Choose Energy Introduces Electricity Price Index Tool So Consumers Can Compare Contract Terms To Save Money.

By using a tool developed by ChooseEnergy.com, Texas residential electricity customers can better compare and decide what contract term is the best deal for them.

It’s always a great idea for residential electricity customers to do some careful comparison shopping when choosing a residential electric provider for their home. Additionally, in today’s deregulated market, consumers need to educate themselves about the length of the contract term they’re signing up for when changing providers, or re-upping with their current one. It’s definitely advantageous to keep an eye on which contract terms are trending downward; by doing so, one can make sure they’re maximizing their electricity bill savings by locking into a contract at precisely the right time.

ChooseEnergy.com has come up with the Texas Residential Electricity Price Index Tool - an excellent tool which allows anyone to easily observe the varying trends in electricity contract terms based upon a range from one month all the way up to 24 months. Calculations are based upon 1,000 kWh per month. The rate data in the graph is collected from providers in the Choose Energy system on a daily basis and updated and published weekly here:
http://www.ChooseEnergy.com/PriceIndexCharts/price-index-chart.aspx

This innovative tool provides a clearly defined, easy-to-follow means of watching trends, enabling the consumer to sign up in a timely manner for the best contract term, in order to keep energy bills as manageable as possible. Choose Energy helps and encourages consumers to put in the necessary due diligence and research to evaluate all information available in the Texas electricity market before making an energy buying choice on a provider, plan or term. This tool helps to greatly simplify the process.

“One of our goals at Choose Energy is to continually innovate through technology to help consumers make informed and confident choices when they sign up with a retail electric provider. We designed this graphing tool to help provide our customers a means to stay currently updated about trends in the electricity market.” - Jerry Dyess, President and CEO of http://www.ChooseEnergy.com

The user-friendly pricing tool allows the user to specify their own particular region in order to obtain more pertinent, topical data simply by clicking on the geographic area/city on the buttons just below the graph. The Texas Residential Electricity Price Index developed by Choose Energy is an average rate based on prices in the Choose Energy system for select terms.

Choose Energy welcomes newspapers, website, magazines and other news & Texas consumer-oriented sources to place this informative, regularly updated tool on their own website for their readers’ convenience and reference. Simply contact Choose Energy via email at support(at)ChooseEnergy(dot)com to learn more.

About Choose Energy
Choose Energy empowers consumers and small business owners with the tools and information they need to research and compare leading national and local energy companies. Powered by proprietary technology, ChooseEnergy.com gives consumers the ability to do a side-by-side comparison of plans, pricing and terms so they can make an informed decision for their electric service. Choose Energy’s portfolio of brands includes: ChooseEnergy.com, TexasPowerCompany.com, PowerToChooseGreen.com, ElectricityTX.com and others. For general information on Choose Energy, please go to http://www.ChooseEnergy.com.

ChooseEnergy.com Launches Infographic That Details How 3 Pennies Can Add Up To $3.7 Billion in Savings

ChooseEnergy.com created an infographic that explains the waste in the Texas energy market and how much consumers could save if they shopped for a lower electricity rate.

Carrollton, Texas (June 24, 2011) – ChooseEnergy.com, a leading energy shopping and comparison website, today announced the launch of a new infographic (http://www.chooseenergy.com/texaswaste) that illustrates how three pennies can add up to a very large amount of money for Texas consumers. The new, downloadable report on waste in the Texas energy market outlines results of recent research that consumers are spending too much for residential electricity.

With the rising cost of living and a down economy, people are trying to find ways to cut back and save money. According to the new infographic released by ChooseEnergy.com, there could be relief for consumers in their electric bill. According to the report, consumers in Texas could collectively save about $3.7 billion each year if they would shop around for the best rate for their residential electricity.

A number of statistics are included in the report, including how confusing the Texas energy market can be when shopping for new electricity service. There are so many Texas electricity providers to choose from, in fact, there are over 40 active Texas electricity companies and most offer multiple electricity rates – which is very confusing when trying to choose a plan for your home. That’s where consumers can benefit from a site like ChooseEnergy.com. ChooseEnergy.com can help consumers exercise their power to choose and make an informed decision.

"ChooseEnergy.com excels in taking a difficult and time consuming process and making it easier for people to understand through our comparison chart and customer reviews," said Jerry Dyess, President and CEO of Choose Energy. "We break the information down into categories and set criteria which make the information less intimidating and easier to understand."

While highlighting the fact that the Texas energy market is the 11th largest in the world, the infographic also shows that 48% of the electricity consumed is from residential use. So what’s the big deal? On average Texas residents pay about 11.5 cents per kWh for their home electric use when they could be paying 8.5 cents per kWh. Doesn’t sound like much does it? Well, those 3 pennies can add up fast and they add up to $3.7 billion for the Texas consumer market.

The infographic provides a good illustration in comparison on what you could get for $3.7 billion. Those 3 pennies saved could end up being more than the 2011 budget of the U.S. National Guard or more than enough money to purchase all of the major pro sports teams in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area including the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers and the Dallas Stars. Doesn’t sound like chump change now does it? What if Texas could hire 88,635 more teachers? Do you think that would improve Texas’ national ranking in education and in turn help attract more businesses to our communities?

