• Power to Choose is an official website managed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Shortly after market deregulation passed in 1999, it was recognized that providing a standardized, unbiased platform for customers to navigate the market was important for ensuring consumer protection. Its primary purpose was to assist consumers in navigating the deregulated electricity marketplace in Texas.  
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• Power to Choose is an unbiased and objective resource, but it’s dated and can be confusing and difficult to understand. It’s an unregulated marketplace where providers can post whichever plans they prefer, including deceptive plans with falsely advertised prices, just to appear at the top of the list. Contrary to popular belief, it does not include all plans from all providers.
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• The downside for customers is that these electricity plans are not vetted and can be confusing. Although providers must disclose details about their electricity plans, they each present them differently, making it difficult for customers to compare and easy for customers to get into bad plans that aren’t right for them. 
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• Since then, sites like Texas Electricity Finder have emerged as reliable, trusted resources for customers to avoid the pitfalls of electricity plan shopping. We use the same plan data as Power to Choose, and, in many cases, we’ll have better plans with rates than Power to Choose. We also display the information in a much friendlier and intuitive way, making it easier to identify the best plan for you.

• Texas Electricity Finder is a consolidated marketplace that saves you time and simplifies the complex process of shopping for electricity in Texas. Our platform allows you to easily compare plans from multiple providers, find rates potentially lower than what you’re currently paying, and access exclusive deals you wouldn’t find on your own. We guide you through the process and help you choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
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• We’re also a trusted resource for customers to learn about the ins and outs of shopping for electricity in Texas. We provide unparalleled transparency to every electricity plan with our plan cards and proprietary insights that help customers become smart electricity shoppers. We want our customers to shop with confidence knowing they’re getting a great plan with no unwanted surprises.

• First, we’re the only electricity broker with True Price™, a tool designed to simplify your choices and empower you to find your perfect plan by allowing you to quickly identify plans that could lead to higher-than-expected electric bills. 
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• Second, knowledge! Texas Electricity Finder goes beyond simple plan comparison. We’re passionate about educating you, the customer, to become a savvy electricity shopper. Unlike other brokers who might prioritize quick sales, we delve deep into the details of each plan. Our team of experts analyzes rates, contract terms, hidden fees, and even green energy options to provide unmatched transparency. We empower you to understand the nuances of different plans and make informed choices that align perfectly with your needs and budget.

• Your electricity bill might seem complex, but it breaks down your usage, rate, fees, and taxes. Understanding these components is key to managing your energy costs. We provide resources and guides on our website to help you decode your bill, identify potential for savings, and adopt energy-saving practices.
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• Check out our Electricity Plan Pricing Guide for more information on understanding your bill and making informed choices.

• Absolutely! Texas is a leader in renewable energy, and many electricity providers offer renewable energy options such as solar or wind power. Our platform allows you to filter and explore plans that prioritize renewable energy, helping you support a more sustainable future.

• Choosing the right electricity plan depends on your unique needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to consider:
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• • Contract length: Fixed-term plans offer predictable pricing, while month-to-month plans provide flexibility.
• • Pricing structure: Fixed-rate plans lock in your price, while variable rates can fluctuate based on market conditions. Consider your usage patterns to decide which might be more cost-effective.
• • Renewable energy options: Support a greener future by choosing a plan with a percentage of renewable energy sources like solar or wind.
• • Customer reviews: See what other customers say about a provider’s reliability, customer service, and overall experience.
• • Additional perks: Some providers offer bonus features like bill pay rewards or free thermostats.
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• We provide detailed information on these factors, along with plan comparisons and educational resources, to help you make an informed decision that perfectly fits your needs and budget.

• You can find out what plans are available in your area by visiting the Texas Electricity Finder home page and entering your zip code. We’ll show a list of the electricity plans with best rates in your area!

• The provider’s advertised price is an average price that takes into account any credits or discounts. They assume those credits or discounts will apply in your situation. Finding the right electricity plan goes beyond just the cheapest Advertised Price. Here’s why:
• • Hidden Cost: Plans with really low advertised prices have some sort of modifier, e.g., a Bill Credit. This is where you have to use a specific amount of electricity to receive a credit on your bill. If you’re below or above that specific usage amount, you’ll be paying more than the advertised price. 
• • Tiered rates: Be wary of plans with tiered rates, where your price jumps significantly after exceeding a certain usage threshold or during certain times of the day. These are known as Time of Use plans. 
• • Term: A short-term plan, e.g., less than 6 months, may have a really low Advertised Price because it expires during peak electricity times, like in the middle of Summer or Winter. 
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• Here’s what we recommend:

1. 1. Understand your usage: Check your past electricity bills to get a sense of your average monthly kWh consumption.
2. 2. Compare plans with your usage in mind: Look for plans with rates that align with your consumption level to avoid tiered rate or bill credit surprises.
3. 3. Read the fine print: Don’t just focus on the advertised price. Look for contracts, cancellation fees, and any potential hidden charges. Take advantage of the Electricity Facts Label provided with every plan. It includes all the details you need to know to make an informed decision. 
4. 4. Know when the plan expires: On our plan cards, we don’t just show you the length of the term; we show you the month the plan expires. We recommend plans that have you renewing during Spring or Fall, when electricity consumption is at it’s lowest. 

• There are more than 400 cities throughout Texas that are part of Texas’ Deregulated Electricity Market, and there are close to 140 registered electricity providers in Texas. Many use multiple DBAs or other business names, bringing the total closer to 370 registered in Texas. 
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• For retail customers, there are just over 40 active retail providers to choose from, but many are owned by a single company, meaning several are selling the same plans disguised as another company. 
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• The big names like to buy the smaller providers that start to make an impression with customers. For example, NRG owns Reliant, Xoom Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Stream Energy, GenOn Energy, Discount Power, Cirro Energy, Value Power, and, most recently, purchased Energy Texas.
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• Ultimately, being a smart shopper has the biggest impact when it comes to price, regardless of which provider you choose.

Your electric bill covers not only the purchase of electricity you use, but also it’s delivery to your home.  This means there are charges on your bill than just electricity, and when you throw in state and local fees it can get pretty confusing. 

• The most common charges are: 
• • Base Charge – A flat fee applied each month regardless of the amount of kilowatt (kWh) used.
• • Energy Charge – A charge based on the electric energy (kWh) consumed.
• • TDU Delivery Charges – Charge to cover the cost of moving electricity from the generation plant to your home.

• We cover more charges on your electric bill here.