After another summer of high energy bills, Texans may be interested in learning more about current electricity rates. Doing so can keep you informed about current energy prices and help you find low-cost electricity. It can also help you budget better before the hot days return.

To learn more about current electricity rates, visit trusted resources with reliable information. Here are a few you can count on.

Where can I learn more about current electricity rates?

1. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)

The PUCT is the regulating body for Texas utilities. According to its website, it “regulates the state’s electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implements respective legislation, and offers customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints.”

It was established in 1975, but its role has evolved over time. In 1999, the electricity market became deregulated. Now that customers have the power to choose their retail electric provider, the PUCT has an important role. It oversees the competitive wholesale and retail markets. This ensures Texans receive the benefits of competition. 

The PUCT can help people learn about current electricity rates and other costs on its Charges on Your Energy Bill page. It defines more than 20 terms you may see on your bill. Using this site, you can learn about how your monthly payments are allocated.

2. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 

The EIA is a government agency that “collects, analyzes and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.”

Created in 1978, the organization has a wealth of information about electricity and the energy industry. Topics you can dive into include short- and long-term energy projections, statistics by geography and more.

But, for information about current electricity rates, check out the Rankings page. It shows the average retail electricity price by state. You can see current electricity prices per kwh for Texas and how it compares to the other 49 states (and the District of Columbia). 

3. Smart Meter Texas About Us – Smart Meter Texas

According to its website, Smart Meter Texas is “a collaborative effort among […] AEP Texas Central Company, AEP Texas North Company, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC, Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and Texas-New Mexico Power Company.” 

Endorsed by the PUCT, the Smart Meter Texas website stores daily, monthly and 15-minute interval data recorded by Smart Meters. It also allows customers secure access to their data.

If your home has a Smart Meter, you can register on the Smart Meter Texas website. After doing so, you can view up to two years of your electricity usage data. 

Once registered, you’ll see a very detailed breakdown of when you use the most and least energy. This will prove important when you start looking into current electricity rates, electricity providers and specific plans.

For instance, some energy plans offer discounts during certain times of the day. These discounts typically fall on off-peak usage hours. (Think late at night or on weekends.) 

So take a look at your Smart Meter Texas data and see if the majority of your usage falls within these specific timeframes. If so, you will be able to search for low-cost electricity more effectively. 

After all, the more details you know, the easier it is to make the most beneficial choice.

4. Your current electricity provider

For some initial research into current electricity rates, you don’t have to look very far. See current offers from your electricity provider. Then, compare them to what you pay right now. In most cases, you can get started by visiting the provider’s website and typing in your ZIP code.

However, this is just one piece of the puzzle. You should also visit an energy broker  like Everything Energy. This will give you a larger and clearer picture of current electricity rates.

5. Everything Energy

For current electricity rates from Texas electricity providers you can trust, look no further! Everything Energy compiles top offers from well-known energy suppliers in the state. Then, we give you the tools to sort and filter based on your usage, needs and preferences. You can even sign up on a plan that very day.

Everything Energy can also use your Smart Meter Texas data (after you give permission) to provide more accurate monthly bill estimates based on your electricity usage history.

How can I compare current electricity rates today?

Now that you know where you can look to find the information you need about current energy prices, It’s easy to find low-cost electricity. Everything Energy offers the personalization needed to choose the best electricity plan for your home. Start shopping today!

You may have searched for the “best energy supplier” for your home. Or the “cheapest electricity supplier.” But have you ever thought about the origins of electricity itself? One such story begins with an original electricity provider, Benjamin Franklin.

Today, January 17, marks the birthday of this jack-of-all-trades Founding Father. It’s true that no one person can claim to have discovered electricity. However, his contributions in the field cement his spot in the history of electricity. 

Why is Ben Franklin considered a pioneering electricity provider?

Benjamin Franklin was born over 300 years ago in 1706 colonial Boston. After expanding his printing business in the colonies, he had earned enough money to retire at age 42. Around that time, he started conducting experiments with electricity that would eventually lead to what we now refer to as electric suppliers.

