Many of the electronics in your home are adding to your electric costs — even when they’re not in use! “Phantom load” refers to the power used by electronic devices when in standby mode. It’s also called “vampire power.” 

How much does phantom load add to your electric costs?

Nobody knows for sure what percentage of electricity usage phantom load represents. Thus, it’s hard to say how much it adds to your average electric bill. However, the Standby Power Research at Berkeley Lab estimates that phantom load amounts to 5-10% of residential electricity usage. (Some estimates are even higher.) This may not seem like a lot on first glance. But reducing vampire power can help you drive down your monthly electric costs. 

Plus, it’s not just about our own waste. The National Resources Defense Council estimates that standby power use by inactive devices translates to the electricity produced from 50 large (500-megawatt) power plants. If we all reduced our own phantom load, even by a small amount, it would add up to a significant decrease of wasted power. And that’s great news for the planet’s health.

How do I know how much phantom load an item is using?

Some appliances and electronics use more standby power than others. You can use a watt meter to measure the amount of power an item uses in standby and working modes. (Some libraries even have these handy devices available for free checkout!)

If you know your electricity cost per kWh (kilowatt hour), you can use the watt meter reading to calculate how much you pay to run the device or appliance in both modes.

What are some ways to minimize vampire power?

To work toward your best electricity bill and minimize energy waste, try these solutions:

Unplug

Maybe it’s not realistic to unplug all of your electronics when you’re not using them. But you could make it a habit to unplug a few to help lower your electric costs. Remember, every little bit helps both your monthly average electric bill and the planet. 

Items you can unplug when not in use include:

• DVD player
• Speakers
• Battery charger
• Coffee pot
• Rice cooker/pressure cooker/air fryer
• Computer
• Scanner
• Printer
• Heated blanket
• Infrequently used TVs
• Remote-controlled toys
• Dehumidifier
• Air purifier
• Standing fans
• Digital photo frames
• Lamps
• Vacuum
• Phone and device chargers
• Electric toothbrushes, razors and water flossers

Reorganize

Use a surge protector power strip with an on/off switch for several electronics in an area. With one flip of the switch, all of the plugged-in items can be completely powered off while still remaining plugged into the power strip — with no standby energy consumed. To do this, you may need to reorganize the placement of some of your items that use standby power. However, it is a straightforward way to reduce phantom load and extra electric costs.

Wi-Fi smart power strips and smart plugs provide even more convenience as you combat energy prices. Some of these power strips can detect when plugged in items are not in use and stop sending electricity to them. Many let you control each plugged-in item individually with your mobile device or through voice command through Alexa or Google Assistant. 

How do I compare electricity rates to help ease my monthly electric costs?

Minimizing vampire power is just one trick you can use to help lower your monthly electric costs. Another is to compare electricity cost per kWh and other factors before you choose your next electricity plan. 

Everything Energy has the tools you need to make apples-to-apples comparisons with ease. That way, you can be confident you have the best energy plan for your needs. Try our personalized pricing search tool now!

Maximizing the value you get from your power supplier is financially smart. After all, if you’re already paying for something, why wouldn’t you take advantage of it?

Today’s electricity providers offer more than just electricity. Take a look at some of the extra benefits you may not know you have access to.

What perks would a power supplier offer?

Texas has a deregulated energy market. That means a power supplier must now compete to earn your business. To do so, they need to stand out from the crowd. So, electricity providers often give customers extras that could be of value.

Here are just a few things you may be missing out on:

Apps

Many power companies have mobile apps. And they do far more than just let you pay your bill. They can also save you time, display your usage, and help you become more energy efficient.

Referral rewards

Does your power supplier have a referral program? If so, you could receive bill credits just for helping friends and family sign up. Reliant Energy is one power company with this type of reward program.

Other bill credits and discounts

Some electricity providers offer bill credits for opting into paperless billing, autopay, energy conservation programs and other services or programs.

Energy efficient gadgets

You may be able to receive a discount on energy-efficient tools from smart thermostats to backup power solutions and more. Some gadgets even come free when you enroll in a specific energy plan.

Sustainability opportunities

From solar assessments to carbon offsets, green energy suppliers may provide valuable ways to help you live greener.

Solar rebates

You may be a customer of a power supplier that offers third-party solar panel installation. Check to see if the provider offers any exclusive rebates. Some do, in addition to any federal and local solar incentives.

How do I find out if my power supplier offers these extra benefits?

Where can you find these benefits? Look over your provider’s website. Check the navigation menu for links to products, services and offers. You may have missed these benefits when you first enrolled.

Discover more extras by shopping for your next power supplier.

If you’re in the market for a new power company or plan, don’t just go with the cheapest energy supplier. You could be missing out on valuable perks from other providers. 

Try Everything Energy — the one-stop power supplier shop.

