With summer break approaching, now is the time to dedicate a few minutes to finding the best energy rates for your summer plans.

Maybe you’ll be out of town for weeks. Or perhaps you plan to relax by the pool every day. Or maybe you’re looking forward to staying up late and sleeping in. No matter your plans, you can find the best electricity provider for your summer break.

What are some of the best energy rates and plans for families staying home this summer?

Do you work from home? Have kids who will be lounging around with friends over summer break? Do your plans include staycations at home by the pool? If so, you can find the best energy rates by assessing how much electricity you typically use in summer.

One way to do this is to look back over last year’s bills during the summer months. This will give you an idea of how many kilowatt hours (kWh) your household might use this season.

At that point, you can search online for the best electricity rates for your usage. Many sites default to show pricing for 2,000 kWh per month. But if you only use 1,000 kWh or 500 kWh monthly, you will want to pay attention to those rates instead.

Everything Energy’s search tools let you customize your search, which includes filtering plans based on your monthly usage. It will then show you estimated pricing for those plans at your usage level.

What are some of the best electricity deals for night owls?

Time of Use plans that offer free or discounted rates during the night are great options if you like to get things done when everyone else sleeps. Loads of laundry and dishes, charging your electric vehicle, streaming your favorite shows, cooking meals for the next day — a Time of Use plan could help you save if you do these regularly at night.

Free or discount pricing hours vary from plan to plan. Some plans offer an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. time range, while others have a 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. range. Check each plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to understand pricing and terms. This will help you figure out the best electricity plan for your specific schedule and lifestyle.

What are some cheap electricity plans for travelers?

Spending weeks or even months away from home this summer?

In this case, you don’t necessarily need to consider the season with your next energy plan. You should be able to save some green on summer electricity simply by making a few adjustments around your home while you’re out of town.

Then, simply look for the best energy rates based on your average usage, habits and needs. If you’re a night owl as mentioned above, a Time of Use plan may work best for you. Or, if you like to travel using airline award miles, an energy plan that comes with bonus miles may be appealing to you.

What are some of the best energy rates for eco-conscious consumers?

Did you know that 26% of the nation’s wind-powered electricity generation came from Texas in 2021? You can be a part of the state’s clean energy movement. Simply choose an electricity plan that uses renewable resources like solar or wind power. It’s an easy way to lower your carbon footprint.

To find the best energy rates for renewable energy, shop with Everything Energy. Simply select the filter “Renewable Option” (along with any other filters you’d like to apply) to see eco-friendly electricity options from trusted providers in Texas.

How do I make an electricity price comparison to find the best energy rates for my needs?

Everything Energy has all the tools you need to compare electricity rates and find the best electricity deals for your summer schedule — and beyond! To start shopping and see deals available in your area, simply enter your ZIP code.

One way to lower your monthly energy bill? Evaluate the efficiency of your large appliances. When it comes to your refrigerator, there are many ways you can save electricity.

What should I know about refrigerators and energy prices?

Newer refrigerator models are usually much more energy efficient than older units. Energy efficiency can make a big impact on your electricity bill. So, if you have an older model, it could make financial sense to trade up.

Making an energy comparison between models

Modern refrigerators (and many other appliances) now come with an EnergyGuide label. This label helps consumers make apples-to-apples comparisons between models. The label tells you how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity a model uses in a year. The smaller the number, the less electricity the unit uses. And when your fridge uses less energy, it can help lower your monthly energy usage.

Very efficient units get a special rating. These models have the ENERGY STAR® logo on the EnergyGuide label. For refrigerators, it means the model uses at least 15% less energy than the federal standard for efficiency.

The average electricity cost to run a refrigerator for a year

Refrigerator models, energy prices and user behavior can vary greatly. For this reason, it’s difficult to state the average cost to run a unit annually.

However, the ENERGY STAR® website has a useful Flip Your Fridge calculator. By adding some information about your current refrigerator and electricity prices, you can find out how much your unit costs to run. You can also see how much you could save by replacing your unit with an ENERGY STAR®-rated model.

What refrigerator features will help lower my energy prices?

