Which power company to choose?

Question

I live in Cypress, TX. I can choose from dozens of power companies through Texas Power to Choose. Some companies are rip-off artists and some are legitamite companies with good rates. I need access to consumer information based on real customer experience so I can pick the best plan. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Go to pick your own energy company website and find the one which does not charge a fee if you change or disconnect.

Here's the links to all. I think .16 cents per kilo watt is the cheapest right now.

Answer 2

I signed up with Commerce Energy and have a guaranteed rate of $0.131 per kwh for 12 months. Right now there are still companies offering lower rates than Reliant Energy, which is considered the price to beat. It's over 16 cents per kwh. I had been with Reliant for years and years and just got tired of getting ripped off. All the electric providers listed on power to choose give you the same electricity from the same source. In Houston it's Center Point Energy. The bottom line is some energy companies want to gouge the public more (like Reliant) for the same product.

Any company will have termination fees if you sign up for a fixed rate that's guaranteed for 12 months or longer. These are always the lowest rates. The only way you don't get charged a termination or disconnect fee is if you are on the variable plan which is a month to month service agreement. These types are always the highest rates.

I've only been with Commerce Energy a few months but so far there haven't been any glitches or hidden surprises...just lower electric bills.

The best thing to do is to pick 3-5 companies and look at their Electricity Facts Label which provides details on electric rates, contract terms, etc. The Electricity Facts Label will help you make an "apples-to-apples" comparison of offers. If you are still not sure call the company and talk to a sales person. Find out how long they've been around. Don't fall for any high pressure sales tactics and don't give them any personal information until you are ready to sign up. "Slamming" happens with some utility companies just like with long distance providers at the telephone companies.

For the companies who have received the most consumer complaints you might want to read the transcript from Channel 2 "Troubleshooters." I've posted it below:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/9625855/detail.html

Good luck...just do your homework and you'll be fine.

Answer 3

Texas consumers now have the right to choice. Senate Bill 7 passed in 1999 and deregulated the electricity industry in Texas and allowed competition. Stream is a licensed Retail Electric Provider and sells electricity to Texas consumers straight from "The Grid." Your local electric company must offer a standard rate to customers for electric service called the "Price to Beat" which is set by the Public Utility Commission. This gives competitive Retail Electric Providers, like Stream Energy, the flexibility to offer rates competitive with the "Price to Beat." You also get paid for your services. This is a multi-level marketing program, not a pyramid. Why not be able to save $ on your electric as well as make it.

Answer 4

Direct Energy

Answer 5

Hi! Houston Electricity company is providing Cheap Electricity when compare to other electricity providers in Houston, Texas. Shop and Compare amongst several Houston electricity providers that guarantee you the most electricity savings for your home.

Answer 6

Ask your neighbors or people you work with, or they usually are listed in the front of the Yellow Pages. You can randomly call them and ask their rates and the time frame for that rate?

Answer 7

What is good for us, may not be good for you.
I switched from Reliant but was messed around.
Ask your neighbors.

Answer 8

i would go with dynowatt or startrex

they seem to be a better service

Answer 9

TXU is supposed to be good. we always get their advertisements