With a recently updated website, Choose Energy gives consumers the power to save money on electricity while making educated choices based on accurate, up-to-date, comparable information. Choose Energy continues to innovate and provide outstanding Texas power choices for residential and commercial energy customers. Customers now have a simple way to compare offers made by different Texas electricity companies and utilize this power of choice when it comes to electricity.

Bounce Energy Launches Promotional Offer In Celebration Of Cinco de Mayo

Texas electricity rates have significantly decreased over the last year or so, but not every consumer has taken advantage of this change. For today only Bounce Energy is offering a 5.5 cent rate on your first bill in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Since the Texas energy industry was deregulated, costs have become much more competitive and have therefore dropped significantly, but this is a rate most have not seen for quite some time. We recommend consumers take advantage of this one-time offer from Bounce Energy today. At a rate of 5.5 cents - it's certainly the lowest available rate in the Texas electricity market today.

In Texas, you really can't lose when it comes to having a Texas power company that's as inexpensive as possible. This is a great time of year to sign up for a lower rate. Take advantage of this fantastic offer today by going to www.ChooseEnergy.com and sign up for the Thrifty Saver Intro plan from Bounce Energy.

Texas Power Costs Have Been Reduced Significantly

Over the last 12 months, Texas power costs have been reduced significantly for different reasons. But, not everyone is taking advantage of these lower Texas electricity costs. The fact is, the Texas energy market has become much more competitive since it has been deregulated.

So, that leaves consumers with the power to choose between electric providers and benefit from the lower costs. There are various offers available with different lengths of contracts to take advantage of. In most cases, there is no charge to switch from one Texas electric company to another. Certainly, there is no need to question whether there will be a loss of power during the switch, as this is not the case whatsoever. In fact, switching is easy and fast. The most simple site out there is www.ChooseEnergy.com.

If you are weary about switching, you really don't have to be. Consider how many offers you have had to switch telephone companies for better long-distance rates, better local rates, and better features.

While the telephone lines remain the same, the only thing that changes is the provider. In most cases, service is just as satisfactory as with the previous provider. You've probably taken advantage of better telephone deals. Well, the same is true for Texas power. The lines or wires remain the same, but the provider will change.

This information should be very useful to you if you haven't taken advantage of the new Retail Electric Provider, or REP. You don't have to necessarily make any phone calls or contact anyone to find out the different rates of the competing corporations. Instead, you can use your online resources (like ChooseEnergy.com) and compare them for yourself to see how much you will benefit from the savings of this deregulation that took place in recent times.

You will find that there are over 10 providers for every deregulated area in the state. So, you have plenty to choose from. Be a smart consumer and shop around in order to obtain the best rates and programs for your residential or business requirements.

Have You Checked Out What's Happening With Texas Electricity

The Texas electricity industry is leading the way for electric deregulation. This is good for consumers who will have the power to choose their power company. The consumer will not have to choose to go with one company or to have no power at all. This might mean better pricing for the end user.

People might find better deals or plans that will fit their requirements compared to the Texas power provider they use now. But if people are happy with who they use then they need not change. But it is good to know that you can change if you want to.

Some plans allow you to lock in a rate so this could work toward your advantage. You will want to keep an eye open for various plan specials that other companies are running at different times of the year.

Your Texas electric provider who you have used for years probably does not run deals. So it might be a good idea to change if you can save money. But if you have a plan now that has a contract cancellation fee you have to take into account if the savings will be worth the penalty.

You might simply want to wait until the contract expires and then make the move. Here is the bottom line. You will get better service and better rates if there is competition in the market.

Until now the power companies have had a monopoly on the power service. You had two choices use their power or go without power. But because you have a choice you will not have to pay what the companies say. And they charge as much as the government allows them to charge.

This is the first step towards you paying less for your power. The deregulation of the power companies is something you can voice your support for. Call your local representative today to voice your opinion or use your power to choose a lower Texas electric bill today.

ChooseEnergy.com Announces Launch Of Newly Designed Website To Help Consumers Lower Energy Costs

(February 16, 2010) ChooseEnergy.com, a leading resource for online energy shopping, announced today that it has launched an enhanced website, located at www.ChooseEnergy.com. The updated design features smoother navigation, helpful energy education, and increased energy choices showcasing many options for the consumer.

“The new site has a fresh feel which we think appeals to a wide audience,” said ChooseEnergy.com President and CEO, Jerry Dyess. “This is about building a relationship with our customers by making the site interactive and at the same time giving our longtime customers what they have come to expect.”

When overhauling the site, designers kept it fun and simple with an interactive approach. Take for example the comparison chart. Customers can now see how many times other customers have selected certain provider offers, thus creating a community feel while facilitating a more competitive environment for the providers.

"We want the new site to be a great resource for Texas electricity customers, resulting in many more consumers saving money on their Texas energy service," said ChooseEnergy.com President Jerry Dyess. "Not only is the site easier to navigate with more providers and energy offer information but we’ve built an improved product comparison tool. Now, you can compare offers and make an educated choice based on your particular electricity needs," Dyess added.
With the addition of partners like TXU Energy and Bounce Energy, consumers are given more choices. More choices for energy helps the consumers know they have options, and are not forced into selecting a particular provider.