Some features can help make a refrigerator more energy efficient and less expensive to operate. These include:

• Refrigerators with the freezer on the top — they tend to use less energy than bottom or side-by-side models
• A refrigerator sized to meet your needs — most manufacturers suggest 19 to 22 cubic feet for a family of four
• Door-in-door storage — for easy access to often-used items so you open the main fridge door less frequently
• ENERGY STAR® units — an old refrigerator can use about 35% more electricity than one that is ENERGY STAR®-rated

How else can I reduce the electricity cost of using a refrigerator?

The size, type and age of your refrigerator can impact your refrigeration costs. But you can also do a few things to make it more efficient and help lower your monthly energy usage.

Here are 5 easy ways to help your fridge run more efficiently:

1. Keep the refrigerator (and freezer) stocked. A bare or semi-empty unit uses more electricity to maintain a cool temperature.
2. Maintain a tight door seal. If the rubber gasket around the door becomes loose or worn, it can let warm air in and cool air out. A seal with wear or tear should be replaced.
3. Clean the condenser coils. The coils under or on the back of the fridge remove heat from the unit. Clogged or dusty coils will slow it down and require more electricity to do their job.
4. Let leftovers cool down. When you add heat into the fridge, it takes more energy to cool the unit and its contents down.
5. Keep the doors closed. It’s safe to say many of us have stood in front of an open refrigerator deciding what to eat. Try to only open the door to retrieve or return items.

Where can I compare electricity rates?

Everything Energy has everything you need to research, shop and compare energy prices and providers. Check out what people are saying about some of the top electricity companies in Texas. Then, start your energy price comparison. Simply entering your ZIP code HERE.

With Mother’s Day approaching, you may be looking for the perfect way to honor the moms in your life. How about also making the day Mother Earth-friendly? In this article, we’ll explore some of the best energy company eco-tips from some of the top energy companies in Texas for an eco-friendly Mother’s Day.

What are some of the best energy company tips for a green Mother’s Day?

Buy and install a smart thermostat

If you don’t already have one, a smart thermostat is a gift that mom will enjoy. Reliant Energy loves that it learns your schedule and adjusts itself to conserve energy. Plus, it can be controlled from anywhere using a mobile app. That means mom can cool off the house before she even walks in the door. (Make sure to take care of the installation and setup so she doesn’t have more added to her to-do list!)

Do laundry the green way

Don’t just offer mom some help with the laundry — do it the energy-efficient way. That means wash clothes in cold water, according to one of the best energy company tips from Cirro Energy. Then, hang them in the sunshine instead of using the dryer. (And don’t forget to fold them and put them away for her when they’re dry!)

Play pool boy (or girl)

Clean her pool’s water filter. Clogged filters make pool pumps work harder, using more electricity says Reliant Energy. With the average monthly electricity cost to run a pool between $10 to $300 (depending on your pump type), it pays to keep the entire system well-maintained. Plus, it’s one less thing on her to-do list. Now, she can have a relaxing afternoon in the water.

Keep the cool air coming

Speaking of filters, Discount Power recommends cleaning or changing your air conditioner’s filter — another task your loved one will appreciate not having to do. A clean filter will help your unit run more efficiently. And that can help you save money, even if you have the cheapest electricity supplier on the planet! (You can then spend that savings on mom, of course.)

Take a hike — or a bike

Unplug and take mom on a nice hike or bike ride. Not only will you save fuel, as Direct Energy says, but you will also save electricity by not using the A/C or electronic devices.

Have a “no cook” picnic

Here’s one of the best energy company tips that children can participate in, too. Reliant Energy suggests making a nice picnic lunch without using any heating device. (Bonus eco-points for bringing reusable bottles, plates, napkins and silverware!)

Cook and stock

If you do want to cook mom a nice meal, why not double or triple the recipe so there’s dinner for several nights? As Green Mountain Energy reminds us, stocking the fridge and freezer helps them run more efficiently than when they’re partially empty.

