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!