Shannon Bedrich, Author at ElectricityPlans

What are Market Securitization Charges?

Market securitization charges are a new line item on Texas electricity bills. They’re a direct outcome of Winter Storm Uri, paying for some of the extraordinary costs of that storm.

The Texas legislature passed House Bill (HB) 4492 in 2021 in response to the storm’s financial impact on the ERCOT power region. The legislation allows Texas REPs to add the charge to their bills for the next 30 years

You can’t avoid paying these fees, which are from a regulatory change. But you might as well understand them, since you’ll be paying them for the next 3 decades.

Connecticut Electricity Rates Skyrocket in 2023

Electricity rates in Connecticut went up an unprecedented 88% to 100% on January 1, 2023. While that crisis has passed, Connecticut electricity bills continue to be some of the highest in the country. Since electricity rates for your utility change twice a year, it makes sense to monitor rates and consider locking in a low fixed rate for your home or business in Connecticut.

How to Lower Your Electricity Bill this Winter

It’s the double whammy for electricity bills. We often think that only our summer electricity bills are high. But your winter electricity bill can also be expensive depending on our winter weather.

Winter energy savings tips focus on insulation, keeping your “building envelope” secured against the elements, and setting your thermostat at the proper level.

Tax Credits for EV, Solar & Electrification – The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

Last Updated July 10, 2025

For homeowners, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes over $8 billion for home energy efficiency and home electrification projects. You can receive tax credits for new technology including home solar panels, battery storage, or electric vehicles. And you can get tax credits and incentives for replacing your clothes dryer, water heater and cooktop, or for swapping out your HVAC for a heat pump HVAC.

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Big Beautiful Bill & Residential Tax Credits

Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed in July 2025 modifies clean-energy incentives introduced under Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Here are new policies related to home solar, batteries, electrification and electric vehicles

Residential Solar Tax Credit: Expires December 31, 2025
EV Purchase Credit: Expires September 30, 2025
Home Electrification Tax Credit: Expires December 31, 2025

Act quickly to take advantage of these tax incentives before they expire!

Here’s an easy reference chart for the changes:

Electricity Bill Payment Scam – How to Avoid Getting Tricked

The electricity bill payment scam is on the rise in in Texas. Scammers will call you pretending to be from your light company and demand payment. They’ll threaten to turn your electricity off if you don’t pay right away.

To avoid an electricity bill payment scam, look for things that are out of the ordinary. If your electric company has never called you before to demand payment, and specified that you can only pay with a GreenDot card from Walgreens? It’s likely a scam.

Here’s how to tell an electricity bill payment scam from a real disconnection notice from your electricity company. And how to avoid getting ripped off.

Cheapest Electricity Rates & Plans in Texas (January 2026)

Last Updated January 16, 2026

Finding the cheapest electricity rates in Texas doesn’t have to be a chore or require tons of research. Every month, we update our recommendation for the top three cheapest electricity companies in Texas, and highlight the cheapest electricity rates in your area. Here’s the January 2026 update.

How to Get Help Paying Electric Bill

With rising electricity costs, you may need help with your power bill. If you need help with your electric bill in Texas, there are three basic options.

Contact Your Electricity Provider: Your REP is the first point of contact if you need help paying your power bill in Texas. Working with them can give you a bill payment extension and keep you from being disconnected.
Call 211 Utility Assistance: Texas 211 is a central clearing house of resources. The 211 operator may be able to match you to available aid programs.
See if you qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This program provides bill payment assistance for those on SSI or that earn less than 150% of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines.

Below we provide additional information on each option. Plus ideas for bill payment help for those who are not low income.

Sustainable Home vs. Eco Friendly Home – What’s the Difference?

Sustainable living, green households, eco friendly homes. Are they all just marketing terms? Or do they mean something?

Eco-friendly focuses on reducing harm to the environment, while sustainability considers the future impact of today’s actions. In this article, we’ll dive into the definitions of each term, and provide a case study example to further illustrate the difference, so you can make changes to your own household.

89 Ways to Save on Your Electric Bill

When it comes to home budgeting, your electricity bill takes a big portion of your paycheck each month. Here are simple tasks that can lower your electricity bill while maintaining your home comfort.

What the Best Thermostat Setting When on Vacation?

Last Updated July 15, 2025

The plans have been made. The bags are packed. You deserve a vacation. But what are the best thermostat settings for vacation to keep your electricity bill low? In other words, when you’re in vacation mode, is there a vacation mode for your house?

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Key Takeaways

The best approach for vacation thermostat settings is 10 degrees higher (summer) or lower (winter) than you normally set it when away from home. This lowers the amount of time your HVAC system is running while you are away.

Summer vacation thermostat setting 80-85°
Winter vacation thermostat setting: 50-60°
If you have pets at home, consider their comfort as well when choosing a vacation thermostat setting.
Never turn your thermostat completely off when on vacation, to avoid mold and mildew or freezing pipes.

If you’re planning your trip now, consider our tips for adjusting the thermostat settings to reduce energy, create a comfortable environment for your pets and lessen household damage risks.

Shannon Bedrich

Big Beautiful Bill & Residential Tax Credits

Key Takeaways

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