Honor mom with a tree

Green Mountain Energy proposes planting a tree in your yard, which you can dedicate to the mom in your life. Since a mature tree can absorb more than 48 pounds of CO₂ from the atmosphere each year and releases oxygen in exchange, it will be the gift that keeps on giving. Plus, many years from now, it may provide shade to keep your house cool sans electricity in the summer.

Looking for even more of the best energy company tips for your home? Read on >

Where can I find the best energy company and best electricity rates?

If you want to really rock mom’s world, you can help find her the best energy company and rates for her home and lifestyle.

Start by entering her ZIP code here. Then you can start narrowing down the options based on average monthly usage, the hours when she uses energy the most and other factors.

At Everything Energy, you can make apples-to-apples comparisons to find the best electric company for her. You can also see estimated monthly bill amounts based on her unique usage habits. Get started today and you’ll be able to give mom the gift of energy!

Most residents in the Lone Star State have the power to choose Texas electricity from a variety of companies. Here are some trusted energy providers in Texas to consider.

Check out these 5 Energy Providers in Texas

Each of these electricity companies give customers a unique mix of offers and service. The one thing they have in common? They’ve been proudly serving Texas residents for many years. Take a look, and decide which suit your lifestyle the best!

Reliant Energy

Reliant Energy is one of the energy providers in Texas that many people recognize. Founded in 2000, Reliant provides plans with electricity derived from traditional and clean energy sources.

Reliant boasts competitive electricity rates in Texas and other services to help customers better manage their energy usage and costs. One example is the company’s Degrees of Difference program. It rewards program registrants with a bill credit when they allow their smart thermostat to automatically adjust its temperature to conserve energy during a Degrees of Difference event.

Reliant as a company also gives back to its communities. In 2022, the company donated over $4 million to more than 200 local causes. Employees also contributed more than 4,000 volunteer hours.

Overall, Reliant Energy is an energy company you can trust to power your home and your life, year after year.

Green Mountain Energy

Green Mountain Energy provides clean energy to homes and businesses in a number of states. The company began in 1997 in Vermont and now has its headquarters in Houston, Texas. It was the first energy company dedicated to clean energy in Texas.

The unique thing about Green Mountain Energy is that all of its electricity plans are made from 100% renewable energy sources. This means they specialize in wind power and solar power plans. And you can even use solar to power your home without putting a solar array on your roof. (However, they do partner with solar panel installers and help homeowners maximize the value of their rooftop solar system.)

To date, Green Mountain Energy customers have avoided more than 109 billion pounds of CO₂, a harmful greenhouse gas. To give you an idea of the impact, that’s like planting over 12 million trees!

If you want a hassle-free way to help the environment and use clean energy, Green Mountain Energy is a great choice.

Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America’s largest retail electricity, natural gas and energy-related service providers. Its customer base spans several U.S. states as well as parts of Canada. For over 20 years, the company has gone beyond just electricity with a wide range of plans, resources and home services available.

Direct Energy’s whole-home solutions offer optional services like HVAC repair and installation, plumbing repair and maintenance plans and smart home security systems. It even offers solutions to safeguard your kitchen and laundry room appliances. In this way, the company can be a one-stop shop for keeping your home up and running.

As one of many generous energy providers in Texas, Direct Energy regularly supports it communities. One example is its Neighbor-to-Neighbor Bill Assistance Program, which helps Texans in need pay their energy bills.

The robust Direct Energy Learning Center is another great offering from the energy company. It provides a wealth of information that anyone can access and learn from.

If you’re looking for more control over both your energy usage and your home, Direct Energy makes a great choice.

Cirro Energy

Cirro Energy is another of the energy providers in Texas you should become familiar with. It strives to make electricity easy for consumers, from sign up and bill payment through renewal and customer service.

One thing Cirro Energy does differently than many other electric companies in Texas is to provide a simplified bill. It shows you just the basics. That means you can easily identify and understand your monthly usage, energy charge and delivery charge. It’s just another way Cirro Energy makes things easier.

And even though it has a simplified approach, Cirro Energy still offers many of the modern conveniences other power companies offer. The Cirro Energy app is an easy way for customers to stay on top of their monthly bills, usage and payment options. Plus, it offers home protection services to make other aspects of your life easy, too.