"Most importantly, the website is designed with the consumer in mind. It's easy-to-navigate, provides a wealth of educational information, and lays out each electric company's plans and rates perfectly so the consumer can make an informed decision. Bounce Energy believes Choose Energy delivers true value to Texas electricity customers, both for small business and residential." noted Robbie Wright, CEO of Houston-based electricity company Bounce Energy.

Just as the Internet has made it easier for people to compare mortgages, travel rates and other services, Choose Energy has developed a ‘compare and buy' shopping site that offers a trusted and objective comparison of available electricity providers for residential and small commercial customers.

About the company: Founded in 2005 Choose Energy, (www.chooseenergy.com), has committed itself on being the most trusted and leading online energy shopping resource for small business and residential consumers. This customer commitment is backed up by experienced energy and technology professionals, competitive prices, and powerful technology. Choose Energy has developed the technology required to permit consumers to shop for electricity prices and to apply for service using a single website. It is Choose Energy’s goal to provide the consumer with the latest up-to-date information possible to assist them to exert their power to choose.

For further information call Jerry Dyess at 469 361-2971 or write to Corporate Headquarters at: 3740 N. Josey Lane, Suite 114, Carrollton, Texas 75010. One could also email Jerry Dyess at jdyess@chooseenergy.com. Also, the consumer can check out the blog at blog.chooseenergy.com or visit the website at www.chooseenergy.com.

Wind Energy - Is This New Texas Gold?

We've heard a lot about the environmental benefits of wind energy. In windy areas of the country, this untapped power source has the potential to produce a lot of electricity. But who else is benefiting? In Texas, a surprising number of oil companies are starting to get into wind. Here's a look at Texas's wind energy boom, and the increase in wind power that's happening in other states.

GE has a one and a half billion dollar contract to supply turbines and maintenance for an Oregon wind farm over the next decade, a project expected to create about four hundred and fifty jobs. T. Boone Pickens, Texas oilman, is getting behind wind power in his state, and wind farms are popping up all over in the American Midwest. That's because wind is worth a lot of money right now.

Currently, US residents import a little under seventy percent of their oil. That worries a lot of people who don't want the country to be reliant on foreign companies. This energy problem is becoming just as big a boost to wind energy enterprises as environmental concerns. Natural gas plans are also being proposed, either instead of wind power, or alongside it.

In some areas in Texas, you can drive a hundred and fifty miles and see a wind turbine wherever you go. Some people think of these huge turbines as eyesores, while others see them as the means to free the US from foreign oil dependency. In Nolan County, Texas, for instance, there are five billion dollars worth of turbines - fifteen hundred individual wind generators. Right now, that area produces more wind power in a year than the entire state of California.

Other areas in the state of Texas are having similar wind booms. The Rolling Plains region has two thousand turbines in operation, and Midland and Odessa's Permian Basin region produces about six thousand megawatts of electricity from three thousand turbines. New towers in some areas are going up at the rate of three to four a day.

Wind makes an excellent substitute for natural gas in Texas electricity production, and is renewable, unlike fossil fuels. It also produces no pollution while generating that electricity, though the turbines themselves are still made by industrial processes. Oil barons and environmentalists alike are supporting these plans, in an attempt to reduce environmental damage from fossil fuel burning and decrease dependence on foreign oil. Add in solar energy, for when the wind's not blowing, and the nation's power requirements will be increased even more.
Is wind a viable alternative for all our energy needs? It depends on who you talk to. However, one thing is sure. Wind is booming all over the country, and producing a lot of energy. It's definitely worth a look!

Lower Business Costs with Lower Texas Power Prices

One thing to understand about the Texas electricity market, is it's the largest one in the country, and 11th in the world when it comes to consumption. While the state politicians continue to argue over a solution for their rising energy costs, the closest thing to an answer they came up with was electricity.


What this does is allow customers in the state of Texas the power to choose their electricity provider. In the beginning this new law brought excitement and change to each city, and about 85% of the commercial energy customers switched their providers at least once. Then of course residential changes hit around 40%. These are quite astounding numbers, and it's hard to believe it took this long to make the change.


The new business startup was crazy considering any way you turned, there was a new company coming out of the woodwork. The competition was so fluent; the idea was that there would be much lower prices. The good news was this was offered through both residential and commercial areas. Oddly though, prices began to rise once deregulation was embraced by customers. It was so detrimental to the public, the electricity costs increased by over 40% in a three-year span between 2002 and 2004. The end result was residential homeowners and commercial business feeling treated badly as a result.

However, proponents of deregulation tried to explain the situation as best they could. The answer revolved around electricity prices rising due to natural gas obstacles. During this time the natural gas industry had reached an all time high and reached increases of 60%. So they were trying to tell us that deregulation was saving customers money.

The biggest issue that they tried to confront head-on was the misconception of immediate savings due to the vast amount of competition. While this was going on, there were several individuals still remaining skeptical about the situation. It was almost as if they were being sold a false bill by politicians and legislators. What it came down to is the economists and supporters of deregulation were right. Once we were able to stabilize the natural gas arena, electricity bills in Texas eventually started falling. By the summer of 2008 through the winter of 2009, these prices decreased by 30%.

