Getting Electricity Service for Your New Home
Did you know that Texas is a state where you have the power to choose your electricity provider? In the majority of the state, you have multiple electricity providers to choose from. Some of the providers available through ElectricityTexas include Reliant Energy™, TXU Energy, Direct Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Texas Power, Commerce Energy, First Choice Power and MXenergy.What is Electricity Deregulation?
Electricity deregulation was sought to aid competition among electricity providers. Congress tried to promote greater competition in the bulk power market with the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Through this act, states were allowed to restructure their electric power industry to create more competition.One state that has had a great deal of success with electricity deregulation is Texas. Prior to 1995 in Texas, one provider managed the generation, transmission and distribution, and retail sales of your electricity. Now, one company provides the transmission and distribution services (TDSP) and another provides the retail sales services (Retail Electricity Provider).
The deregulation of the electric market in Texas was designed to lead to lower electricity bills, alternative energy choices and innovative services. Although electricity is deregulated in Texas, the Texas Public Utilities Commission continues to monitor and regulate the delivery of electricity and ensure customers are protected.
Electricity Facts
The Electricity Facts Label presents the following items in a standardized format so that you can compare different providers. You can find out about:- Electricity Price: The provider will detail the average price per kWh for 500 kWh, 1000 kWh, and 1500 kWh. Providers will also detail seasonal pricing as well as their monthly customer service charges associated with certain plans .
- Contract Terms: The electric company is required to disclose the minimum term and penalty for early cancellation.
- Sources of Power Generation: The provider will identify the sources used to generate their electricity. Their percentages will be listed beside a list of the average usage for electric generation for the state of Texas.
- Emissions: The electricity provider will list the types of emissions and waste created per kWh of electricity generated. The chart will identify if the emissions are better than the Texas average or worse than the Texas average.