For electricity made easy, Cirro Energy has you covered.

Discount Power

Another Texas power company worth exploring is Discount Power. It offers affordable and flexible energy plans that allow individuals and families to choose the best option for their budget. Its user-friendly website is no-frills and easy to navigate.

And although Discount Power doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that some other electricity providers have, it still has plenty of perks. For example, you can analyze your usage, manage your account services and pay your bill directly in the Discount Power app. Plus, you can chat with an agent online on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Or, you can call daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Also, its competitively priced plans make it very attractive for those who need to stick to a strict budget.

At the end of the day, Discount Power strives to make sure their plans and service are built around the needs of those they serve.

The great thing about electricity companies in Texas is that, because the market is deregulated, they have to compete to earn your business. And when energy providers in Texas compete, residents win.

The five energy providers listed above are a great place to start your search for home electricity. Each offers a variety of plans, services and valuable benefits. It’s just a matter of choosing which plan fits you and your lifestyle the best!

Search and compare energy providers in Texas

Compare plans from all five of the energy providers in Texas listed above at EverythingEnergy.com. Just enter your ZIP code to start shopping for plans, and use the filters provided to narrow down your search with just a few clicks. Get started today!

Depending on which power company you use, you might receive a letter or email each month showing how your energy usage stacks up to your neighbors. Many electricity companies show customers information about their household usage. It’s just one of several helpful tools that some Texas electricity suppliers provide their customers.

How do electricity companies calculate neighborhood comparisons?

Electricity companies don’t just compare your monthly usage to random Texans. They typically compare your usage with other homes of similar size in your area.

From there, they can tell you whether you’re:

• Much more energy efficient than your neighbors
• A bit more energy efficient than your neighbors
• About the same or less energy efficient than your neighbors

Note: Each power company will have their own methods of gathering and reporting data. Plus, their rating system may vary from the description above.

What information do energy providers include on neighborhood comparison reports?

Electricity providers show other useful information in their report beyond just how your usage compares to your neighbors.

Reasons may include:

• Your account number
• The date range for the comparison
• How much your energy usage changed since the last comparison and/or the same time last year
• Energy-saving tips
• Your power company’s contact information

Overall, these comparisons provide valuable information about energy usage and costs, as well as ways to save energy and reduce energy bills.

Take advantage of these comparisons! They will empower you to make informed choices about how you use electricity in your home.

Why do electricity companies send out energy use comparisons?

Sure, using less energy can help net you a lower monthly electric bill. But why would electricity companies want you to be more energy efficient?

A few reasons include:

• They could receive government incentives for reducing their power generation
• It can cost energy suppliers more to produce extra energy during peak demand than having consumers use less of it
• It’s better for the planet

No matter the reasons, energy efficiency is a win-win for electricity companies and their customers.

How do I find an electric company near me?

It’s simple to find the best energy supplier for your home, family and budget! Just visit Everything Energy and enter your ZIP. You’ll quickly find providers in your area offering plans that fit your needs. Plus, the apples-to-apples comparisons make choosing a new plan easier than ever.

This week (April 15-21) is Money Smart Week. This national public education program aims to empower people with the tools to make better personal financial decisions. Electricity is an often-overlooked area of peoples’ budgets, so now is the perfect time to discuss how to compare electricity prices.

Why compare electricity prices?

Electricity is a significant household expense for most Texans. If you compare electricity rates to find the cheapest electricity or the plan that makes the most sense for your home and life, you could lower your energy bill. And that’s money that goes right back into your budget for other things.

How do I compare electricity prices?

Being “money smart” when it comes to your electricity can mean leaving no stone unturned. One way to begin your energy comparison is to reach out to your neighbors. They would probably be happy to compare energy prices and see who has the cheapest electricity supplier. Everyone could benefit from the sharing of information. For some, it may be an eye-opening exercise.

Just remember to look beyond the balance. Make apples-to-apples comparisons of rates and other charges listed.

How else can I make an energy comparison?

The easiest way to compare electricity prices, plans and providers is to use an energy broker like Everything Energy. We help you compare numerous plans from a variety of trusted electricity providers.

