Monopolies aren't good for customers, just companies. That's true of electric companies, too. With monopolies, customers are simply left to put up with what they've got in front of them, service from one company. This gives companies all the advantage, and none of the difficulty. It also lets them drive prices up such that they can make profits without having to provide significant value to consumers.
Because of this, electric companies have been reined in such that deregulation laws in Texas have been put in place as of 2002. Now, most citizens in Texas can choose the providers they want for their electricity. That gives more competition, which puts customers in control once again. Deregulation means better customer service, a chance to use renewable energy sources instead of the "same old, same old" nonrenewable, bad for the environment sources, and better pricing as well.
That wasn't always the case. Before deregulation was part of the landscape, a single utility provided service to an area and performed all duties, such as transmission, distribution, and sales. Consumers were left "holding the bag," and had to put up with what they got, whether it was truly good value or not. However, deregulation has now changed this, so that one company handles distribution and transmission, but other companies handle billing and sales. Customers now have choice, so that they can choose the providers they want to provide service to them. The Public Utility Commission provides oversight for the entire process, so that pending problems are addressed immediately before they become overwhelming.
Today, about 75% of the citizens in Texas have the ability to choose the power companies they want, and thus to control at least to some extent how much they pay, where they get their power from, and the level of service they receive. This benefits businesses as well as private consumers, and when businesses benefit, that business's customers benefit, too.
Why? Because when businesses can choose their own electric service providers, they get lower utility costs and better service. In turn, they pass those savings and the benefits of that improved service on to customers.
At present, some 25% of Texas' electric consumers still do not have the ability to receive the benefits of competition. That includes those in large cities like Austin and San Antonio, and those that use electric cooperatives.
Even so, electric utility providers are still performing positive changes. Renewable energy sources continue to be experimented with, implemented where possible, and continually developed. For example, wind farms are springing up statewide and are one way of providing completely renewable and clean energy that can be converted for electrical needs.
If you live in Texas and you live in an area where you can choose your provider, the best way to make sure deregulation stays in place is to utilize its benefits. Shop around for the company that's going to suit you and your family. In some cases, like on ChooseEnergy.com, you can actually compare prices in real time between companies, all on the same website. Even if you can't compare prices in real-time from one website, you can certainly shop around online with just a click of the mouse.
Once you've done your research and have chosen an electric provider that will meet your needs, at the best possible price, place an order with the company and they will send you information on what your rights as a customer. You will also get a terms of service agreement from your new provider. There is no need to contact your old provider, because your new provider will handle the change of service and you will simply get a notice that your service has been changed in your mail. Your next meter reading is when the change of service will actually take place.
It should be noted that your new company will not be assuming responsibility for sending you your final bills from the old company, so make sure you address those and get them taken care of. Other than that, though, the change is completely seamless and automatic. You simply choose your new provider, and the wheels are set in motion so that you can enjoy the benefits of going with an electric provider you've chosen. - 20763
Because of this, electric companies have been reined in such that deregulation laws in Texas have been put in place as of 2002. Now, most citizens in Texas can choose the providers they want for their electricity. That gives more competition, which puts customers in control once again. Deregulation means better customer service, a chance to use renewable energy sources instead of the "same old, same old" nonrenewable, bad for the environment sources, and better pricing as well.
That wasn't always the case. Before deregulation was part of the landscape, a single utility provided service to an area and performed all duties, such as transmission, distribution, and sales. Consumers were left "holding the bag," and had to put up with what they got, whether it was truly good value or not. However, deregulation has now changed this, so that one company handles distribution and transmission, but other companies handle billing and sales. Customers now have choice, so that they can choose the providers they want to provide service to them. The Public Utility Commission provides oversight for the entire process, so that pending problems are addressed immediately before they become overwhelming.
Today, about 75% of the citizens in Texas have the ability to choose the power companies they want, and thus to control at least to some extent how much they pay, where they get their power from, and the level of service they receive. This benefits businesses as well as private consumers, and when businesses benefit, that business's customers benefit, too.
Why? Because when businesses can choose their own electric service providers, they get lower utility costs and better service. In turn, they pass those savings and the benefits of that improved service on to customers.
At present, some 25% of Texas' electric consumers still do not have the ability to receive the benefits of competition. That includes those in large cities like Austin and San Antonio, and those that use electric cooperatives.
Even so, electric utility providers are still performing positive changes. Renewable energy sources continue to be experimented with, implemented where possible, and continually developed. For example, wind farms are springing up statewide and are one way of providing completely renewable and clean energy that can be converted for electrical needs.
If you live in Texas and you live in an area where you can choose your provider, the best way to make sure deregulation stays in place is to utilize its benefits. Shop around for the company that's going to suit you and your family. In some cases, like on ChooseEnergy.com, you can actually compare prices in real time between companies, all on the same website. Even if you can't compare prices in real-time from one website, you can certainly shop around online with just a click of the mouse.
Once you've done your research and have chosen an electric provider that will meet your needs, at the best possible price, place an order with the company and they will send you information on what your rights as a customer. You will also get a terms of service agreement from your new provider. There is no need to contact your old provider, because your new provider will handle the change of service and you will simply get a notice that your service has been changed in your mail. Your next meter reading is when the change of service will actually take place.
It should be noted that your new company will not be assuming responsibility for sending you your final bills from the old company, so make sure you address those and get them taken care of. Other than that, though, the change is completely seamless and automatic. You simply choose your new provider, and the wheels are set in motion so that you can enjoy the benefits of going with an electric provider you've chosen. - 20763
About the Author:
About the author: Jerry Dyess has written about the Texas Electricity business for the past 7 years. Get more information on Texas Electric rates.
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