Texas is one of only a handful of states in the US that has successfully deregulated electricity providers in a manner that has arguably promoted consumer choice and savings. There are many electricity providers that service various areas of the state that have been fully deregulated. Many consumers are still not aware that they are now able to choose their electricity provider.
Some areas of Texas have still not been fully deregualted because the state feels those areas still need a significant investment in infastructure. These areas are typically still under the control of electricity co-ops or providers that are owned by municipalities, so home owners in those areas are still not able to choose their electric provider. Many of those providers shop for the best wholesale electricity rates on the open market and may pass some of that savings on to consumers, but still have a de facto monopoly.
Companies that provide electricity in deregulated areas are called Retail Electric Providers. Despite the fact that some areas may offer service from several REPs, maintenance and service of the equipment and infastructure are still the responsibility of the company that owns the equipment and not necessarily the company who bills the consumer for their electricity.
Consumers who want to compare prices of electricity providers can now compare rates and programs online. This search feature is provided at no cost to consumers by Powertochoose.org.
The website allows users to search for electric providers by zip code and sorts the results based on many variables such as rate, contract term, cancellation penalty and also has links to the terms and conditions of each offer.
Here are some other links that might be helpful to consumers looking for information on electricity choices in Texas:
LIST OF CITIES IN TEXAS THAT ARE DEREGULATED
REASONS TO CONSIDER SWITCHING PROVIDERS
GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHOICES
QUESTIONS TO ASK ELECTRIC PROVIDERS WHEN SHOPPING AND COMPARING RATES
John Jones, Realtor(R)
JR Premier Properties
18170 Dallas Parkway, Suite 303
Dallas, TX 75287
Dallas, TX Real Estate and surrounding areas of Richardson, Plano, Addison, Frisco, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Garland, Allen and Irving.
Dallas, TX neighborhoods and subdivisions of Lake Highlands, White Rock Lake, Lochwood, Eastwood, L Streets, M Streets, Hollywood Heights, Lakewood, Coronado and Gastonwood, Forest Hills, Preston Hollow.
Copyright 2008,2009, 2010 and 2011 by John Jones, All Rights Reserved. You may reblog or republish with links back to this post.
* THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED AT http://www.dfwrealestatenews.com *
Wow John, I was just going to have to research this today and here it all is. This is one of the reasons I love Active Rain and following smart people. I will be able to enjoy a bit more sunday, because of this work. Thanks.
thanks Larry. Glad you found it helpful. Hope ou had a good weekend!