sites are right. TXU and Reliant are rubbing their bellies they are so happy

It was done under the glorious leadership of Governor George W. Bush.

Dopo · 08-01-2012, 08:51 PM

Keep on voting for privatization (smaller government) and that's what we get.
Utilities should never be privatized is the same thing as making a functioning highway a toll road.

TFW46 · 08-02-2012, 08:06 AM

I had to smile when I saw the ads for Brilliant last week. Last month it advertised an 8 cents/kwh rate. Last week, however, the same ads showed a 9.7 cents/kwh rate. I'm currently paying a flat $125/month rate with another provider. Thanks but no thanks, Brilliant.

BFFMaya · 08-02-2012, 08:09 AM

Would you mind sharing what provider that is texasfirewheel?

TFW46 · 08-02-2012, 12:35 PM

I've posted about my $125/month flat rate in this forum in the past. I've been with Reliant (and its predecessor) for 30+ years. Reliant has programs that can beat its competition all the time. You just have to check its site weekly to catch them because the offers dont last long.

Within about 3-4 months of when my contract will end, I start checking the Reliant site weekly (sometimes daily). When I find a good cheap deal, I sign up for it to start when my then-current contract ends.

I've also posted about how what a great program Reliant's home energy audit is -- and how the Reliant auditor was able to call the home office and get me an amazing deal when doing my home energy audit.

BFFMaya · 08-02-2012, 01:18 PM

Thanks, texasfirewheel. I just spoke with Shannon at Reliant and she said that the Predictable 12 Flat Rate plan offer expired in May of this year. Too bad, sounded like a good deal. I did see on their website that they are still offering an 8.9 cent rate on their 12 month plan, which is comparable to my current rate with Brilliant. I reckon come January I will just have to do my homework before I decide the best way to go for us.

TFW46 · 08-02-2012, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katy_kate

Thanks, texasfirewheel. I just spoke with Shannon at Reliant and she said that the Predictable 12 Flat Rate plan offer expired in May of this year. Too bad, sounded like a good deal. I did see on their website that they are still offering an 8.9 cent rate on their 12 month plan, which is comparable to my current rate with Brilliant. I reckon come January I will just have to do my homework before I decide the best way to go for us.

Yes, the "Predictable 12" is what I currently have. You have to check the Reliant site often, as the best (and cheapest) program offers dont last long. Be sure to start checking the Reliant site a couple of months before your Brilliant contract ends. If you find a good deal, you can sign up for it right away and have it start as soon as your other contract ends.

Edited to add that my Reliant price before the "Predictable 12" was 8 cents/kwh. That's as cheap as any of the other companies.