Franklin’s interest in electricity

Being a curious person and inventor (of bifocals, swim fins and the odometer, to name a few), Franklin started exploring electricity. Up until then, electricity had mostly been used in magic tricks to shock and delight people. However, an electricity provider for home energy did not appear on anyone’s radar.

In 1750, he produced an important invention. Noting that lightning usually struck the highest point of a home, and that it could cause fires, Franklin invented the lightning rod. Fixed to a structure’s highest point, the rod would redirect the lightning’s current into the ground. 

Then, Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment in 1752. This helped him show the connection between electricity and lightning.

In short, these and many other discoveries by Franklin helped advance knowledge and application of electricity. Thanks to this, we can now rely on an electricity provider to power our homes and businesses.

Fun facts about Ben Franklin, a pioneer for today’s electricity provider

Before there were energy providers for homes and businesses, there was Ben Franklin. A Founding Father, writer, inventor … he led a truly interesting life.

Fun facts about Ben Franklin

• Franklin dropped out of school at age 10 to help in his father’s candle and soap shop
• Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack, containing weather predictions, poetry, recipes, advice, proverbs and more, made him very wealthy.
• Franklin started the first volunteer fire department in America
• In 1785, Franklin became the wealthiest person in the newly formed U.S.
• Franklin played chess competitively and earned a place in the Chess Hall of Fame in 1999

Compare your modern electricity provider options with Everything Energy

Now here we are in present-day Texas, enjoying the fruits of Ben Franklin’s (and many others’) labor. For residential electricity that keeps your home comfortable and your life moving, Everything Energy has you covered. Shop for an electricity provider and plan using our free tools today. Just enter your ZIP code to get started!

It sounds strange to turn to power suppliers for help in using less energy and to cut personal electricity costs. But helping people use less electricity is a form of proactive service. And it’s a common practice among electricity providers.

Here’s a quick look at why this is and how power suppliers can help you use and spend less.

Why do power suppliers want to help me cut energy costs?

There are a few reasons why power suppliers would like you to use less energy. 

One reason is based on the current electricity grid. At any given time, there is a set amount of electricity available. During “peak demand,” a lot of people want to use energy at the same time. Think: a very hot Texas summer day. The available electricity can get maxed out with everyone cranking up the AC. 

At this point, more energy is needed to prevent brownouts or blackouts. One way to make more is to update old generators or build new ones. But it’s actually more cost-effective for electricity providers to encourage homes and businesses to use less energy. 

Another reason power suppliers want to help you save energy is based on customer satisfaction. Customers usually don’t need to contact their electric company. But when they do, it may be to express unhappiness about a high bill. By helping customers keep their bills lower, power suppliers proactively address those concerns. This can give people fewer reasons to switch electricity suppliers.

Lastly, electricity providers know that we’re all working with limited resources from the earth. When customers reduce energy waste, everybody wins. 

These win-win situations show why it’s in all of our best interest to use less energy. So how do power suppliers help us do this?

What ways do power suppliers help customers conserve energy?

There are many ways that power suppliers empower people to save energy. Here are just a few:

Energy-saving tips

Most electricity providers offer energy-saving tips and tricks on their websites. A few examples include Green Mountain Energy and Direct Energy’s helpful Learning Center.

Incentives for conserving energy

Some power suppliers offer incentives for using less. Reliant Energy’s Degrees of Difference program, for example, rewards customers for using less when demand is high.

Eco-friendly devices

It’s becoming more common to see power suppliers offering energy-saving products (like smart thermostats) bundled with their electricity plans. 

Power supplier apps & other technology

Power suppliers often offer a useful app or other tech, like online account management. These can help you to monitor your energy usage.

App features can include things like viewing past usage, tracking your green impact, controlling your smart thermostat on the go and more.

How can I attempt to  reduce my electricity costs today?

1. Check your home for energy wasters.

Phantom load, also called “vampire power,” occurs when a plugged-in item is not in use but consumes power in standby mode. Phantom load can amount to 5-10% of your electricity bill. However, fixing this issue can help you save on your monthly bill.