Keep in mind, there are many experts out there attributing to this decline through the combination of the recession and the decline in natural gas costs. Eventually we expect the prices to keep falling the further into a recession we go. While everything looks sweet on the surface, it's forcing businesses to cut prices as well. The good news is they believe that the lower business electricity costs are helping them keep their businesses afloat until the economy turns around.

Next Up on ChooseEnergy.com - First Choice Power

When it comes to choosing an energy plan for your home, it can be a difficult task to find the one that's perfect for you and your household. First Choice Power is a solid company that has been an electricity provider for Texas residents for decades and offers a variety of energy plans to meet just about anyone's' needs. Their signature line "Simply Better" actually sums up most of the information and personal testimonials that can be found about First Choice Power.

First Choice Power has three major residential electricity and energy plans that offer unique benefits to customers. Whether you would prefer a stable-payment option or you are looking into a green energy plan, the three major options that individuals have when signing up with the company include:

Simply Better Price Plan - Would you like to pay just one single, low cost amount for a full year? First Choice Power's Simply Better Price Plan is the fixed-rate plan that allows customers to be able to pay one single, stable amount that will never change for a one-year term. In this plan customers have price protection, which is an important benefit for those on a fixed income or others who are looking for cost savings in their utility bills.

Variable Plan - This is a plan that even though requires a variable electricity rate, the rate from month to month won't change more than once. The rates are set on the wholesale electricity prices in Texas, but will never go up more than 35% for First Choice Power customers. In addition, customers are also not obligated to stay on this plan as there is no contract and no minimum length of time.

Advantage Green Plan - First Choice Power offers this plan for green energy aware individuals who would like to help the environment and use 100% renewable energy sources. While customers are on this plan they'll enjoy both low prices and price protection so they can have the benefit of a reliable energy company while still doing something great for the environment.
Community Involvement

In addition to the three great options that First Choice Power offers to new and existing customers, they are also heavily involved in the Texas community. For example, they offer Classroom Energy Innovation Grants for teachers and students in kindergarten through high school for funding of special energy projects that benefit the entire community. First Choice Power also partners with many businesses and companies in Texas for their Simply Better Recycling program to help the environment.

Whether it's the price protection, guaranteed rates, or renewable energy plans that are available or you love that this company is heavily involved with the community, First Choice Power is able to offer unique benefits, cost savings, and a reliable company to everyone that needs Texas electricity. All you have to do is go to: www.ChooseEnergy.com and sign up.

Stop Air Leaks for an Energy Efficient Home

Summary: Air gets into and out of our homes from a wide range of places. Many of these can be fixed with some simple do it yourself handiwork. Undertake any of these and you'll start to realize instant energy savings on your Texas electric bill.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, American homes lose energy from the following places (in decreasing order of importance): floors, ceilings and walls (31%), doors and windows (21%), heating/air condition ducts (15%), fireplaces (14%), plumbing penetrations (13%) and all others (6%). Recognize that these numbers may vary based on home type, age, geographical region and other factors.

For some of these problem areas, better insulation or more energy efficient windows or doors may yield significant savings on your Texas electricity costs. But, these can be costly. Instead, why not take a few simple steps to eliminate those pesky air leaks plus go to www.ChooseEnergy.com and sign up for a lower rate.

One of the easiest things one can do is recaulk windows and doors. In addition to eliminating air leaks, this can also eliminate water leaks. To do this, first remove existing caulk (don't just recaulk over existing caulk). You may need to use a putty knife, a window scraper, other blunt scrapper tool or even a screwdriver to loosen and remove the caulk. Be careful not to gouge the framing. Then clean the entire window or doorframe with rubbing alcohol or other cleaning compound to ensure good adhesion.

Reapply caulk (pushing the bead to ensure it gets into gaps). Be sure NOT to caulk window weep holes (small holes at the bottom of the window that allow for any condensation to drain). It's best to apply the caulk when outdoor temperatures are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In most locales, this is when most building materials are at the midpoint of their contraction and expansion range.

Choose the type of caulk and color that is best suited to your home and any associated remodeling activity. But in most cases, a paintable, light-colored caulk is what you'll want.

What works for windows and doors, also applies to skylights and any other places where gaps may occur. This can include places where air conditioning, phone or electric lines enter your home. You can now find special cover plates that be placed over the once massive caulked or sealed areas. You'll still need to seal these, but it looks a lot more attractive.

In your attic, crawl space and/or basement, you should plan to seal all air conditioning and heating ducts. Instead of caulk, however, duct tape can be used to seal seams of exposed ducts.

An even better approach (one that can reach all ducts) involves injecting an aerosol sealer into the ductwork. During the course of the process, the sealant collects at any leak sites, sealing them.

Finally, address weather stripping along the bottom of doors and windows. This can become brittle and/or damaged over time. Sometimes you can simply slide in a replacement piece. At other times you may have to tip out the window or remove the door from its hinges and then physically remove and replace the entire weather stripping unit.

Another easy-to-do sealant project involves eliminating leaks around electric outlets or switches on outside walls. Turn off electricity and carefully remove switch plate or plug covers. Feel for air leaks (especially in colder months). Then use foam inserts to cover much of the opening. You may also want to stuff insulation into gaps along the outside edges of the electric box or spray in some foam sealant. Wait a few moments and feel again for air leaks.

