About Power to Choose
In Texas, the power to choose your retail electricity provider (REP) is more than just a convenience — it's an advantage. With a deregulated electricity market, many Texas consumers have the freedom to select a plan that suits their needs and budget. Power to Choose is a popular resource managed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) that allows consumers to compare retail electricity providers, like Gexa Energy, in Texas.
Key Takeaways:
Deregulation Benefits: Following Texas' 2002 deregulation, Power to Choose was created to promote competition and protect customers by offering clear electricity plan comparisons.
Freedom and Transparency: Power to Choose helps Texans compare retail electricity providers, offering transparency on pricing, plan types, and contract lengths.
Comprehensive Plan Comparison: Power to Choose allows users to compare fixed-rate, variable-price, time-of-use, and renewable energy plans, tailoring choices to their needs.
How It Works
Power to Choose is a state-sponsored platform designed to help Texans compare retail electricity plans from different REPs. By simply entering your ZIP code, you can access a variety of plans tailored to your location. The platform provides detailed information on each plan, including:
- Plan Type: Including fixed-rate, variable-price, time-of-use, and more.
- Pricing: Cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and any additional fees.
- Contract Lengths: Options ranging from month-to-month to multi-year contracts.
- Company Rating: REPs are rated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
- Renewable Energy Plans: Filter and compare renewable energy plans, including 100% renewable energy plans from providers like Gexa Energy.
Pros and Cons of Using Power to Choose Texas
Pros:
Comprehensive Comparison: It allows you to compare plans from multiple REPs side by side, giving you an ample view of your options.
Transparency: The platform provides detailed information on pricing, contract terms, and renewable energy options.
Ease of Use: With a simple interface and easy-to-navigate features, Power to Choose makes the process of selecting an electricity plan straightforward.
Cons:
Limited Display: Power to Choose only shows a limited number of plans. REPs may show additional plans on their direct website.
Complex Plans: Some options can be difficult to fully understand as Power to Choose does not provide comprehensive educational resources.
Oversimplification: Some consumers comment that Power to Choose oversimplifies plans, leaving too much ambiguity for shoppers.
History of Power to Choose
In 1999, the electricity game in Texas was forever changed when Senate Bill 7 was passed. With the goal of getting rid of electricity monopolies to promote a competitive marketplace Texas legislation ruled in favor of deregulation. In 2002, the law went into effect, officially allowing many Texans the right to choose their retail electricity provider.
Following this, the Power to Choose platform was launched with the mission to "protect customers, foster competition, and promote high quality infrastructure." Texans shopping for electricity can use this site as a tool to compare retail electricity providers.
How to Switch Energy Plans
Switching to a new REP is a process that may be simplified by using Power to Choose or directly through a provider like Gexa Energy.
- Shop: Visit the Power to Choose website or Gexa Energy's website: Begin by exploring the available plans tailored to your needs.
- Compare Plans: Compare different electricity plans to evaluate different options based on your electricity usage, budget, and preferences.
- Select a Plan: Choose the plan that best fits your needs and follow the prompts to sign up.
- Provide Necessary Information: Enter your details and select a start date for your new plan.
- Enjoy Your New Plan: Once your plan is active, review your first bill to ensure everything matches what you signed up for.
Why Choose Gexa Energy?
Flexible Plans
Explore customizable electricity plans with add-ons to suit your lifestyle.
Easy Sign-Up
Whether you're moving or switching, enjoy a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Gexa Energy purchases renewable energy credits (RECs) from renewable generation resources throughout North America to match 100% of the energy sold under your electric plan. The RECs Gexa purchases represent the renewable attributes of power generated from a variety of renewable energy sources, including, but not limited to, the sun, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, wave or tidal energy, and biomass or biomass-based waste products, including landfill gas.