2. Make easy lifestyle changes to use less energy.

Some energy-saving actions, like making home updates, can seem daunting. But don’t get discouraged! Instead, start with the easy stuff. Turn off lights, entertainment and computers when you leave the room. Set your thermostat a degree or two lower in winter. Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees. These all take mere seconds to do but can make a difference.

3. Make sure you’re with one of the best power suppliers for your lifestyle.

The “cheapest” electricity supplier or a retail electricity provider with what appears to be lowest rate per kilowatt hour listed online, is not always the best electricity supplier for your home. And they may not necessarily net you the lowest energy bill. You have to dig a little deeper. For example, look at factors such as your typical monthly usage, your highest usage hours and plan incentives and perks that may lower your total monthly electricity costs.

Find the top power suppliers, plans and pricing for your life

Now that you’ve seen how power suppliers can help you cut energy costs, it’s time to find the right one for you. To weigh your options and make apples-to-apples comparisons between electricity plans, visit Everything Energy. Our innovative search tools make it easy to find the best electricity provider based on your specific needs and preferences.

January is Get Organized Month! After a full and often hectic December, now is the time to bring order to your life. From being on time to cooking healthier meals to starting a hobby, organization helps you succeed. And finding low electricity rates is no different.

Read on to find out how to get organized when it comes to getting low-cost electricity without the stress.

The 5 W’s of finding low electricity rates

Don’t just set out looking for low electricity rates without a plan. Get organized by answering the 5 W’s first: Who? What? When? Where? Why?

WHO do I want to give my business to?

Not all low-cost energy plans are created the same. There are many Texas electricity providers out there. Make sure you choose a provider that you can trust. 

You may already have a few names in mind based on past experience or word of mouth. That’s a great start! It’s also wise to be open to other energy companies — as long as you do your research first.

Also, you might want to consider more factors than just looking at companies with low electricity rates. For example, if sustainability is important to you, you can look for a provider that offers affordable clean energy plans. Or, if the bulk of your electricity use comes at night or on the weekend, a company that offers Time-of-Use plans could be a great match for you.

Action items to keep you organized: 

1. Do some initial research to narrow down the companies you trust the most and that have plans that best fit your needs. 

WHAT do I need to have on-hand if I want to switch electricity providers?

When you’re ready to enroll in a plan, you’ll want to have certain info handy to finish the process. You may be asked for some or all of the following:

• Service address
• Email address
• Phone number
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number OR driver’s license number (This is required to verify your identity. The low-cost electric company you enroll with will usually run a credit check to determine if a deposit is needed from you.)
• Credit card number (if you want to set up automatic payments)
• Preferred start date for your electricity
• The name of your current electricity provider
• Your ESI ID (Electric Service Identifier; pronounced “Easy ID”) (A 17- or 22-digit unique identifier assigned to each deregulated electricity meter connected to a home or business in Texas. You should be able to find this on one of your home energy bills.)

Action items to keep you organized: 

1. Gather all of this info ahead of time, in one place. It will make for an easier and faster enrollment process when the time comes.

WHEN should I start looking for low electricity rates and providers?

If you’re moving to a new area, you’ll clearly need to start looking for low energy rates and providers immediately. 

But if you just want to shop around and switch plans at your current residence, you’ll need to keep some rules in mind. According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT): 

“Retail electric providers are required to notify residential customers at least 30 days before a contract expires. The residential customer can switch without incurring an early termination charge if the switch is no earlier than 14 days before the contract expiration date provided in the notice. If the customer takes no action in response to the notice, the retail electric provider will serve the customer on a month-to-month product.”

So, if you are currently in an electricity contract and do not want to incur an early cancellation fee, it is best to switch plans 14 days or less before your contract expires. In the meantime, though, you can still be keeping an eye on the plans that are being offered.

Action items to keep you organized: 

1. Check your current plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to determine what, if any, your early cancellation fee is.
2. Check your current electric bill or account to see when your contract expires. Mark that date on your calendar.
3. Add other helpful items to your calendar, such as “Start shopping for electricity” 30 days before your contract expires, and “Switch energy plans” 7 to 14 days before your contract expires. 

WHERE do I start shopping for low electricity rates and plans?

