Since it began in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ (HLSR) has been entertaining people from near and far. It’s a chance for cowboys and cowgirls to showcase their talents and celebrate the spirit of the Wild West. And as a long-time Heritage Partner of the event, Reliant Energy is the Houston power company that has helped contribute to the energy and excitement the HLSR brings every March.

Returning to sponsor the event this year, Reliant Energy will have a prominent presence. But its involvement goes beyond just branding. Here’s an introduction to Reliant and a sampling of the Houston electric company’s memorable contributions to the HLSR.

Reliant Energy, the Houston power company Texans rely on

Who is Reliant Energy, and what makes the company a perfect fit to sponsor an event like the HLSR?

Reliant has deep roots in Texas. For starters, its parent company NRG Energy, Inc. is headquartered in Houston. Reliant Energy has served millions of residential and business customers across the state with affordable electricity plans and innovative energy solutions. It’s also committed to supporting local communities — in 2022 alone, Reliant Energy donated $4.1 million to over 200 community programs across the state, and tallied 4,000 employee volunteer hours.

Rodeo activities and attractions sponsored by Reliant

Reliant knows how to have fun, and its contributions to the HLSR makes that clear. The past few years alone have brought a bevy of activities and attractions sponsored by the Houston power company to the more than 2 million people who attend the Rodeo every year. Here are a few highlights:

The Reliant Ranch at Rodeo Plaza

The Reliant Ranch gave rodeo enthusiasts the chance to showcase their cowboy and cowgirl prowess and vie for a number of prizes. The Western-themed carnival games included Boot Toss Cornhole, Bull Horn Ring Toss and Get Your Ducks in a Row-Deo.

The Reliant Big Boot

A recognizable landmark for frequent Rodeo-goers, the Reliant Big Boot on Rodeo Plaza outside NRG Stadium provides the perfect selfie backdrop for this Texas-sized event.

Reliant charging stations

For years, Reliant Energy has offered charging solutions to event-goers to keep them powered up for their entire visit. To keep Rodeo visitors connected in 2023, nearly two dozen Reliant Charging Stations offering free one-day rentals on portable power pack could be found throughout the NRG Park grounds.

The Reliant Rodeo Plan

In years past, customers have been able to sign up for the Reliant Rodeo Plan on site, locking in a low electricity price as well as a Cavender’s® gift card.

Picture-perfect memories

You can always count on Reliant Energy to provide entertaining photo opportunities. In 2023, the Houston power company hosted a life-size bucking bull that attendees could hop on, snap a pic and have it sent to their smartphones for easy sharing.

Custom souvenir penny press

Just last year, Reliant Energy added a personalized penny press so rodeo attendees could take home a souvenir of their HLSR experience. It featured four distinct designs: the beloved “H” Howdy mascot, a classic cowboy boot, a proud “Made in Texas” emblem and a bronco-riding cowboy.

If you’re headed to the Houston Rodeo, keep your eyes peeled for the many exciting activities and attractions brought to you by Reliant Energy.

Find Houston electricity plans for homes across Texas

Whether you make it to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this year or not, you can still take home a piece of the action with an affordable energy plan. Search Everything Energy for free to find options from Reliant Energy and other Texas electricity providers you can trust. Shop, compare and sign up with just a few clicks!

Start your search here.

In January 2024, Lubbock residents have gained the power to choose their electricity provider and to shop for Texas electricity rates. They join residents across the Lone Star State who have enjoyed electricity choice for over 20 years.

With this newfound freedom comes the responsibility of understanding how to navigate the sometimes-complex world of Texas electricity rates and electricity providers. So, for all the folks in Lubbock shopping for electricity, we’ve put together this overview to help you get started.

Understanding Texas electricity deregulation

Deregulation breaks the monopoly previously held by utility companies and lets various retail electricity providers (REPs) compete for your business. This benefits consumers by creating lower competitive rates, innovative electricity plan options and enhanced customer service.

Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L) will continue to serve as your utility as a Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP). That means LP&L will still be the Lubbock electricity utility that delivers power to your home and maintains the poles and wires in your community. However, you will choose who to buy your electricity from — your REP. (If you don’t make a choice by the initial February 15 deadline, you will automatically be assigned to one of three default REPs .)

What to know before you shop for Texas electricity rates

Here are the main things to know about Texas electricity rates and electricity providers before you decide on an REP.

Everyone has unique needs

Because families and households are different, there’s no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” in today’s deregulated electricity market. And that’s a good thing for consumers. Finding a plan tailored to your specific needs can help manage your electricity usage and your budget.