To start your home electricity search, use our advanced tools to shop and compare energy plans. It’s the easiest way to find the best electricity provider for your lifestyle!

With so many options to choose from, you may find yourself wondering– How do I find the best electricity company for my home/family/life?

That’s a good thing! It’s a question that everyone should ask themselves before enrolling in an energy plan. To answer that question, take some time for self-reflection. This article will help you navigate your options so you can find the perfect fit for you.

Is the best electricity company the one with the best electricity rates?

Some people may find a cheap electric company or plan and consider their search complete. However, the rate per kilowatt hour (kWh) is just the starting point. You have to look closely at how a plan will work with your lifestyle. (Always read the fine print. That low rate could end up being one of the most expensive options for you.)

Like most decisions, there are several factors to consider before you make up your mind. Plus, families, homes and lifestyles vary widely. To get the most value out of your electricity plan, you will want to find the one fits your unique situation the best.

How do I find the best electricity company for my family?

The best electricity company for your family is that one that gives you the most value. A lot of that value comes from the rate, of course. But some electric providers offer more. That could come in the form of gift cards, flexible terms, eco-friendly gadgets, airline miles, top-notch customer service, free nights or weekends, account management tools, renewable energy, etc. 

It’s up to you to weigh the pricing and benefits of plans. Then you can come to the conclusion that you’ve found the best electricity provider and plan for your family.

What lifestyle factors could impact my choice of energy supplier?

Every household is unique, from family and home size to electricity usage habits to tech savvy and more. Here are some factors to consider that could impact your decision about which is the best electricity company for you:

Your schedule

Do you work a typical 9-to-5 shift? Do you work from home? Do you travel on weekends? Are you a homebody? A night owl? 

Your schedule can greatly affect the value you get from an energy provider. Time-of-use plans offer lower electricity rates when energy demand is lower, like nights or weekends. If you shift your heaviest usage to these timeframes, you could take advantage of this and have greater control over your electric bill.

Your home size

Do you live in a studio apartment, or a 4-bedroom house? Do you have vaulted ceilings that take a lot of energy to cool/heat? Home size plays a large part in how much electricity you use. And that, of course, can affect your overall energy cost. That’s why you should consider this factor when searching for the best electricity company for your needs. 

Your typical usage

While home size plays a part in how much energy you use, it doesn’t tell the whole story. A swimming pool, second refrigerator, 24/7 air conditioning in the summer … usage can vary widely from one household to another.

To find your average monthly usage, check your recent electricity bills. Do you use 500 kWh? 1000 kWh? 2000 kWh? 

The reason this is important is because it could affect the price per kWh you see listed online. Some plans offer a lower average price per kWh for using more than 2000 kWh. That means if you only use around 500 kWh per month, that “great rate” may not apply to your situation.

In contrast, some plans are tailored for low-usage customers. In this case, someone using less than a certain amount of kWh may get a better rate than a higher-usage customer.

Either way, you can find the price breakdown of each Texas energy plan on its Electricity Facts Label (EFL).

Your budget

Cost is definitely a factor for most. But that doesn’t automatically mean choosing the cheapest energy supplieror plan. However, having a specific budget for home electricity can help you narrow down your options.

For a personalized average monthly bill estimate using your actual Smart Meter data, head over to Everything Energy. 

Your commitment level

Do you like the flexibility of being able to switch energy providers whenever you want? If so, the best electricity company for your life may be one that offers a month-to-month plan with no cancellation fee.

But perhaps you’d like to lock in a rate and not have to shop for electricity often. If so, a provider with 12-month term (or longer) plans may be the way to go.

Your sustainability goals

If you’re a supporter of sustainability, the best energy company for your values could be one that offers renewable energy plans. It’s now possible to power your home with electricity generated from wind or solar. 

To find out the renewable content of any plan, simply check its EFL.

Your other home needs

Do you have an electric vehicle you need to power? Are you looking for an energy company that can also offer home security monitoring? Do your solar panels generate excess electricity that you’d like to “sell back” to the grid? Your best electricity company may be one that has a solution for your home’s unique needs.

Your energy interest level

If you want to be more in control of your electricity usage or know how much power you use in certain situations, some energy companies can help more than others. Apps, access to your Smart Meter data and online account management features can give you the energy experience you’re looking for.

Your tech savviness

Everyone has a different comfort level with technology. Some electricity providers keep it simple while others offer a lot of bells and whistles. Your preferences can help guide you to the best electricity company for your tech savviness.

What else should I look for in an energy provider?

You should have confidence in an energy provider before enrolling. To find electricity companies in Texas you can trust, do a bit of research. Look at things like reputation, ease of enrollment, complaint scorecard and customer service reliability. Also check how long a provider has been in business. (You can see each provider’s “date certificated” by the Public Utility Commission of Texas here.)

If you’re happy with what you find, you will know you’re in good hands.

How do I begin my search for the best electricity company for my needs?