You could visit each provider’s individual website to search for plans. But another more convenient option is to search an energy broker like Everything Energy. Doing so is free, and lets you make apples-to-apples comparisons of pricing and plans using your specific usage data and preferences. 

Everything Energy also provides monthly bill estimates using the information you input. This gives you an even clearer idea of which low electricity rates are actually the best options for your individual lifestyle, home and habits.

Action items to keep you organized: 

1. As your contract expiration date draws nearer, visit EverythingEnergy.com. The search tools are super easy to use and should help you narrow down your choices quickly! 

WHY should I take the time to shop for low-cost electricity?

You might be wondering why you wouldn’t just let your current electricity plan auto-renew or choose a new plan from your current provider when your contract expiration date approaches. It’s definitely an easy option. But often, the best results (i.e., low electricity rates) don’t come from choosing the easiest route.

As referenced earlier from the PUCT, If the customer takes no action in response to the [contract expiration] notice, the retail electric provider will serve the customer on a month-to-month product.”

If you’re not familiar with month-to-month electricity products, check out the information on term lengths here. In a nutshell, a month-to-month plan will come with a variable rate that could spike as the market rate increases. These month-to-month plans offer customers flexibility — but at a price.

So, you could let your plan auto-renew. But that could end up costing you much more than you’re used to. 

If you choose a plan from your current provider, you may also be paying more than you were on your previous plan. It never hurts to shop around first to find low-cost electricity for your home.

Action items to keep you organized: 

1. Resolve to check all your options before you sign a new electricity contract this year.

Start shopping now for low electricity rates and plans

If you’re moving soon, your current Texas electricity contract will expire soon, or you’re just curious about what’s out there, check out Everything Energy. Our innovative and FREE tools can help you quickly find and compare low electricity rates from providers you can trust.

It’s been said that “Comparison is the thief of joy.” When it comes to looking at someone who has “more” or “better,” comparison will steal your joy. Having just been the giver and receiver of some holiday gifts, it’s easy to start comparing with others. But a more beneficial exercise would be to compare energy rates.

By that, we mean shop around for the best electricity rates for your unique lifestyle.

How do I score the best electricity deals?

To get a deal on anything, you usually need to “shop around.” Most of us do it for mortgage rates and insurance … for electronics and clothing … for groceries and travel. The same applies to electricity. But don’t worry — it’s much easier than holiday shopping. 

To make sure you get an affordable rate that works well for your home and lifestyle, perform an electricity supplier comparison. That way, you can see what kinds of plans and pricing each of the electricity providers offers. 

Note: There are many electricity providers in Texas. Make sure you’re searching among trusted Texas energy providers. Learn how to identify them here.

How do I compare energy rates and providers easily?

A great way to make apples-to-apples comparisons of electricity plans is to shop through an energy broker like Everything Energy. There, you’ll find plans from a number of trusted electricity providers. You can search based on your typical usage, term length preference and other factors. You can also see average monthly bills for each plan, so you can compare energy rates accurately.

What should I be aware of when I compare energy rates?

When you start shopping around, remember it’s more than just finding the cheapest electricity provider. There are quite a few things to take into consideration when you want to compare energy prices and plans, including:

• What term length do you want? (Longer contracts often let you lock in a lower price per kilowatt hour (kWh), while shorter terms offer more flexibility.)
• How many kWhs do you usually use each month? (Price per kWh can vary depending on usage, so make sure you read the fine print when you compare electricity prices.)
• What are your electricity usage habits? (Some plans offer better pricing at night or on the weekend.)
• What additional perks do you find valuable? (Some plans offer airline miles, gift cards, bill credits or other “extras.”)
• Is the energy source important to you? (Some electricity providers offer renewable energy sourced from the sun or the wind.)

One or more of these factors may be very important to you and your lifestyle. Because of this, the cheapest electricity provider might not necessarily be the best for you.

What else should I look for when I compare energy prices?

Some websites make it tricky to make accurate comparisons between plans. Comparing the price per kwh of plans only shows part of the story. Make sure you’ve read the details of each plan to determine if any contain extra fees or rate increases that could bump your price per kwh higher.