When you compare electricity, price per kilowatt hour (kWh) may be at the top of your list. But other factors can affect your overall energy costs, including:

• Term length – A month-to-month plan may show a lower price-per-kWh online. But its rate varies by month and could rise any time. Longer-term plans offer price security for a specific length of time.
• Early cancellation fee – Some electric companies charge an early termination fee. This could affect your total energy costs if you decide to switch plans or providers before your contract ends.
• Your monthly usage – Before you get excited about that low price per kWh, check to see if it applies to your usage. If you use less than 500 kWh, for example, you may end up paying a bit more per kWh than someone who uses three times that amount.
• Time-of-use conditions – A time-of-use plan offers discounted rates — but only during certain periods, like nights or weekends. If you don’t use a significant amount of energy during those times, your price per kWh could be much higher.
• Additional benefits or perks – Some plans offer perks for signing up, which might more than make up for a slightly higher rate than other plans.

The lesson here is to make sure you take into account other factors when you compare electricity prices. Check the plan’s fine print to make sure it’s truly the cheapest electricity plan for your lifestyle.

What’s the first step to compare electricity rates?

You’re already where you need to be! Head over to Everything Energy’s home page. Then, simply enter your ZIP code to see electricity plans available in your area. Don’t forget to enter your monthly usage and check out the other filters available. You’ll be on your way to your best energy plan in no time?

If you want to make a change to solar energy at home, you’re in luck. Texas residents have several solar electricity companies and plans to choose from. Keep reading for more information on making the sustainable switch.

What is solar power, and why is it beneficial?

Solar power is the conversion of the sun’s energy into power. The sun is a renewable energy source, meaning its supply will never deplete. Using solar energy to power your home offers a way to reduce your carbon emissions. This, of course, helps the planet.

Texas leads the nation in both energy production and energy consumption. Plus, it’s among the leading states in solar energy potential. So, it makes sense for the state to give consumers access to renewables like solar and wind power. And that’s just what several solar electricity companies have done in recent years.

Are there solar power companies near me?

There are many electric generating plants across Texas that produce renewable power. But you don’t have to live near any of these plants to use solar power. You simply need to find a Retail Electric Provider (REP) that offers electricity plans sourced from solar energy. (Or, in the case of rooftop solar, special plans designed for homes that generate their own solar power.)

Green Mountain Energy and Reliant Energy are two long-standing Texas REPs that offer several residential solar power plans to choose from.

What do Texas solar electricity companies offer?

You have two options for solar power when it comes to Texas solar electricity companies. One is having a solar panel installation at home that generates power via a rooftop solar array. The other is using solar energy to power your home without having rooftop solar installed.

Note: REPs do not typically install solar panels on homes. However, some REPs — like Green Mountain Energy and Reliant — do offer exclusive benefits when you choose one of their preferred solar panel installation companies to work with.

Solar power through solar panel installation at home

If you already have solar panels on your home, or you’re thinking about adding them, you’re in good company. The U.S. Solar Market Insight 2022 Year in Review reports that 6% of single-family owner-occupied homes in the U.S. have solar installed, as of year-end 2022.

When your home generates its own solar energy, it can sometimes make more than what you need. If you live in a deregulated electricity market, you will want to find solar electricity companies that offer solar buyback plans. By selling solar energy to the grid that your home makes but doesn’t use, you can maximize your return on your solar investment.

Green Mountain Energy and Reliant are two REPs that offer solar buyback programs.

Solar power without rooftop solar

If you don’t have rooftop solar on your home, or if you rent and don’t have that option, you can still access solar energy. Just choose an electricity plan from a REP that includes solar product content. (The name or description of the plan will usually indicate that it Is partially or fully powered by solar.)

Are solar power electric rates higher than traditional energy rates?

Every situation, and energy plan, is different.