There are two types of plans: Fixed and Variable

Search for plans that best fit your current needs. One thing to consider is your desired term length. Do you want a fixed-price plan that secures your rate for 6-12 months (or longer) with a REP? Or would a month-to-month plan — with a price that changes monthly but allows you to change providers without an early contract termination fee — work better for your situation?

For example, time-of-use plans is a possibility to consider when shopping Fixed and Variable plans. With this type of plan, certain times of the day or week (i.e., nights or weekends) have a discounted price per kilowatt hour (kWh). If you use most of your electricity during these timeframes, a time-of-use plan may help you lower your monthly electricity bill.

Many REPs also offer renewable energy plans. If you’d like to lower your carbon footprint and help the planet by using solar or wind power, keep an eye open for 100% clean energy plans.

The cheapest option isn’t always the best option

It can be tempting to enroll in a plan with the lowest price per kWh. But there are a few reasons why the cheapest electricity plan might not always be the best.

1.) Pay attention to the Electricity Facts Label (EFL)

To get a complete picture of how much a plan will cost, you need to review the EFL of the plan. In addition to average prices per kWh, the EFL will list each component and term of the average price, like “free” electricity hours, what usage profile was used to the calculate the average prices, a base charge, TDSP pass-through fees, etc.

2.) The average prices per kWh on EFLs are only for specific monthly usages

Residential plans typically have different average price points depending on average monthly usages of 500 kWh, 1000 kWh and 2000 kWh. With some plans, the highest monthly usage bracket may have the lowest cost per kWh, and occasionally that is the plan price listed on initial advertisements. But if you regularly use much less electricity, your average price may be higher than what you see at first glance.

So, before you start shopping, check your previous electricity bills to get an idea of your typical or average monthly and seasonal usage. This will be valuable information as you compare Texas electricity rates.

3.) Customer service is important.

Providers with the cheapest plans may not have the customer service available to you at all times or available via channels such as email and webchat. To make sure you find electricity companies in Texas you can trust, do some research before choosing a plan. Ask friends and family about their experience with providers, read online reviews and check the websites of REPs you’re interested in.

4.) You could be missing other incentives.

Competition is fierce, so electricity providers have gotten creative in their pursuit of customers. Some plans now come with perks or other incentives like a free smart thermostat, gift cards and more. The value of these could make up for a higher price per kWh.

How to shop for electricity in Texas

If it sounds like shopping for Texas electricity rates is a confusing process that requires more than a little bit of math, don’t worry! It does take a little bit of time to become familiar with the nomenclature, process and options available. But in the end, you have the power to choose the best option for you, and that’s a valuable freedom.

To simplify the process, Everything Energy has created easy-to-use search tools that let you compare plans and pricing from some of Texas’s trusted REPs. You’ll be able to make an apples-to-apples Texas electricity rates comparison, see monthly bill estimates based on your average monthly usage and evaluate your options — all in one place! And best of all, it’s free. Lubbock residents, start shopping with confidence today.

Electric companies play a crucial role in meeting today’s growing demand for power while reducing environmental impact. And because of energy deregulation in Texas, you have the power to choose your electric company. But not all energy providers are created equal. The best energy companies stand out from the pack by doing more for you, communities and the environment.

Let’s take a closer look at what some of the best energy companies do differently.

The best energy companies embrace renewable energy

While fossil fuels still account for more than half of the nation’s utility-scale electricity generation, renewables (including solar and wind power) are the fastest-growing energy source in the U.S.

Renewable energy, or clean energy, comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished. Energy companies that recognize this will offer plan options where energy is sourced from renewables such as sun or wind. That gives everyone the ability to support clean energy, even without the addition of solar panels on their rooftops.

Top energy providers prioritize energy efficiency

In addition to growing renewable energy, some of the best energy companies are those that promote energy efficiency. Energy efficiency increases the resilience and reliability of the electric grid, and provides environmental, community, and health benefits. It’s also financially beneficial — for consumers and the energy companies themselves.

Providing education on how to conserve energy helps people make better choices in their homes. Offering tools (like apps and smart devices) and resources (like informative articles and energy-saving tips) empowers customers with knowledge and encourages them to use energy responsibly.

The best energy companies are digitally advanced

We live in a high-tech age. So electric companies with technology that enhances their products and services can expect a positive customer response.

For example, expanding payment channels for customers who prefer to pay through an app is important. As of May 2021, around 10% of consumers were paying their utility bill via a digital payment app.