Everything Energy helps take the guesswork out of comparison shopping by showing monthly bill estimates for every plan based on your inputs. This way, you can make accurate comparisons and avoid any surprises. 

Start shopping now to compare energy rates and providers

Shopping for electricity is one form of comparison that won’t steal your joy. You may even jump for joy when you see how easy it is to find the best electricity rates and options for your lifestyle. Search plans in your area today!

Feeling a bit of holiday stress? Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the season? Learn a little about the cheapest energy plan out there: living off the grid. 

Living off the grid is defined as: not connected to or served by publicly or privately managed utilities (such as electricity, gas or water)

One extreme way to get the cheapest energy plan

People who live off the grid find other ways to meet their needs for power and running water. (Or they do without.) 

For example, 100% of their electricity is generated by power from the sun, the wind or other resources without help from the energy grid. Propane can replace natural gas. You can see how no electricity plan at all can naturally become the cheapest energy plan.

Obviously, most of us can’t and/or don’t want to go to that route. But we can incorporate some useful, and potentially money-saving, strategies from those who do.

Sampling the off-grid life

It takes a lot of time, research and personal energy to live the off-grid life. For the majority of people who prefer their modern creature comforts but also want the best electricity deals, here are a few tips from partial or total off-gridders.

1. Install a wood stove (or use the one you have)

A wood stove can be used as a primary heat source for your home. It can also heat water for bathing or cooking, heat up food and line-dry clothes.

2. Use solar power in some capacity

Rooftop solar arrays are becoming a realistic, clean-energy option for many homeowners. But even if rooftop solar is not in your future plans, you can still harness the sun’s power in other ways. A portable solar panel can be used to charge your devices. Or install a solar-powered water heater to cut down on energy usage. This can be an excellent step toward achieving the cheapest energy plan possible for your family without making the extreme leap to off-grid living.

The Solar Energy Industries Association ranks Texas as the top state for solar growth in the next five years. So, it may be worth researching your home’s solar power potential. 

Tip: Green energy suppliers like Green Mountain Energy offer many ways to support clean, renewable energy.

3. Rethink your evenings

For many, it’s just a habit to come home from work, eat dinner and then relax in front of the television or play a video game. But studies show that the blue light from screens can disrupt the body’s biological clock and interfere with good sleep. 

What would happen if you replaced evening screen time with tech-free activities in front of a warm fire or candlelight? Not only could you improve your sleep, you could also trim some kilowatts from your monthly electric bill. This may not get you the cheapest energy plan like off-gridders, but it could make you more energy efficient than your neighbors.

4. Ditch the wi-fi

If you’ve gone all-in on idea #3, and you don’t need an Internet connection all the time at home, you might be ready to ditch your modem and router. In addition to saving electricity, you’d also be free of your Internet bill. So, even if you’ve found a cheap electricity company or the best rate, you can still save in related ways. 

At the same time, you’d still have some Internet access if your mobile device has a data plan. And if you need the occasional wi-fi connection, you could always hop on the network at a local café or shop for free.

5. Use the clothes dryer sparingly

There’s something satisfying about hanging clothes and linens outside to dry. At first, it feels like a huge task compared to tossing them into the dryer. But as you go, it’s relaxing and you realize that it doesn’t actually take very long.

SpeedQueen, manufacturer of washers and dryers, even says that drying clothes outside in winter (on a dry day, of course) is definitely possible. It just takes a little more time and patience.

Compare electricity rates to find the cheapest energy plan

Most of us will probably keep our connection to the electricity grid. But that doesn’t mean we can’t look for the best electric company for our needs or search for one that provides the cheapest energy plan for our current, on-the-grid life. 

For holiday shopping that’s empowering and easy, visit Everything Energy and compare electricity rates in your area.

It’s mid-December. Have you made a dent in your holiday gift list yet? If you’re still looking for that perfect gift, think outside the box. How about something that will help the receiver combat electric prices and keep their monthly electricity cost down? 

From energy-efficient tech gifts to non-tech items and “experience” gifts, we’ve got you covered.

