The powertochoose a retail electricity provider is a fundamental freedom that’s close to the hearts of many Texas residents. Since deregulation happened in the state back in 2002, Texas energy consumers have the ability to compare offers from a wide range of energy providers instead of just their local electric utility company.
There are a lot of choices out there, but the best way to narrow them down is to start by reviewing your current rates and determining which plan types work for your needs. From there, you can compare the offers and determine what’s going to be the cheapest for you. Then, you can make a decision and get started with your new Texas power plans.
In order to choose the right plan, it’s important to understand how the texas electricity system works. The key players include power generators, REPs (retail electric providers), and TDUs (transmission and distribution utilities). These companies all play an important role in supplying the state with electricity. However, the most critical cog in the system is the grid, which ties everything together. Without the grid, electricity cannot be distributed to homes and businesses across the state.
During the ice storm that hit Texas in 2021, the demand for electricity outstripped the state’s capacity to produce it. As people turned on heaters to keep warm, the spike in demand pushed the system over its limit and caused many parts of the state to go dark for days. The problem could have been prevented by a more diverse mix of energy sources, and a better grid.
To help avoid future ice storms, the state’s power generators need to be more flexible in their production of electricity. This will allow them to use a wider variety of fuels and increase the amount of available power during high-demand periods. This will also help avoid blackouts during extreme weather conditions.
As a homeowner, you can do your part to support this effort by choosing an electricity provider that uses renewable energy. Many Texas energy providers offer 100% green energy plans, which offset your annual kWh usage with RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates) that are purchased and retired from eligible renewable resources like biomass, hydro, solar or wind. The RECs will then be assigned to your electricity bill.
While the Power to Choose website has made it easier for Texas residents to select a retail electricity provider, it can still be confusing to find the best plan for your needs. Fortunately, ComparePower has been designed to help consumers simplify the process by providing easy-to-use tools that allow for a more accurate apples-to-apples comparison of electricity rates and features. Just input your zip code above to see all of the options available in your area!