You can also undertake some temporary fixes, but nothing beats fixing leaks outright. Once you do, you'll start saving real money, really quickly on all of your Texas electric costs.

How Texas Electric Deregulation has helped Texas businesses and consumers

Texas Electric deregulation in Texas came into effect as of January 1, 2002. The deregulation itself is going to be phased in over several years, but the result of the deregulation itself is that most Texas power customers can choose where they get their electricity from, from a number of what are called "retail electric providers," or REPs. The so-called "incumbent utility" in an area still maintains and owns the powerlines, and it's the one you call if there is a power outage. That particular company is not subject to deregulation. To date roughly 85% percent of industrial and commercial customers have taken advantage of deregulation by switching providers at least on one occasion. Over 50% residential customers have taken advantage of the deregulation to switch to a competitive REP. What's so special about deregulation? Deregulation ensures that no single buyer or seller is going to have an unfair advantage in the market, basically a sort of "anti-monopolization" movement that helps ensure competitive pricing on Texas electricity.

Within deregulation was a concept known as the "price to beat," or PTB, a regulated rate concept that determined the pricing behavior of ex-utility providers. Typically, prices would have been determined by a transparent market and in fair fashion, not by an academic or political body. However, this wasn't quite going to work in Texas' deregulation, because incumbent electric companies could instantly cut their own prices to beat those of new deregulation entries, therefore in effect preventing competition and continuing in the monopoly. To that end, the deregulation in Texas also had a phase-in period whereby a price floor was established for incumbent electricity companies so that this sort of continued monopolization could not occur and new competitors could become established themselves. This was to last until January 1 of 2007.

Benefits to businesses: No bottlenecking, no loss of profits by being "down"Deregulation helps ensure that "bottlenecking" won't occur such as happened in the 2003 North American blackout and in California's electric crisis. And of course, this benefits businesses because they don't lose profits by going "down," as is inevitable during the times of these types of outages. With the Texas electric market deregulated, new firms have been able to enter into the marketplace, thus helping ensure an end to bottlenecking. Specifically, more than 60 startup firms have been established to date, nearly equally split among firms that are almost entirely focused on commercial usage and those that are focused on residential usage. In addition, deregulation has been of benefit to consumers because aggregators have advocated for consumers to negotiate low rates on the markets; these lower cost than get passed on to consumers with lower pricing.

With last summer price rises, is deregulation still a good deal? Spikes in Texas' electricity prices lst summer caused many to question deregulation's impact in a positive sense. However, even though previous assertions that deregulation would lower prices for businesses and consumers, more competition has probably meant that prices themselves HAVE indeed remained lower than they would had deregulation not been instituted. It should also be noted that wholesale electricity prices actually took a drop between 2005 and 2006, several years after the inception and implementation of the deregulation. In addition, even though some electricity comes from (currently cheaper) coal plants, Texas electric companies have to set their prices at the higher natural gas production level, because natural gas power plants are needed to supply growing demand. And again, as demand grows, natural gas is going to become an increasingly important supplier of electricity.

What cost savings has this had for consumers and businesses? When deregulation was implemented, prices are still somewhat less than they would have been had deregulation not occured. In addition, it should be noted that electric companies are still absorbing some of the price increases, since prices went up for customers an average of 43% between the years of 2002 to 2004, even though input costs, such as those from natural gas, rose by 63%. Therefore, you can see that some of these costs have been borne by the electric companies and not consumers, because of the increased competition. With the Price to Beat Program enforced through January 1, 2007, new competitors could enter the market safely without fear that incumbents would undercut them in price. This has also controlled prices and increased competition. And of course, that benefits both businesses and consumers because with lower Texas electric prices to pay, businesses can keep their own overhead costs low, and pass the savings on to consumers.

Environmental impacts: Deregulation has also allowed businesses and consumers to begin to take advantage of more environmentally friendly electricity suppliers, such as the wind turbine companies that have begun to jump on board. What this means, of course, is that these businesses have impacted the environment favorably -- but have been able to participate entirely because of the deregulation, which they may not have been able to do had it not happened. As of 2006, Texas surpassed California in its use of clean electricity generated from wind turbines. Other alternative energy sources are also in development, including solar and hydropower, biomass, and landfill gas.

Less electric consumption altogether - As electric prices have risen (even though, as stated previously, they would have arguably risen more in a market dominated by incumbents with no competition), consumers and businesses alike have jumped fully into conservation mode. This is something that may not have happened were electric prices not to have risen so substantially. And with businesses modeling this type of good behavior to consumers, this is truly responsible behavior that can only bring about good overall.

Texas Electricity Usage Records

Texas set a peak usage record this week of 63,453 MW on Monday July 13th. Due to this record heat wave that we've experienced the past few weeks, ChooseEnergy.com has also seen a dramatic increase in website traffic and residential and business customer sign ups.

With this records usage and record heat, we recommend everyone take a close look at that electric bill this month. Your usage and bill have both probably gone up quite a bit from last year. To determine your price per kWh - Take your energy costs plus service charges (less taxes) and divide that by the total kWh usage on your bill. Then go to: www.ChooseEnergy.com to see if you need to switch. It may even make sense to break your contract with your current provider (depending on what you are currently paying) pay the early termination fee and switch to a lower priced plan.