Fight electric prices with energy-efficient gifts

Take away the stress of today’s electric prices by giving the gift of lower energy usage with these thoughtful present ideas:

Smart plugs

A few smart plugs placed in the right spots can help lower usage and, potentially, their monthly electricity cost. Use them to reduce phantom load from charging devices, schedule a slow cooker to turn on or off while you’re at work and more. It’s a nifty little gift for the practical person in your life.

Smart power strip

Like smart plugs, a smart power strip is not the most glamorous of gifts. But it makes up for its lack of sparkle with its utility. Instead of unplugging devices when not in use to avoid standby power loss, a smart power strip lets you cut power remotely without pulling the plug. 

Smart thermostat

If your gift recipient still has an older thermostat, you could give them an upgrade. A smart thermostat can learn their comfort zone and is easy to control via a mobile app. That makes it possible to adjust temperatures while out and about, reducing waste.

The average ENERGY STAR® smart thermostat saves about 8% of heating and cooling costs. With Texas’s long, red-hot summers, the savings could add up and help achieve the cheapest electricity bill possible.

Any ENERGY STAR® certified item

From light bulbs and laptops to large home appliances, ENERGY STAR® certified products are designed to be energy efficient. If you want a gift that will help defend against fluctuating electric prices in the years to come, look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol.

Fight electric prices with non-tech gifts

If you’re looking for a gift that doesn’t need to be plugged in to make a difference, try these ideas:

Watt meter

For the curious, numbers-obsessed person in your life, gift a watt meter. Plug in this handy device in the wall socket, then plug any electronic item into the meter. It measures how much energy the item uses, both in standby mode and when in use. 

Your recipient will feel empowered with the added knowledge. Electric prices become a lot less stressful when you know exactly how to cut your usage.

Low-flow showerhead

People sometimes forget that it takes a lot of energy to heat water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that low-flow showerheads with the Water Sense label can save the average family 2700 gallons of water each year. That translates to around 330 kilowatt hours annually — enough to power a home for about 11 days. Someone who values utility (and sustainability) would find this gift very thoughtful.

Solar power bank

A solar power bank is a perfect gift for a friend or relative who is always on the move. Using the sun’s power, this gadget keeps smartphones, tablets, earbuds and other items charged. A device like this will help your recipient forget about electric prices altogether!

Solar outdoor lighting

Many homes already use solar lighting in gardens, along walkways or around pools. A gift of solar porch lights or safety spotlight can complement existing solar lighting without adding to the electric bill.

Push back on electric prices with experience gifts

If “stuff” is getting out of hand for your recipient, gift an experience or non-physical present instead. Here are just a few options:

Energy audit

Give the gift of energy efficiency by arranging an energy audit for your friend or family member. A professional will evaluate their home for inefficiencies and suggest improvements. 

Some electricity providers offer this service for free or a small fee. Either way, you’ll be gifting valuable information and action items that can help alleviate the effects of electric prices.

Home solar panel consultation

Many people want to learn about home solar panels. But they can’t find the time to get the ball rolling. Help start the info-gathering process by setting up a solar installation consultation for them. Who knows — by this time next year, they may be showing off their new rooftop solar array to you!

Donation

Are you shopping for a person that has everything? Make a donation in their name to an environmentally friendly charity. Find one they’d be honored to support. Sure, it won’t affect their personal electric prices, but it supports the bigger picture of a sustainable future.

Compare energy prices to find the best energy deals for your lifestyle

Now that you’ve thought about others’ electric prices — and gifts to help ease their monthly electricity costs — compare energy prices for your own home with Everything Energy. 

Our personalized tools help you make more exact comparisons to find the best plan for you and your family’s needs. Click here to start searching.

Everything Energy is an energy broker. Specifically, we help residential customers find the best electricity provider and electricity plan for their home, preferences and lifestyle. 

Read on to learn how you can benefit from using an electricity broker in your home energy search.

What does an energy broker do?

Like many other types of brokers, an energy broker (or utility broker) connects a buyer and seller. For Everything Energy, that means a residential customer and an electricity provider.