In today’s high-tech world, you don’t have to start your energy search from square one. Everything Energy is a convenient search tool to use. Simply input your usage information and preferences. You’ll see electricity companies and plans that match your criteria. Then you can do a side-by-side comparison to help you zero in on what you’re looking for.

How can I be sure I’m choosing the best energy company for me?

If you use Everything Energy, you can be confident in the energy company you choose. We only show you trusted electricity providers with solid reputations.

As for choosing the best electricity provider for your life? If you’ve given the information above some thought, you will be on the right path to making a good decision.

Once I find the best electricity provider for my lifestyle, can I switch right away?

You may be excited for your new electricity provider and plan, but don’t rush. Check your current electricity contract’s terms and conditions. It will tell you when you can switch without an early cancellation fee. Once you’re within the stated timeframe, you can make the change without penalty.

Will the best electricity provider for my needs change over time?

Life isn’t static. The sizes of our homes and families change over time. For that reason, the best electricity provider for your needs today may not hold that title in five years. Luckily, you can always shop for electricity if and when your needs change. That’s the beauty of having the power to choose in Texas.

Are you ready to start your energy search?

Once you have thought about your lifestyle and what you need in an energy plan, it’s time to shop and compare electricity rates and providers. You’ll find many options to choose from. And we’re confident you will find the one that’s just right for you!

When searching for electricity providers, you may feel overwhelmed. There are many to choose from. However, keep an eye out for those that offer you added value. This value can come in many forms. And what one person may find valuable could be unimportant to another. That’s why, when choosing home electricity, you should look at the whole picture — not just price per kilowatt hour. 

Here are five tried-and-true electric suppliers in Texas that go the extra mile to deliver value as well as electricity.

Reliant Energy — electricity providers of power your way

Reliant Energy is well-known across Texas. But some people may not know that Reliant offers much more than just electricity. 

Reliant helps customers monitor and manage their electricity usage with many innovative tools and gadgets. It’s also one of the electricity providers in Texas that has time-of-use plan options. These plans offer lower prices on energy used at certain times of the day, such as nights or weekends. (These off-peak hours help relieve strain on the electricity grid.) Time-of-use plans can help you take control of your usage and operate appliances at the most affordable times.

In addition to electricity, Reliant offers home security packages, automation products and HVAC services and protection options.

Cirro Energy — energy providers of easy electricity 

Some customers don’t really want to spend much time on their home energy. That’s why Cirro Energy simplifies the whole energy experience for consumers. With Cirro Energy, you get convenience with no surprises. That means:

• Simple plan options
• Transparent pricing
• Helpful Customer Care Agents
• Stress-free enrolling
• Easy-to-understand bills
• Hassle-free payment options

Green Mountain Energy — electricity providers of 100% clean energy

Some electricity providers help you live greener. For example, all Green Mountain Energy plans are made from 100% renewable resources — the wind and/or the sun. The company focuses on sustainability and empowering every person to make a positive impact on the planet. Choosing clean energy to power your home is one simple way to make a difference. 

Green Mountain Energy also offers energy efficiency and green living tips. There is even an option to purchase carbon offsets. 

Direct Energy — electricity providers that give you control of your home energy

Direct Energy empowers customers with its Direct Your Energy tool. It uses your Smart Home usage to build a home profile. Then, it provides estimates of how much energy key home systems and appliances use. 

Knowing where your energy is going can help you conserve resources. It can also let you know when you have an inefficient appliance. These insights help you make smarter, more informed choices about your electricity usage.

The Direct Your Energy tool includes:

• Usage dashboard
• Energy insights chart
• Heat map calendar
• Dynamic usage graphs
• Home comparison tool
• Usage anomaly alerts
• Predictive weather overlay

Discount Power — the budget-friendly energy suppliers

Discount Power takes a no-frills approach to power. Paring back the “extras” that other electricity providers offer lets Discount Power provide budget-friendly options for families across the state. 

And even though no single Texas electricity provider can be called the cheapest energy supplier, Discount Power is a good bet if you’re searching for an affordable plan.

More benefits from Texas electricity providers

There’s even more to discover from these power companies. Some other perks you may come across from electricity providers include:

• Airline miles 
• Gift cards
• Bill credits
• Innovative apps
• Eco-gadgets for on-the-go power or energy efficiency
• Additional tools to monitor and manage your usage
• Plans designed for electric vehicle owners
• Solar buyback programs for those with solar panels on their home
• Referral rewards
• Neighborhood comparison emails
• And more!

Search electric suppliers in your area

The five electricity providers listed above all offer something that you might find interesting or want to make the most of. To find the best energy provider and plan for your lifestyle, head over to Everything Energy’s powerful search, sort and compare tool. You can see plan pricing, average bill estimates, extra perks offered and more. Best of all, it’s free to use! Simply click here to start shopping.