If you have rooftop solar, you will need to factor in many things to make a comparison to a traditional energy plan. These include:

• The cost of the panels
• The payback or breakeven period
• How long you will own your home after installation
• How much electricity you use each month
• How much excess electricity you generate each month
• The cost per kilowatt hour of using solar electricity vs. a non-renewable source

For non-rooftop solar plans, you should compare the cost per kilowatt hour and other variables to a similar plan whose energy comes from a non-renewable source. (And even if it costs a bit more, being able to reduce your carbon footprint without paying thousands of dollars for a solar array may be worth it to you.)

What are the top solar power companies near me?

As stated above, Green Mountain Energy and Reliant are both tried-and-true solar electricity companies in Texas. Each has been in operation for decades. And both offer unique benefits to consumers, so they are worth checking out.

How do I start my search for solar electricity companies?

To find the best energy provider for solar to power your home and lifestyle, start shopping. Everything Energy offers easy-to-use tools that let you search and compare plans, pricing and perks with ease. Plus, you can enroll in minutes. Just enter your ZIP code to get started.

If you’ve just moved, or need to switch electricity providers, you may be wondering “How do I find my electricity provider?” As it turns out, it’s quite easy. You simply search for electric providers by ZIP code, and pick the one that’s right for you.

But before you do that, keep reading for more information that will help make your search successful.

Why do I need to search by my ZIP code to find an electricity provider?

Most of Texas has a deregulated electricity market. If you live in a deregulated area, you have the power to choose electricity from any of the providers serving your area.

However, finding an electric company by ZIP code applies only to one part of the equation in getting electricity to your home: retail electricity providers (REP). REPs buy and sell energy to customers throughout the state. They compete for your business and offer you pricing in cents-per-kilowatt-hour.

The other part of the equation are Transmission and Distribution Service Providers (TDSPs), which is the utility company. These utilities are responsible for maintaining the poles and wires. They are the ones that deliver electricity to homes and businesses. You can’t choose your TDSP; it’s assigned to you based on where you live. In Texas, there are five TDSPs: Oncor, CenterPoint Energy, Texas-New Mexico Power Company, AEP Texas Central and AEP Texas North.

So, your five-digit ZIP code will actually help you identify two separate entities: your REP and your TDSP. That’s why, with more than 2,000 ZIP codes in Texas alone, it’s essential to be sure of your address before you start looking for electric providers by ZIP code.

Can I also find and compare electric rates by ZIP code?

Yes! You can search for electricity plans and electric rates by ZIP code in the same way you might shop for shoes or books online. As with those items, there are many electricity plans to choose from. However, you can find the best one for your home, family and lifestyle once you know what to look for in an energy plan.

And just like you might go shoe or book shopping at Zappos.com or Barnes & Noble, respectively, due to their many options, there are websites that let you shop for electricity plans from a number of REPs. An online energy broker — like Everything Energy — can show you plan options and pricing.

Because choosing a provider is a big decision, Everything Energy only presents you with plans from electricity providers in Texas you can trust. Also, the Everything Energy search tools let you sort and filter plan options by usage history, term length, plan perks and more. Plus, you can see monthly bill estimates and make apples-to-apples comparisons before you enroll. Once you find a plan, you can enroll directly without any hassle.

To get started searching for electric rates by ZIP code, click here.

Are you new to Texas, your residence or paying your energy bill? If so, you may wonder, “Who is my electricity provider?” And thanks to Texas’s unique energy market, there could be many answers to this question.

Read on to find out how to answer the question, “Who is my electricity provider?” once and for all.

Who can supply my home with electricity?

Unlike many areas of the country, most of Texas’s energy market is deregulated. That means the answer to the question “Who supplies electricity to my address?” is any retail electricity provider (REP) in your area that you want!

Texas residents have the power to choose any of the REPs in their area. Check the website of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The PUCT regulates Texas telecommunications and utilities, including electricity. You will see hundreds of active REPs!

Not all REPs operate in all areas. But you can be sure that no matter your address, you’ll have several electricity providers to choose from.

Who is my electricity supplier currently?

Have you moved to a residence that already has power? Or are you new to paying the electricity bill at your current home? In these cases, you might also be yourself asking, “Who is my electricity provider?”

To find out who your current power company is, you have a few options.