Prices are still very low - but usage is very high - so prices should increase very soon.

What Effect Do Natural Gas Prices Have on Texas Electricity Costs?

You might not know about it, but the current cost of natural gas could have an effect on how much you pay for your Texas electricity, even if you don't burn gas. That's because fuel costs make up around a third of the price of Texas electicity generation. In the state of Texas, that price is mostly related to how much it costs to create Texas power by burning natural gas. So, when natural gas prices go up, your power bill does, too. This could cause some real confusion if you don't know how it works.

The 1999 Texas Electric Choice Act says that suppliers of retail electricity can change prices twice each year at predetermined times, basing their changes on what natural gas costs at the moment. That way, you'll alwyays know that your power price is closely related to the current conditions on the market. If you don't like the service you're getting or the price you're paying, the Act also allows you to look for a new Texas electric supplier who will offer the kind of pricing, terms, and service contracts that you like. If you prefer a supplier with more environmentally friendly generation methods, you can also take the time to choose someone who does this. To compare Texas electric suppliers for your home or business, go to ChooseEnergy.com.

So, how does that price get determined? First, a composite price for natural gas is calcuated from the NYMEX Henry-Hub natural gas index. A ten day period is chosen, and the closing forward twelve month prices for every business day out of those ten days will be averaged. Then, there's an examination of the price that's arrived at - if it's more than four percent higher than the price that set the fuel factor currently being used, the supplier can file for a price increase.

Then, the percentage by which the price of natural gas has increased is applied to the current fuel factor, and the new fuel factor is created. It takes either twenty days or forty-five days for the new factor to become effective - depending on whether or not the Texas electric supplier requests a hearing. When hearings are requested, the fuel factor doesn't affect your bill until the supplier wins the hearing, and the longer time period is the one that applies.

Increases might seem like they're really complicated, but the truth is that they're not. When natural gas gets more expensive, all electricity in Texas does, even if it's not produced by burning natural gas. So, next time your utility bill confuses you, make sure you consider this fact.

How to Beat the Summer Heat in Texas

Temperatures soar in the Texas summer, and many of us run our air conditioners full blast, but that means high cooling bills. Can you beat the heat without breaking the bank? If you just change a few things about your behavior and your home, the answer is yes.

Let's take a look at how to do it. Conserving energy and using less Texas electricity has long been a focus for people who want to save the environment, and it's definitely good for the world around us, but it's also good for our wallets. After all, the less power you use, the less you have to pay for. In the summer time, bills can soar due to air conditioning use, but a few simple things can help you reduce the cost of staying cool.

Try keeping shades and blinds closed during the hot part of the day, and leave most lights off, using only the ones you need at the moment. The sun and electric lighting can both add pretty significant amounts of heat to a room. Keep in mind that heat rises. That means that if you're up really early in the morning you can open upstairs and downstairs windows to let the cool air rush in and the hot air rush out. Close them just as soon as it starts to warm up, however, and just leave the upper windows open. That way, upstairs rooms don't turn into a muggy sauna.

Laundry can have a big effect, too. Instead of running the washer and dryer during the day, run the washer in the early morning and hang your clothes on the line (when rain is not expected) or just run them at night. A clothes dryer creates and puts out a lot of heat, and running hot water in a washer does the same. Plus, in some areas, you'll be charged less for using major appliances at night, saving you money.

Cool as little space as you can. Air circulation is a good thing, but in a house that's not designed for it, you can't get a breeze going through the house. In this case, shut the doors and spend most of your time in one room, running a fan or air conditioner only there. There's less space to cool, and less Texas energy expended in doing it. Don't mess with the AC, either. Leave it at the same setting consistently, and don't turn it on and off. That'll cool things the most efficiently. Even if you have an air conditioner running, use your ceiling or floor fans, too. They use a remarkably small amount of energy, and are a big help in keeping things cool.

Don't do too much inside. Workout outdoors or head elsewhere to get things done. The air outside may be hot, but it also is more likely to keep moving. This will vary by day and location, of course. You can also take cool showers, stick to eating mostly meals that don't need cooking, and drink a lot of water. When you are outside, stick to shady areas so you don't overheat - you’ll be less likely to want to crank the AC up when you get indoors.

Use these helpful tips and lower your Texas electric rate by going to ChooseEnergy.com. Choosing a lower cost per kWh - will help lower your electricity bills substantially.

Texas Electricity Demand Nears Record

The demand for Texas electricity neared a record many days this week. Despite the year high temperatures on Friday, Texas electricity was 41 megawatts short of the record set back in August 0f 2006. With demand topping 62,000 megawatts many times this week - Texas electricity usages was up because of extreme high temps across the state this week.

The Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has requested that consumers and businesses try and conserve their electricity demands between the hours of 3p.m. and 7p.m. to try reduce the demand and usage on our Texas electricity system.

With this increased demand - consumers on month-to-month contracts can expect to see a slight increase in their Texas electricity costs in the coming weeks. Increased demand will certainly increase price - this is why ChooseEnergy.com has recommended consumers and business owners shop for a lock-in Texas electricity rate before month-to-month prices increase.

