AUSTIN — February 11, 2002 – Shopping for a new Retail Electric Provider (REPs) just became easier, thanks to recent upgrades to the Texas Electric Choice website, www.powertochoose.org.
Website changes now provide electric customers with a breakdown of prices per kilowatt-hour from competing REPs, as well as contract terms and conditions, and information on how each REP generates its electricity.
After logging on to powertochoose.org, customers can click the “Choose Now” button and enter their ZIP Code to determine REP offers in their area. An example comparing REP offers in the South Texas or Rio Grande Valley can be found in this release.
“Customers have told us they want an easy way to compare offers among different REPs, and with the changes we’ve made to our website, they can do just that,” said PUC Commissioner Rebecca Klein.
The ability to easily compare REP offers online is particularly significant as increasing numbers of Texans use powertochoose.org to learn more about Electric Choice. Since January 1, when the retail electric market in Texas officially opened to competition, powertochoose.org had more than 98,500 visitors, an 83 percent increase above the average month. The Texas Electric Choice Answer Center – 1-866-PWR-4-TEX (1-866-797-4839) – also logged a record number of callers in January, with 58,594 calls, a 484 percent increase above the average month.
| REP |
¢ per kWh |
Est. Monthly
Cost Difference |
Offer Term |
Power Source |
|
| CPL Energy |
8.80¢ |
$0.00 |
Monthly |
Various |
| TXU |
8.30¢ |
-$5.00 |
Monthly |
Various |
| First Choice |
8.60¢ |
-$2.00 |
Long-term |
Various | |
* This chart does not include all REP offers. Customers should visit powertochoose.org for a current breakdown of rates and service options.
The PUC also encourages customers to ask REPs for a copy of their Electricity Facts Label (EFL). The EFL, similar to a nutrition label found on many food products, provides detailed information on electricity prices, contract terms, sources of generation and emissions levels. The EFL allows customers to make an “apples-to-apples” comparison of offers from competitive REPs. All REPs certified by the PUC are required to provide customers with a copy of their EFL upon request.
As of January 1, the majority of Texans have the power to choose the company that provides electricity to their home or business. This means electric customers can shop for a REP, just as they do for other products and services, based on what matters most to them, whether it’s price, customer service, or renewable energy.
If you have any questions about electric competition, choosing your electric provider, or what’s changing in the Texas electric market, call the Texas Electric Choice toll-free number at 1-866-PWR-4-TEX (1-866-797-4839,TTY 1-877-864-4725), or visit www.powertochoose.org.
