Choosing the right electricity company can save you money in several ways. You should research each provider carefully and ask important questions like what source they use to generate their energy, their contract terms, customer service history, etc.
To start, look at your current electric bill and find the rate (in cents per kilowatt-hour) under supply charges.
Look for a Reputable Company
When choosing an electric company in Dallas, select one with a good reputation. You can check a company’s background and stand with an Internet search, such as typing their name and the words “scam,” “rip-off,” or “complaints.” In addition to this, you should also look for a company that provides excellent customer service. This includes a convenient online account management system that allows you to start, stop and transfer services quickly. It would help if you also looked for a company that offers automatic bill payment and power outage reporting.
It would help if you also compared electricity rates and plans between providers to ensure you get the best deal. An excellent place to start is the price per kilowatt-hour on your current electricity bill, which you can find under the supply charges section. You should also evaluate different plan types, such as fixed-rate vs. variable-rate plans, and consider additional benefits such as customer service, online tools, rewards programs, etc.
Another thing to look for in a reputable electric company is its commitment to sustainability. This can be seen in their energy sources, which usually fall into two camps: renewable and nonrenewable. Renewable energy comes from resources that replenish quickly, such as wind and solar power. On the other hand, nonrenewable energy comes from fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, which contribute to pollution.
Check Their Fees
Whether you’re looking to save money, switch to a green/renewable energy provider or find out about different services, checking their fees is essential. It’s easiest to do this by reviewing your electricity bill — specifically the “electric supply charges” shown on the bottom portion, in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
A copy of your current plan may also be helpful if you want to compare rates or terms. Make sure you know when your contract ends so you can decide if you can cancel or whether you will need to pay an early termination fee to leave your current plan before the end of its term.
Be aware that many competitive energy suppliers offer a variety of plans, including fixed-rate or variable-rate options. A fixed-rate option will lock in a rate for the duration of your plan, while variable-rate options typically change from month to month and can be higher or lower than your previous plan’s rates depending on market conditions.
Be careful of companies that offer “too good to be true” rates or that use vague language in their contracts like “market conditions” or “supplier discretion” to explain why they’re raising or lowering your rate. You may be surprised to see how much you can save by shopping for the best deal.
Check Their Plans
Shopping around is The best way to ensure you get the best plan. This can be done online or by calling different providers to get quotes. You’ll also want to know the term length of each contract you’re signing up for. Some contracts are month-to-month, while others have a fixed term, such as three months. Depending on the length of your time, you may have to pay an early termination fee if you cancel before the term ends.
Another thing to check for is the rates that each provider offers. There are typically three types of speeds to choose from—fixed rate, variable rate, and indexed rate plans. Each of these options comes with its benefits and drawbacks. For example, fixed-rate plans offer stability and certainty, while variable-rate plans can result in bill surprises. On the other hand, indexed rate plans can save you money in the long run.
A website is one of the best ways to check a provider’s rates. This tool will show you the best REPs and plans available in your area based on a few pieces of information, such as your zip code. It’ll then provide you with a Savings Estimate to see the savings you could make by switching to a new provider.
Check Their Customer Service
While this may seem very basic, it is often overlooked. Customer service is a big deal, especially in the energy business, where companies compete for customers in deregulated markets. Whether through online chat, social media, or phone, it is essential that the company you choose is easy to contact and can answer your questions quickly and easily.
Many electricity providers also offer features that make managing your account less hassle. For example, some offer online bill pay, allowing you to set up automatic withdrawals from your bank account. Others have a live chat that can help you resolve issues without spending time on hold. Some even have active social media accounts with information about current power outages and estimated repair times.
Suppose you are looking for a new electric provider. In that case, it’s important to remember that the power to choose your energy supplier is a right provided by deregulation laws in ComEd service areas. At the same time, it may feel like a daunting task, but finding the right electric company for your needs is much easier than you think. It takes some research on your part. Following these tips, save money and get the best service possible from your new energy provider!