Should You Get a Texas Energy Audit?

Whether you are concerned about your Texas energy usage or you are in a place where you would like to make your entire home more conservative in terms of resources used, you will discover that an energy audit is something that you need to take a look at. Not only can an energy audit help you identify places where energy and thus money are being wasted, you will find that having done an energy audit recently can actually make your home attractive to potential buyers. Take some time to consider what an energy audit is, what it does, and why you need one as soon as possible!

First, many experts consider an energy audit to be the first step in making your home more efficient. With the HOT summer here and the amount of Texas electricity many of us consume - this is certainly a good thing. Some people will find a checklist that they can go through online, while many others decide that they would rather leave something this important in the hands of professionals. Essentially, your home is examined in a step-by-step process that takes into account all the ways that you use energy and how you are going to be able to prevent the wasting of energy. In any household, there are going to be places where energy seeps away unnoticed, and the goal of an energy audit is to stop this from happening.

One important reason why you might want to have a professional energy audit done is that it will give you a quantitative and qualitative measure of the energy that is entering and leaving your house. You will not only know what areas are not secure, but you will also have an idea of how much energy is being leaked through those areas. More importantly, it will tell you where to focus your efforts when you are looking to make sure that your energy is being preserved.

There is a lot of great information out there that can help you stop energy leakage, but to make use of them, you are going to need to know when the leaks are occurring and to what extent you need to be worried about them.

Also remember that when you preserve the Texas energy of your home, it is going to make a huge difference to your energy bill. Especially if you live in an older house and have not made the improvements that you need to make yet, you'll discover that an energy audit can save you hundreds of dollars from your Texas energy bill, particularly if you are facing a long winter where heating is going to be important. Similarly, if your home uses air conditioning, you'll discover that you are going to need to think about how you can avoid air conditioning the entire neighborhood.

Take some time and really consider how an energy audit can help your household. This is something that can make a huge difference to the way that you pay your bills and even your general comfort. There are so many different ways to lose energy through that you need to notice them now and fix it.

Texas Business Electricity: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

When it comes to paying for electricity to run a business, it's easy to get burned by overpriced utilities. In fact, the cost of Texas electricity has been cited as among the top problems for small business owners as revealed in a recent survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Businesses. This is why it's important to know what to look for when you are shopping for a Texas electricity provider for your Texas business.

Here are some things to consider when deciding where to purchase Texas business electricity:

- Fixed vs. Variable Rates. A fixed rate, as the name suggests, means that the per-unit cost of electricity will not change for the duration of the contract term. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but for the most part a fixed rate will keep your energy costs consistent, provided your business doesn't vary much in its energy usage. With a variable rate, the price per unit of electricity fluctuates based on market conditions. A variable rate will at times yield lower prices, and at times will be priced higher than a fixed rate.

So, how can you decide whether a fixed or variable electricity rate is right for you? Generally, a fixed rate is the best option if your business will be entering a long term contract. This is because over time, energy prices will rise according to the cost of inflation, cost of oil, or natural gas among other things. However, your per unit electricity cost will not increase for the life of the contract. In practical terms, this means that you will be paying less than market rate for your electricity as the contract progresses. On the other hand, if market rates drop, you may be locked into a long term contract and unable to renegotiate at a lower fixed rate. If you are considering a shorter term contract, a variable rate may be the way to go. While pricing can be somewhat unsteady, you are likely to get lower prices in the short term than you would with a fixed rate electricity contract. Plus, this allows you the flexibility to enter into a long term contract in the event that electric prices take a drop that warrants locking in a fixed rate.

Contract Terms. Many providers of Texas business electricity offer month-to-month plans, mid-term contract terms of up to three years, and in some cases, even longer term contracts of three years or more. It's important to choose the plan that best meets your needs, and to carefully review all facets of any written agreement. In particular, you should be aware that you may have to pay a cancellation fee if for any reason you terminate a contract before the full term is completed.

Environmental Responsibility. Lastly, many Texas businesses choose to purchase Texas energy created from renewable resources like solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, and others. If you are concerned about whether the electricity you purchase is "green" energy, ask your Texas electric provider or review the provider's Electricity Facts Label. By taking each of these factors into account, you'll be in a better position to decide what type of Texas business electricity suits your needs. This will help you save money, understand the terms of your contract, and use resources responsibly.

Smart Meters - Will They Really Help?

You may have heard about the recent call for installing smart meters in our homes. These meters are advanced electrical meters that identify power consumption in greater detail than ordinary meters, and send that information back to the utility for billing and monitoring. But will they really help reduce power consumption and help us lower our Texas electric bills?

Let's take a look at what smart meters can and can't do for us. Traditional power meters regulate only the energy consumed, and not when it was used, meaning that it's hard to match consumption with production. Smart meters are one of the more economical methods of measuring not only consumption, but times other information. This allows power companies to set different prices according to when the power is used. This will allow customers to save money by using power at nonpeak hours and avoiding paying too much for energy. It's hoped that this will keep Texas electricity prices down.

