Setting up your electricity in Texas is different from most states. In Texas, electricity operates in a deregulated energy market. This allows for many different electricity providers and electricity plans to be selected. With advances in Relocation Technology recently you can now select some of these plans online. UtilityHound and Power to Choose are two companies that allow users to select and enroll in plans for their electricity. Which one should you use?
The Power to Choose Your Electricity Provider
Congratulations, you live in Texas, a deregulated energy market. You have the opportunity to select from multiple electricity providers. There are several TDSP companies that manage the power lines and distribute the power (Oncor, Centerpoint, Texas-New Mexico Power). There are also REP (Retail Electric Providers) that will “bill” you for the electricity you use every month. This is where you have flexibility with who you can choose. UtilityHound and Power to Choose both have online platforms to help with selecting a provider (REP) and plan.
Setting Up Electricity Online with UtilityHound & Power to Choose
Not having to call into a call center saves tons of time and alleviates frustrations. Let’s face it…no one wants to spend 30-45 minutes on the phone with a call center rep, being sold something they don’t want. This isn’t the 90’s. We have advancements in technology now! UtilityHound and Power to Choose have created a simple plan layout on their platform. This layout allows you to see pricing and plan details easily from multiple electricity providers on one platform. Additionally, both platforms offer filter tools. Allowing you to sort and find the plan that’s best for you and your situation. Talk about making the process of setting up electricity very easy, right?
Key Plan terms to Know When Setting up Electricity
Below are some terms you should be familiar with when looking at different plans and setting up electricity online.
Kilowatt Hour: (kWh) unit measure how much electricity you consume at your residence each month.
Energy Charge: This is the amount you will be billed upon monthly. This is usually a set charge; however, plans can be tricky. With some plans, if you use below or above a certain amount of monthly electricity, the energy charge will change.
Base Charge: Some plans include a base charge. They’re usually presented as a flat fee, such as a $5 charge, that will show up every month on the bill.
Average Rate: The average kWh usage rate helps you get an idea of what your bill will look like each month. This is done by giving you an avg. rate amount that’s associated with a monthly kWh usage. The 3 most common avg. usage amounts are 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh/month.
Benefits of Setting Up Electricity with UtilityHound
One of the main benefits UtilityHound has to offer over Power to Choose when it comes to setting up electricity is straightforward plans. UtilityHound believes in offering plans that are in their customers best interest. The plans on their platform come with fixed energy charges. This is a huge bonus for people that have varying usage amounts through the year. According to TXU, “Some electricity companies offer low “introductory” or “promotional” rates for the first month or so of service. Before you know it, you’re paying a much higher rate. Beware of tricky teaser rates from electricity companies trying to get your business.”
Power to Choose on the other hand groups many plans together. This makes it hard for the consumer to differentiate between a “gimmicky plan” and one with a fixed energy charge. Many residents choose these gimmicky rates as the energy plan appears low. However, if you use 2,001 kWh, instead of <2,000 kWh, your energy charge could jump a couple cents for your entire month’s usage.
Being able to connect other home services on the same site is another reason Texan’s prefer setting up electricity with UtilityHound over Power to Choose. The ability to easily connect services such as the internet, Tv, home security, movers, and mail forwarding at the same time is very convenient for new residents.
Moving to Texas soon and need assistance setting up electricity and other home services? Visit UtilityHound.com and get everything connected in minutes. Setting up and connecting all your services at the click of a button!