Whether you’re moving to Texas or you already live in the state, choosing the right electricity provider can be a challenge. Texas has a deregulated electricity market, which means that Texas residents have the power to choose their own energy plan from well over 100 retail electricity providers.  

The best plan for you will depend on factors like your ZIP code, how much energy you use, and whether you want to sign up for a fixed-rate or variable-rate plan. Comparison sites like ChooseTexasPower.com promise to help you compare energy providers so you don’t have to do all the research yourself. But how helpful are they?  

Here’s what you need to know about Choose Texas Power and how to compare energy providers in the Lone Star state. 

What Is ChooseTexasPower.com?

ChooseTexasPower.com (also simply called Choose Texas Power) is a comparison site, which means it doesn’t sell electricity to you directly. Instead, the site helps people compare plans with retail energy providers (REPs). If you see a plan you like, you can book it directly through the Choose Texas Power website. 

Is ChooseTexasPower.com Licensed or Regulated?

Choose Texas Power is a “registered energy broker.” It’s registered with the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which oversees the electricity industry. You can look up the company by its broker number: BR190319. 

Who Owns ChooseTexasPower.com?

ChooseTexasPower is affiliated with SaveOnEnergy, another energy comparison site, and owned by Red Ventures. Red Ventures is based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and runs several websites aimed at consumers, including Healthline and ZDNet. 

Is ChooseTexasPower.com the Same as ChooseTexasPower.org?

Yes, the official web address is ChooseTexasPower.org. If you go to ChooseTexasPower.com, you’ll be redirected to the “org” web address. Both links go to the same website. 

How Much Does It Cost to Use ChooseTexasPower.com?

The website doesn’t charge customers to use its search tools or access its online marketplace. The company asserts that the prices shown on its website are the same prices you’d get if you signed up with an electricity provider directly.   

You won’t pay a fee or surcharge when you sign up via ChooseTexasPower.com, and the rates include the delivery costs charged by your local utility provider. 

How Does ChooseTexasPower.com Make Money?

Choose Texas Power partners with some of the electricity providers it lists on its site, and makes money by referring customers to these providers. ChooseTexasPower.com may receive compensation in several different ways, including display ads or when you click on links or request a quote from a specific provider. 

Is ChooseTexasPower an Impartial Website?

ChooseTexasPower.com claims to keep its monetization policy separate from its editorial guidelines. The editorial team focuses on being educational and informative, and its writers aren’t paid by the advertisers to review or compare their energy plans.  

However, Choose Texas Power doesn’t claim to review all electricity providers in the state of Texas, so some providers may not be displayed at all. 

How Does Choose Texas Power Differ From Power to Choose?

Choose Texas Power is a private company (a “registered energy broker”) while Power to Choose is an official website provided by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.  

Power to Choose is specifically intended to be an “unbiased” comparison site, so you’ll see every electricity plan that’s available in your ZIP code. It’s available in both English and Spanish, in which it’s called Poder de Escoger.  

Choose Texas Power, on the other hand, is an editorial website, so it’s meant to provide resources and recommendations based on the opinions of its writers. 

Do You Need to Choose an Electricity Provider in Texas?

Most Texas residents can—and should—choose their own electricity provider to get the best rates. But there are a few areas that fall outside of the Texas electric grid, which is managed by ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas).  

If you live outside of these areas, then you may have to get your energy from your local municipal utility provider.  

If you live in an area covered by ERCOT and don’t choose a provider, they’ll assign one to you when you start up your electricity service. It’s best to do the research and choose a provider yourself in order to get the best prices based on your energy usage. 

How Can You Get In Touch With Choose Texas Power?

source

There are several ways to get in touch with Choose Texas Power, including by phone (877-800-4044) and email (PowerCustomerService@redventures.com).  

But remember, Choose Texas Power isn’t an energy provider, so if you have questions about your plan or bill, contact your provider directly. The contact number for Choose Texas Power is for questions and feedback during the comparison process.  

If you have complaints about Choose Texas Power or an energy provider, you can file a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission using the following details:  

• Phone: 1-888-782-8477 
• Email: customer@puc.texas.gov 
• Mail: Customer Protection, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, TX 78711-3326 

Is ChooseTexasPower.com Available Outside of Texas?