As an energy broker, Everything Energy’s goal is to give consumers a straightforward way to make apples-to-apples comparisons of electricity plans. We want to simplify the somewhat daunting task of choosing an energy provider. Our tools help you narrow down the options from a variety of trusted Texas electricity providers. 

Saving money with an energy broker

Using Everything Energy’s innovative search tools, you can zero in on the best energy provider and plan for your specific needs. 

In reality, one size never fits all when it comes to electricity plans. Some plans work well for a family of five in a 2000-square-foot home. But those same plans may not be optimal for a college student living in a studio apartment. 

The price could appear to be the same when focusing only on the cost per kilowatt-hour. But when you apply a higher level of personalization and adjust for usage habits, a different story may emerge.

As an energy broker, Everything Energy takes the information you provide and factors that into the equation. What you get are average bill estimates that let you make more precise comparisons. This helps you get the best plan for you, which in turn could save you money.

What does an energy broker not do?

There are several things an energy broker does not do. These include:

• Make the electricity that is delivered to your home
• Deliver the electricity to your home
• Maintain the poles and wires in your city
• Provide customer service for the electricity providers
• Handle power outages and other emergencies

Does it cost money to use an electricity broker?

Not at all! The best part about an energy broker is that it doesn’t cost you, the consumer, anything to use. We’re simply here to offer you a number of solutions to choose from. And we are confident we can help you find the perfect fit for your needs. 

You don’t need to provide your credit card to use our site, or even any personal information. Just filter your options by selecting your monthly electricity usage, term length preferences and other inputs. You’re even able to search for green energy suppliers and plans. Or, view only the energy plans that offer airline miles or other perks. The choice is yours.

Once you make a decision, you go directly to the electricity provider’s website for the sign-up process.

For the most personalized results, you do have the choice of allowing Everything Energy to access your Smart Meter data. However, this is optional. And it always requires your prior consent.

How do I start using an energy broker to find the best electric company for my needs?

You’re almost there! Just click over to the Everything Energy home page to get started. Enter your ZIP code to view electricity plans available in your area. Then, explore our filters to find the very best electricity plan for your home, family and needs.

Opinions differ on when the holiday lights and decorations should be put up. Some like to start in early November to cover the entire holiday season. Others take a less-is-more approach and decorate mid-December. Two more popular options are to use the day after Thanksgiving or the first day of December as a cue to get the décor out. But no matter when you decorate, it’s ideal to use low-cost electricity holiday lighting.

Is a lower electricity bill possible when it comes to holiday lighting?

In a word, yes. If you’ve been using energy inefficient lights, and have not been mindful of energy usage, you can become more efficient in your holiday decorations. And that can lead to a potentially lower energy bill. 

Much of the possible savings comes down to the type of holiday lights you choose. Newer light-emitting diode (LED) lighting uses at least 75% less energy — and last up to 25 times longer — than traditional incandescent lights.

How do LEDs lead to lower energy bills?

LEDs are semiconductors that convert electricity into light. They are the most energy efficient bulb options, and the technology is still developing rapidly. 

LEDs emit very little heat. Meanwhile, incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat, with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) releasing 80% of their energy as heat. That means LEDs consume just a fraction of electricity that their less-efficient counterparts do. And that makes LEDs a low-cost electricity lighting option.

According to energy.gov, it would cost$0.27 a day to light a 6-foot tree for 12 hours a day for 40 days using LEDs. Using incandescent lights, it would cost around $10 for those same 40 days. If you apply this strategy to all of your indoor and outdoor holiday lighting, the savings can add up.

Other benefits to using LEDs

In addition to their energy efficiency, low-cost electricity LEDs are also:

• Safer. Because they don’t get hot like CFLs and incandescent bulbs, there’s less chance of combustion or burns.
• Easier. You can connect many strands of LED holiday lights together without overloading the electrical socket.
• More durable. Instead of glass, LEDs are made with epoxy lenses, meaning they’re less likely to break. 
• Longer lasting. The same strands of LEDs you use this year could still be working in 40 years. Plus, if one light burns out, it doesn’t affect the entire strand. (Read more about the science behind LEDs here.)