A proprietary app can also offer enhanced benefits. Through an app, you can take advantage of account management options and other perks easily and enjoy other nifty app features. And with smart meters being the norm in most deregulated areas in Texas, some apps offer a more granular view of personal usage data.

The best electric company is the one that best meets your needs

Remember, a cheap electric company is not necessarily the best electric company. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the cheapest energy plans and take a holistic view of an electric company.

In addition to the traits listed above, look for trusted energy companies that:

• Offer the right plans and options for your lifestyle and habits
• Have top-notch customer service
• Receive positive reviews from others
• Have a history of serving Texans

Start comparing electricity providers to find your perfect match

Do you want the best when it comes to your electricity provider? If so, don’t start your search for the best energy companies with “What are the electricity companies near me?”

Instead, ask yourself “What electricity plans and providers best meet my needs and preferences?”

When you shop electricity plans and pricing with Everything Energy, you’ll find the answer to that question easily. With advanced search tools and recommendations based on your specific inputs, Everything Energy shows you competitively priced plans from trusted Texas electricity providers. You’ll be able to make apples-to-apples comparisons, see estimated monthly bill amounts for each plan and more. Start shopping today! 

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!

June 1 to November 30 marks hurricane season, with peak season running from the second half of August through September. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast predicts there will likely be hurricanes more often this year than average. So, if you haven’t prepared for hurricane season yet, use this hurricane preparedness guide help get you started.

Understanding the 5 categories of hurricanes

A five-category scale called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale ranks the intensity of hurricanes. Category 1 indicates the least intense rating with sustained wind speeds of 74 – 95 miles per hour (mph). Meanwhile, Category 5 indicates the most intense rating with sustained wind speeds of over 157 mph. 

For reference, Hurricane Ike (2008) was a Category 2 and Hurricane Harvey (2017) was a Category 4.

How are hurricanes named?

Did you know that tropical cyclones are the only weather systems given names? According to the National Hurricane Center, storms used to be named by their latitude-longitude location. But using short, familiar names makes them easier to discuss and lessens the chance of errors. It also helps reduce confusion when two or more storms form at the same or overlapping times. 

However, naming a hurricane is no last-minute decision. The World Meteorological Organization established a strict naming process. It provides a different list of names for each of six years. So, every six years a name list is repeated. 

As storms develop, they get named in the order they occur, beginning with the letter ‘A.’ In the event of a severely deadly or damaging storm, such as Hurricane Katrina, the name gets retired. Then, a new name beginning with the same letter replaces it. That’s why you never hear about two very deadly hurricanes with the same name.

What will this year’s hurricanes be named?

For 2022, the Atlantic Tropical Cyclone names, if needed, will be: Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Ian, Julia, Karl, Lisa, Martin, Nicole, Owen, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tobias, Virginie and Walter.

Hurricane watch vs. hurricane warning

Before the potential impact of a hurricane, meteorologists issue a hurricane watch and/or a hurricane warning for specific areas. A hurricane watch is announced when winds of 74 mph or more are possibleBefore the potential impact of a hurricane, meteorologists issue a hurricane watch and/or a hurricane warning for specific areas. A hurricane watch happens when winds of 74 mph or more are possible within a 48-hour period. Meanwhile, a hurricane warning happens when winds of 74 mph or more are expected within the next 24 hours.

Taking action during a hurricane warning

In the event of a hurricane warning, FEMA recommends that you:

• Secure your home
• Bring in outdoor furniture
• Charge your cellphone 
• Listen for emergency alerts and information
• Immediately leave the threatened area if directed by local officials

What to expect from the 2022 hurricane season?

According to the Colorado State University 2022 hurricane forecast, the Atlantic region can expect an estimated:

• 20 named storms
• 95 days of named storms
• 10 hurricanes (5 of them major)

This data all points to higher than normal tropical storm and hurricane activity for Texans. Do you have a hurricane preparedness plan in case a storm hits your area?

How do you prepare for a hurricane?

Being ready for hurricane season is crucial for your safety. Have you created a hurricane emergency kit, or a ‘go bag?’ Important items to include are:

• Non-perishable foods and a can opener
• Water
• Extra clothing, shoes and socks
• Pet food, if you have pets 
• Flashlights
• Phone/device charger and charged portable power bank
• Batteries
• Cash and important paperwork (personal IDs, social security cards, titles to homes/cars), in a resealable plastic bag
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Eyeglasses and/or contacts and solution
• Battery-powered radio
• List of important emergency phone numbers
• Moist towelettes, hand sanitizer and face masks
• Garbage bags
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste and other essential hygiene items
• A whistle
• Ponchos
• Emergency blankets

For a complete list of items you may want to include in your go bag or emergency kit, visit ready.gov/kit.