Some of the companies displayed on ChooseTexasPower.com may also serve customers in other states. However, the plans and rates that you see on ChooseTexasPower.com are only available in specific Texas ZIP codes. 

What If I Can’t Find the Company I’m Looking For?

If the company that you’re interested in isn’t listed on ChooseTexasPower.com, then you can go directly to that company’s website to look up their rates. Or you can see if they’re listed on a different comparison site, such as EnergySavings.com. 

Can You Switch Providers Using ChooseTexasPower.com?

Yes, you can enter your ZIP code and search for a new provider using the Choose Texas Power website. If you find one that you like, you can sign up. You’ll be transferred from your current provider, and you don’t need to call them up to cancel your service.  

However, if you’re ending your contract early, there may be an early termination fee—so be sure to read the fine print before switching so there aren’t any surprises. 

What Is the Electricity Facts Label?

source

The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) is a standardized information sheet that electricity providers must show you before you sign up for a plan.  

It contains all of the information you need to know about your contract, including how much you can expect to pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh), whether or not there’s an early termination fee, and how much your utility provider charges for “delivery.”  

The idea is to make it easy for consumers to compare multiple plans side-by-side, the same way you can look at the nutrition label on packages of food. 

Does ChooseTexasPower.com Offer Business Rates?

Yes, Choose Texas Power can help you find a commercial energy plan. You’ll need to fill out a form with your contact details in order to get a quote. Unlike residential customers who can compare plans instantly, business customers will get a customized quote based on their business size and energy usage. 

Can You Find Green Energy Plans on ChooseTexasPower.com?

Yes, the Choose Texas Power website can help you find a green energy plan. When you search for energy plans in your ZIP code, simply set the filter to show green energy options.  

Texas has a growing renewable energy industry, producing more wind power than any other state, so it’s easy to find a green energy plan in Texas. 

Does Choose Texas Power Require a Deposit?

Whether or not you have to pay a deposit depends on the policy of your retail energy provider. Some REPs offer prepaid energy plans with no credit check, while others may waive a deposit if you have a high enough credit score.  

No deposit plans are usually month-to-month, which means you won’t be locked into a long-term contract, but you may pay higher rates. To find a no deposit plan on ChooseTexasPower.com, use the search feature to filter for “prepaid” energy plans. 

Does ChooseTexasPower.com Offer Free Electricity Plans?

Free electricity plans are popular in Texas. Some companies offer “free nights” or “free weekends” and don’t charge you for the power you use during these times.  

For example, Amigo Energy offers a Weekends Free plan in some Texas ZIP codes, with weekday rates starting at 14.9 cents per kilowatt-hour.  

You can look for free energy plans on the Choose Texas Power site to see which options are available in your area.  

Can the Choose Texas Power Website Calculate My Energy Usage?

Energy providers in Texas calculate your bill based on how much energy you use, and the amount you pay per kilowatt-hour can vary. When you compare plans, use a fixed amount, such as 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, to compare apples to apples.  

But how do you estimate your energy usage? Choose Texas Power won’t calculate it for you, so your best bet is to check your current bill or do an energy audit. An energy audit will assess your current energy usage and look for ways to improve energy efficiency at home, and might be offered for free by your local utility provider. 

What Do Customers Think of ChooseTexasPower.com?

The Choose Texas Power site has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 on TrustPilot, based on almost 5,000 customer reviews. What do they have to say about Choose Texas Power?  

Most reviewers say the website was easy to use, and allowed them to look over the Electricity Facts Label for each provider.  

However, some did report problems when signing up for a new plan, and complained that the advertised rates were different than what was actually available. 

Find the Best Electricity Rates for Your Lifestyle

source

Navigating the Texas energy market can be a challenge, whether you’ve lived here for many years or are new to the state. Whether you go to ChooseTexasPower.com or ChooseTexasPower.org, you can browse through the site to compare a variety of retail electricity providers (although not every single one) in Texas.   

Keep in mind that the “best” energy plan is the one that works for your particular lifestyle and energy usage. Understanding your options takes some time, but you can begin by becoming more familiar with electricity and power terms and current market updates.  

Whether you want green energy plans, no-deposit plans, free electricity plans, or other special offers in Texas, there’s sure to be an option for you.