Monopolies aren't good for customers, just companies. That's true of electric companies, too. With monopolies, customers are simply left to put up with what they've got in front of them, service from one company. This gives companies all the advantage, and none of the difficulty. It also lets them drive prices up such that they can make profits without having to provide significant value to consumers.
To that end, deregulation laws were introduced in Texas in 2002, such that now, most Texas citizens can choose their electric providers. That means more competition, and THAT means that customers are once again in control. Deregulation means better customer service, better pricing, and a chance to use renewable energy sources instead of entrenched but "bad for the environment" and nonrenewable energy sources.
This wasn't always true. Before deregulation was put in place in Texas, a single utility provided service to an entire area and performed all duties of service, including destination, transmission and sales. Consumers were simply left to put up with what they were given, whether it was the best or not. Deregulation, however, has changed the landscape. Now, one company usually handles transmission and distribution, with other companies handling sales and billing. This gives consumers choice, so they can choose the providers they want to provide service to them. The entire process is overseen by the Public Utility Commission, so that problems are taken care of immediately, before they become major difficulties.
Approximately three fourths of today's Texas citizens can choose their own utility providers, which means that they also control what they pay, to some extent. They can choose where they get their power from and what level of service they want as well. Businesses and private consumers alike benefit from this, because when businesses receive this kind of value, their customers also benefit.
That's because when businesses can choose their own electric service providers, they get better service and lower utility costs, which lowers their own costs. In turn, they usually pass this cost savings onto their own customers.
Even with deregulation improvement, of course, about one fourth of Texas' electric consumers don't enjoy the benefits of deregulation and competition. Large cities such as San Antonio and Austin don't have deregulatory benefits, and electric cooperatives are also exempt from deregulation.
Nonetheless, positive changes continue to be made in Texas when it comes to electric utility providers. Renewable resources continue to be explored and implemented, with wind farms, as one example, springing up all over the state as a means to provide clean, completely renewable energy that can be converted into electricity.
If you live in Texas and you live in an area where you can choose your provider, the best way to make sure deregulation stays in place is to utilize its benefits. Shop around for the company that's going to suit you and your family. In some cases, like on ChooseEnergy.com, you can actually compare prices in real time between companies, all on the same website. Even if you can't compare prices in real-time from one website, you can certainly shop around online with just a click of the mouse.
Once you've done your homework and have chosen an electric provider that meets your needs the best, and at the best possible prices, you simply place your order with the company; you should expect to receive information from them on your rights as a customer, and the terms of service agreement from your new provider as well. You don't have to contact your old provider to discontinue service, either. Your new provider will handle that, and you'll simply get a notice of service change in the mail. Actual change of service will happen at your next meter reading.
It should be noted that your new company will not be assuming responsibility for sending you your final bills from the old company, so make sure you address those and get them taken care of. Other than that, though, the change is completely seamless and automatic. You simply choose your new provider, and the wheels are set in motion so that you can enjoy the benefits of going with an electric provider you've chosen.
To that end, deregulation laws were introduced in Texas in 2002, such that now, most Texas citizens can choose their electric providers. That means more competition, and THAT means that customers are once again in control. Deregulation means better customer service, better pricing, and a chance to use renewable energy sources instead of entrenched but "bad for the environment" and nonrenewable energy sources.
This wasn't always true. Before deregulation was put in place in Texas, a single utility provided service to an entire area and performed all duties of service, including destination, transmission and sales. Consumers were simply left to put up with what they were given, whether it was the best or not. Deregulation, however, has changed the landscape. Now, one company usually handles transmission and distribution, with other companies handling sales and billing. This gives consumers choice, so they can choose the providers they want to provide service to them. The entire process is overseen by the Public Utility Commission, so that problems are taken care of immediately, before they become major difficulties.
Approximately three fourths of today's Texas citizens can choose their own utility providers, which means that they also control what they pay, to some extent. They can choose where they get their power from and what level of service they want as well. Businesses and private consumers alike benefit from this, because when businesses receive this kind of value, their customers also benefit.
That's because when businesses can choose their own electric service providers, they get better service and lower utility costs, which lowers their own costs. In turn, they usually pass this cost savings onto their own customers.
Even with deregulation improvement, of course, about one fourth of Texas' electric consumers don't enjoy the benefits of deregulation and competition. Large cities such as San Antonio and Austin don't have deregulatory benefits, and electric cooperatives are also exempt from deregulation.
Nonetheless, positive changes continue to be made in Texas when it comes to electric utility providers. Renewable resources continue to be explored and implemented, with wind farms, as one example, springing up all over the state as a means to provide clean, completely renewable energy that can be converted into electricity.
If you live in Texas and you live in an area where you can choose your provider, the best way to make sure deregulation stays in place is to utilize its benefits. Shop around for the company that's going to suit you and your family. In some cases, like on ChooseEnergy.com, you can actually compare prices in real time between companies, all on the same website. Even if you can't compare prices in real-time from one website, you can certainly shop around online with just a click of the mouse.
Once you've done your homework and have chosen an electric provider that meets your needs the best, and at the best possible prices, you simply place your order with the company; you should expect to receive information from them on your rights as a customer, and the terms of service agreement from your new provider as well. You don't have to contact your old provider to discontinue service, either. Your new provider will handle that, and you'll simply get a notice of service change in the mail. Actual change of service will happen at your next meter reading.
It should be noted that your new company will not be assuming responsibility for sending you your final bills from the old company, so make sure you address those and get them taken care of. Other than that, though, the change is completely seamless and automatic. You simply choose your new provider, and the wheels are set in motion so that you can enjoy the benefits of going with an electric provider you've chosen.
About the Author:
About the author: Jerry Dyess specializes in Texas Electricity and has published many articles on Texas Electric rates.
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