Italy's dominant utility is currently serving over twenty-seven million customers with fully electronic smart meters capable of measuring and managing power, and which have a software controlled disconnect switch. They're solid state, and communicate via low voltage power lines. These systems offer more features to utilities, allowing remote changing of billing plans, the ability to detect outages and unauthorized use, and the ability to turn power on and off remotely. Smart meters have also been implemented in Turkey, Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Australia. In the United states, a number of jurisdictions are actively pursuing smart meter technology, such as Northen California and Texas. Implementation is imminent in the UK and in Ireland.

Energy experts have noted that it's important for meters to allow homeowners to make choices such as buying their power when it's cheapest and selling wind turbine and solar panel electricity to utilities when they choose to.The biggest problem with smart meter technologies is generally communication, since each meter must be able to securely and reliably communicate the information to a central point. This can be tricky, given the range of locations and environments in which these meters are located. Some solutions that have been proposed include cellular networks, radio, and power line communications.

Recently, US President Obama has called for the installation of forty million smart meters, as well as three thousand miles of transmission lines. This would be the first real update to the electrical grid in about forty years. Some feel that this will create what is being called a "smart grid" and will be as big an influence on our society as the Internet, the Interstate, the telephone and the railroad. The ability of this grid to pull energy from clean power projects is one of the reasons it's being supported, as well as its ability to forstall the need for building new power production centers.

Smart meters can cost anywhere from a hundred to three hundred dollars to install - each. The amount depends on the quality of the smart meter in question, but it will be a significant investment. However, venture capitalists have been investing in this technology recently, so it may be possible. Soon, you could be choosing when you use power based on the price, and possibly saving money and energy.

Summer Savings on Texas Electricity

In summer many people make use of their air-conditioners and this results in increased Texas electricity use. Because of this most of us are suddenly confronted with a much higher Texas electric bill that we received in the winter months. That is why, when Spring and Summer arrive, it makes good sense to begin to prepare for your energy consumption during the hot Texas summer. The whole point is to keep your Texas energy bill the same or only minimally higher once you are using the air-conditioner more regularly.

By examining your Texas electricity usage you will be able to determine all those areas of your home or business where your usage is particularly high. You need to decide which areas you can work on to reduce your energy need. This will lower your bill at the end of the month and keep you in good shape for when the weather gets hotter and the air-conditioner is switched on. By cutting back on your energy usage you will be preparing for the cost of running the air-conditioner.

The great news for consumers is that Texas has made it possible for different energy companies to exist. This means that these companies are all competing for our business and the best way to attract customers is to not only offer them great service, but also great prices. Before the summer heat has even arrived you should take a closer look at which company will supply your energy requirements at the best price for you. This is another way to keep your bill down in preparation for the hot Texas summer months.

Another effective way of reducing your monthly Texas electric bill is to take a look around your home and make note of all the appliances that you tend to leave plugged in even when you are not using them. Perhaps, like millions of people who own a mobile phone, you leave the charger plugged in all the time. Also, if you own your own computer, remember that it still uses up energy when it is in sleep mode. So consider switching it off when it is not in use. You might be pleasantly surprised just how much this one precaution can positively impact your energy bill.
As you can see, taking note of which electrical items in your home or business can be switched off when not being used, can add up to a nice saving on you monthly energy bill. Coupled with the other practical steps we have already seen, you will be amazed at how much of a reduction you will see in your energy usage and this will mean that your increased use of the air-conditioner in the summer months will not cause your bill to rise by much.

By doing a little bit of research and by making a little effort, you can enjoy the warmer months in your air-conditioned home or office with peace of mind. Find out other ways that you can reduce your energy consumption by taking a look at some energy saving tips. You should be able to find quite a few helpful hints and tips that will help you to manage your Texas electricity bill and also enjoy the savings you will incur. So put in a bit of time and effort and then reap the rewards.

Texas Electric Price Update

It's time to lock in your Texas electric rate today. If you live in Texas and have been thinking about what to do with your electricity rate - please lock in now. Prices are extremely favorable for those that can lock into a Texas electric plan today you should strongly consider it. If you are on a month-to-month rate - you should certainly switch to a locked in rate today. Summer heat and high summer bills are coming - that will also bring higher month-to-month rates. Since it usually takes about 45 days to switch, but only one billing cycle for your provider to increase your month-to-month rate - don't wait and get caught in the middle. They will be raising that month-to-month rate soon. Supply and demand...

The price of your Texas electricity is going to vary not just according to your use, but according to where you live, how the power was generated, and how it was delivered. We live in Texas and much of our power is from natural gas. Right now - natural gas is LOW and that means low Texas electric rates. These power plants are going to need MORE natural gas soon because of the increased demand for electricity - thus nigher natural gas costs. That's right - a higher electric rate as well. The utility will spread its costs out among its customers, and if its costs go up, so do your rates. Supply and demand and season can also have an effect on electricity and related items, with gas and oil prices often rising in the summer months, due to more demand from cars, businesses, power plants, homes, etc..

So, how can you reduce the amount you’re paying? Change the rate per kilowatt hour you are paying and cut down on your usage. After all, about nine percent each of the average bill is paying for heating water and lighting. Ten percent is space heating and sixteen percent is air conditioning. Computers, electronics, freezers, dryers and other devices make up the remaining forty percent.

All of the experts agree - lock in now - even the Chairman of the Public Utility Commission recently told people that now is the time to lock in your rate by shopping for the lowest Texas electric rate.