Power to Choose and Energy.... (Center: how much, calculation, price)

[Sr4482]

I'm new to Texas and did not have this option available to me in my previous state. I've gone to the websites to read up on the information, but still am a little uncertain about it and have some questions.

1). Which companies would you select in regards to reliability, value

2). What plans are typically the best? Prepaid, month 2 month, 6 month, 12 month, 24 month etc

3). Are the new thermostats plus subsequent rates worth it?


I'm sure there are other questions I have, but I'll ask them as they come up.

Zipcode 77498.

THanks in advance.

[DSL_PWR]

Reliant to all. Yes the new thermostats are worth it, reliant offers the nest.

I do 12 or 24 month plans.

[Oildog]

They change offers often. Read them and pick what's good now. In 12 months check again.

[TexasDeere]

I have changed providers 4 times (each time a different retail electrical provider) over last 6 years. I usually go with the one with the lowest fixed rate. I normally do 12 month terms but have done a 24 month once and a 6 month term. I have had no issues with any of the providers. The retail providers have nothing to do with reliability.......Centerpoint operates the grid or supply (I.e. Poles, lines, etc.). All the provider does is submit your bills and acts as the middleman. The power is the same regardless of who bills you.

My advise would be to review the amount of power you anticipate using. That will help you price plans. Then go for one of the lowest fixed rates. Read reviews about the lowest providers and go for one of the 3 lowest. Read and understand the terms.

Next thing, make sure you are aware of your contract dates. You will need to re-shop your plan about a month before your existing plan expires. Do not let your plan expire or you will be billed on a variable rate plan that can be very expensive.

[trbstang]

Ditto what TexasDeere said. I've been with at least 4 different companies, but I got away from Reliant because their rates were so much more than the others. TXU also has high rates. Just think about all of the advertising they do on TV, radio, sports stadiums, etc, and guess who pays for it.

I've been with Amigo for the past 2 years and just signed up again. They've always had rates towards the bottom of the pack, and have been in business since the deregulation started years ago. But I've used Gexa, NPC (out of business now) and Reliant in the past. I've almost always selected the 12 month fixed or 24 month fixed rates. Rates generally go up during the summer so a 3 month or 6 month rate might change quite a bit when it comes up for renewal. I set mine to renew in March thinking the rates would be fairly lower.

And it really does depend on your usage as to who would be the best price. Many of the companies have a set monthly charge if you use less than 1,000 kWh per month, and that raises the rate per kWh. I use between 1,100 and 3,500 or so per month, so the fee does not factor in my calculations.

You an also look at the www.mytruecost.com website which is run by Centerpoint, the distribution company. They take the monthly fee into account in their calculations. I signed up and now they email me my weekly usage reports showing how much I used each day over the past week.