More ways to be prepared

You’ll also want to decide on a family evacuation plan. This plan includes your best escape route (with multiple routes, in case of road flooding). And don’t forget to agree on a place to meet, in case you get separated.

Remember to prepare your home to endure a severe storm. Trim tree branches that hang close to your home, clean out the gutters and clear an indoor space where you can store outdoor furniture if the time comes. You should also Remember to prepare your home for a severe storm. For example, trim tree branches that hang close to your home and clean out the gutters. Clear an indoor space where you can store outdoor furniture if the time comes. You should also have a supply of sandbags handy, to help prevent flooding. Exterior plywood (at least 5/8” thick) can be helpful for covering windows.

Another way to reduce evacuation stress is to make any needed car repairs ahead of time. That includes filling the gas tank, checking tire pressure and making sure you have a spare tire.

How do you stay safe during a hurricane?

Hurricane preparedness includes planning what to do during a storm. In the event of a hurricane in your area, don’t forget to:

• Listen to updates from local officials
• Stay inside even if it seems the storm has passed
• Lock and stay away from windows and outside doors
• Move to an interior room so there are as many walls between yourself and the wind as possible (a bathroom, closet or storm shelter are typically the safest spots)
• Avoid touching electrical items
• Turn off and unplug all major appliances if the electricity goes out
• Remain inside until local authorities issue an ‘all clear’ statement
• Evacuate if your home is flooded or emergency personnel recommend it
• Never drive across flooded roads

Helpful resources for hurricane preparedness

Keep the following links handy to help you weather the Texas hurricane season:

• Ready.gov Hurricanes
• American Red Cross Hurricane Safety
• FEMA
• National Weather Center
• Ready.gov Recovering from a Disaster
• DisasterAssistance.gov

Choose an energy provider you can trust

In conclusion, hurricane preparedness makes hurricane season a lot less stressful. Also less stressful?  Finding electricity providers in Texas you can trust with Everything Energy’s easy-to-use energy comparison tools. Shop and compare plans to get the best match for you and your family’s lifestyle and budget.

Electricity companies in Texas abound

How many electricity companies in Texas do you think there are? 5? 15? The Public Utility Commission of Texas lists more than 135 active electricity companies in Texas!

So, how can you be sure that the Texas power company you choose can be trusted to power your home? Meet your lifestyle needs? And provide great customer service along the way? Certainly, knowing how to find and assess electricity providers will help you narrow down your search.

What to look for in Texas energy companies

Some things to look for in an energy provider when shopping for an electricity plan include:

Years in operation

Electricity companies in Texas that have stood the test of time are a great place to start. Think about how competitive the deregulated Texas electric market is. So, companies that have been in business for over a decade have demonstrated their credibility and experience many times over.

Reputation

Unhappy customers share their experiences much more often than satisfied customers. Therefore, don’t just rely on Internet reviews. Make sure to also seek out positive reviews from friends and family members. And, see what electricity companies they recommend.

Plans that match your life

No two households are the same. And, good electricity companies in Texas know this. For this reason, they strive to adapt to different lifestyles, routines and needs with their electricity plan offerings. From term length and rate type to special products and related services, trust an electricity provider that caters to what customers want.

Ease of enrollment

In most cases, switching electricity providers or enrolling in a new plan should be a fairly simple process. That is to say, you can usually enroll either online or by phone. Texas electricity companies that clearly explain how to enroll — and have customer support available to help if you have any questions — set a positive standard for future interactions.

Online account management

This far into the 20^th century, any electric provider in Texas deserving of your trust should offer online account management. For instance, many people want the option to safely pay, view usage and manage their account in other ways online. That’s why having an outdated website without this option can be a red flag. It may not inspire confidence in a provider’s service ability.

You have the power to choose, Texas

Over two decades ago, the Texas Legislature passed a law deregulating the Texas electricity market. It promoted competition in Texas electricity rates and forever changed the state’s energy landscape. As a result, consumers like you now have the power to choose your electricity provider. So, use freedom and start shopping for your ideal energy plan. 

Search plans from electricity companies in Texas you can trust

If you’re not sure where to start, check out Everything Energy. Our shop and compare tools will help you find plans from electricity companies in Texas you can trust. Simply enter your ZIP code and select your average monthly electricity usage and other filters. Then, we’ll show you plans that best fit your lifes.