You can find many styles of LED lights in stores around the country or through online retailers. There are even ENERGY STAR® certified decorative light strands and rebates available.

What are some other low-cost electricity holiday lighting strategies?

In addition to using LEDs, you can be more energy efficient with your holiday lights by doing the following:

Use light timers or smart plugs to make low-cost electricity lighting even lower

Put your indoor and outdoor holiday lights on a schedule with light timers. It can help avoid the temptation to leave everything on all day and all night.

A smart plug can be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi so you can turn the power on and off via your phone or voice command. Not only can you customize a schedule for your holiday lighting, but you can also easily make changes even when you’re away from home.

Use fewer lights to help reduce electricity bills

Of course, another low-cost electricity strategy is to use fewer lights. That doesn’t mean curbing the holiday magic. Rather, just because you have 15 strands of lights doesn’t mean you have to use them all.

How else can I lower my electricity bill over the holidays?

Aside from using low-cost electricity LEDs, there are many other ways you can use less energy over the holidays to help achieve a lower energy bill:

• Opt for a Crockpot, pressure cooker or microwave instead of using the oven.
• Lower your thermostat a few degrees during the day and use extra layers to stay warm.
• Keep presents, decorations and toys away from heat vents.
• Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load. Ditto for the clothes washer and dryer.
• Enjoy screen-free evenings by the fire and candlelight.
• Keep your garage door(s) closed in cold weather.
• If you’re going away for a few days, unplug electronics to avoid phantom load and set your thermostat and hot water heater to “vacation mode.”
• Let leftovers cool down at room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator.
• Try turning down the temperature and sleeping with an electric blanket or hot water bottle so you don’t have to heat the whole house at night.

Where can I get low-cost electricity all year long?

If you want to work toward a lower energy bill beyond the holiday season, shop around for low electricity rates. Using Everything Energy’s easy comparison tools, you can find the best Texas energy provider and plan for your family and lifestyle. With just a few clicks, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and see estimated bill amounts from trusted Texas energy companies. Click here to get started.

Did you purchase an energy-efficient appliance at the start of the year? Or are you planning to buy one this Black Friday or as a holiday gift? If so, you’ll want to research and compare ENERGY STAR® tax credits your purchase may be eligible for.

What is ENERGY STAR?

“ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions,” according to energystar.gov. 

ENERGY STAR® offers many ways to save electricity. Certified products include:

• TVs, DVD players and sound systems
• Light bulbs, light fixtures and decorative lighting
• Dishwashers
• Refrigerators
• Electric heat pump water heaters
• Gas storage water heaters
• Clothes washers and dryers
• Windows, doors and skylights
• Air conditioners, furnaces, smart thermostats and de-humidifiers
• Pool pumps
• Computers, printers and monitors

Sometimes, the federal government offers tax credits, rebates and other deals when you buy ENERGY STAR® certified items. This gives you an extra reason to become more energy efficient.

How do I research and compare ENERGY STAR® tax credits for 2022?

The energystar.gov website makes it easy to see if you qualify for any tax credits. Simply visit the Rebate Finder page and enter your ZIP code. Then, you will be shown all of the offers available in your area.

Or, you can visit the Equipment Tax Credits for Primary Residences page. This provides an alternate view of credits available to you.

How much of a tax credit will I get for buying an ENERGY STAR® certified appliance?

According to the ENERGY STAR® website, you can get a tax credit in one of two forms. Depending on the product, the credit is either 10% of the cost (up to $500) or a specific amount from $50-$300. Tax credits vary by the type and model of product you buy. 

However, not all ENERGY STAR® certified products qualify for a rebate or credit, so before you make a purchase, make sure you compare ENERGY STAR® tax credits. Also, read the fine print and know if your product choice(s) qualify for this benefit.

What else should I know as I compare ENERGY STAR® certified appliances?

Sometimes the best energy deals take a little upfront investment. ENERGY STAR® certified appliances may cost more than less efficient products, but they are better for the planet and your electric bill.

Are you thinking about investing in an ENERGY STAR® Certified product? If so, compare ENERGY STAR® tax credits, rebates and other special offers available to you before the year ends.

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