How To Change Electric Companies In Texas

How to Switch Electricity Companies

Not and then long ago, each household would deal with just 1 utility company. The electricity and natural gas arrived in your home; the utility set the price with oversight by the state government'due south regulatory agency; you paid the beak. Today, consumers have more options. It'due south called Energy Choice, which means that consumers tin switch free energy providers if they cull to do then. Available in 17 states and counting, Energy Option started in the '70s when lawmakers began irresolute regulations and so that energy companies could likewise offer natural gas and electricity to consumers. It opened upwardly the competitive marketplace.

At present consumers in Energy Option states considering changing their electrical provider can await for the best pricing, which in turn might assist them lower free energy costs. Improved customer service is some other potential upside when consumers switch. Power visitor executives know that customer service is more important now than always, and then they're always working to improve your experience. The challenge is understanding how to switch energy providers. To help you navigate this energy world, we're focusing on i thing first: Making the modify. Electrical provider, gas provider—in that location are plenty of nuances, but we're going to assist you lot brand an informed decision. Here are answers to some oft asked questions.

What points should I consider before I switch electrical companies?

Expect at your free energy bill. Wait at the supply line on your pecker and find how much you've been using and paying for the past few months. This volition requite you a starting point equally you lot begin to review other pricing options with other companies.
Do some research. Is the competitive supplier you're considering well-established? Is the supplier licensed to serve your country? Look online and on social media sites such equally Facebook and Twitter for customer reviews. Are customers more often than not satisfied with this provider?
Review pricing plans carefully, as well every bit terms and conditions of any plan you're considering. Check to run across if the cost includes a state sales tax or whatever other tax, charge or fee.

Is there a penalization if I switch free energy providers?

If you practice not have an existing contract, at that place is ordinarily not an early termination fee if you switch your energy provider. Be sure to advisedly read the terms of your agreement before signing on to a new plan, however, to ensure you're protected. Ane exception, for instance, might be if you originally signed up for a pricing plan of a sure length. Bottom line? Confirm with your electric current energy provider before you switch electrical companies.

If I sign up with a new electricity company, when will the switch occur?

You lot tin can switch electrical companies assuming Energy Choice is available in your land. Typically y'all will receive confirmation from your local utility confirming the switch. The switch should happen adequately quickly after that. In Texas, for instance, consumers choosing to change electric providers receive mail confirmation from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) about the pending change. Depending on where you alive, y'all have from between 3-14 business days to change your mind afterward the initial switch has occurred.

Will there be a lapse in service when I switch power visitor services?

Y'all should not have a lapse in service when you switch ability company services. In most places, the utility will still continue to transport your bills, but you will notice the new electricity visitor'south name listed on the supply line at your next regularly scheduled billing cycle.

Exercise I have to tell my electric current electricity visitor I'thou switching?

Fortunately, at that place are not too many logistics when you're figuring out how to switch free energy providers. Usually the new provider will notify your utility that y'all are going to switch electricity companies. You should receive confirmation from your power visitor that the switch has occurred.

Who practice I call if I accept an outage?

If you lose electricity, call your local utility. If you lot see downed power lines, telephone call 911 earlier contacting your power visitor. Down power lines? Call 911 For more information on how to switch energy providers, visit our Free energy 101 page.