The easiest answer to this question is to find last month’s energy bill. Your bill should show your retail electricity provider and your utility company. But don’t confuse your utility with your REP! Unlike REPs, your utility company IS assigned to you based on your location. The five utility companies in Texas are CenterPoint Energy, Oncor Electric Delivery, AEP North, AEP Central and Texas-New Mexico Power.

If you don’t have this document, you can also ask the person previously responsible for paying your home’s electricity bill.

What if you rent and don’t know who your power supplier is? Simply ask your landlord, “Who is my electricity provider?”

And if those options don’t work? Double check your mail. There may be a current electricity bill waiting to be paid.

What electricity company should I use?

Once you answer the question, “Who is my electricity provider?” you can decide whether or not you want to stick with that REP or switch to a new provider. To make that decision, you should assess a few things:

• The current contract expiration date (This is important to know so you don’t cancel too early and get charged a fee)
• The current cost per kilowatt hour, plus any additional charges
• Your average monthly energy usage and average monthly electricity costs
• The other options available to you

The easiest way to find other electricity plans available in your area is to shop with an energy broker. An energy broker, like Everything Energy, can show you many plans from trusted power providers in your area. Then, you can quickly make apples-to-apples comparisons of these plans, without having to go to research each provider’s website.

To find the right electricity company for your needs and lifestyle, simply enter your ZIP code to start shopping.

When was the last time you sat down to compare electricity usage, year over year? Doing so can help you take control of your energy bill — and budget.

Compare electricity usage to your previous bills

Knowledge is power. Do you know…

• …how many kilowatt hours (kWh) you use during an average month?
• …how many kWh you use during your cheapest electricity months?
• …how many kWh you use during your most expensive energy months?

If not, it’s time to investigate. You can start your energy comparison with two simple steps.

Step 1: Compare electricity bills from this year and last year

If you’ve lived in your current residence for more than 12 months, it will be straightforward to compare electricity usage. Simply find your current bill and last year’s bill from the same time period. (It doesn’t matter if you have had different electricity providers because you’re only looking for your usage data.)

You should see your monthly kWh listed on your invoice. How does your usage this month compare to that same month last year? Check other months to see if you seem to be using more, less or about the same amount of electricity that you used a year ago.

If you have switched residences in the past 12 months, it will be more difficult to compare electricity usage. This is especially true if the two places vary greatly in size and/or energy efficiency. However, it’s still a good exercise to complete to better understand how you use energy.

Step 2: Figure out the reason(s) for the year-to-year difference

The next step to compare electricity usage is to figure out why it’s higher or lower than a year ago.

If you’re using more electricity than this time last year, what could be the reason? There could be many behavior-based reasons. These include working from home more often, going on fewer or shorter vacations, using a gaming computer more often, adding energy-consuming appliances, etc.

What if you can’t think of any changes in behavior that could have caused the difference? You might start looking at your home’s structure to see if improvements should be made. For example:

• Do you need to reseal air leaks around doors and windows?
• Does your HVAC’s air filter need to be replaced?
• Are you using your thermostat in the most efficient way?
• Are any major appliances in need of replacement?

Addressing issues like these can help you reduce your electricity usage.

If you’re using less electricity than last year, that’s great! Ask yourself what behaviors may have contributed to that year-over-year decrease — and keep doing them as often as possible.

Challenge yourself to use less by this time next year

Now you have a better understanding of the factors that may have affected your electricity usage in the past 12 months. So, why not commit to making the next 12 months more energy efficient? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Try some energy-saving tips from Texas electricity providers.
• Measure electronic device or appliance usage with a watt meter to learn more about which items in your home use the most energy.
• Utilize smart plugs to set timers and schedules for electronics that don’t always need to be turned on.
• Swap out incandescent light bulbs for more efficient LEDs (including during the holidays).
• Compare electricity rates, plans and providers to discover the best energy deals.

The simplest way to compare electricity prices

Reducing your usage is one way to lower your electricity bill. Another way is to compare electricity plans and pricing to make sure you’re getting a good deal. The simplest way to do that? Search Everything Energy to find the plan and price that’s best for your home, lifestyle and budget.