Electricity Blog: News, Trends, & Information

Incandescent vs. LED Christmas Lights: How Much Does it Impact Your Power Bill?

Whether you prefer delicate light strands or imitate Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation, holiday lights are a part of our traditions.

For most people, once they start, the light displays continue to grow, year after year. After all, who can pass up the deep discounts at those after-Christmas sales? But your electric bill will continue to grow too, unless you buy energy efficient LED holiday lights.

Bottom line? It’s time to toss out your old strings of lights. Today’s LED Christmas lights will add 90% less to your electric bill vs. traditional lights. If you’re looking to save (or accurately assess the full wattage of your Christmas decorations), our tools below will help you calculate what you generate each year and understand how your electric bill reflects these costs.

Smart Home and Tech Gadgets for Holiday Gift Giving

Last Updated November 6, 2025

It’s our annual holiday gift giving guide to smart home technology! With these gifts, the tech-loving recipient gets a fun gadget plus energy savings for the home. Many of these devices will be on sale during Black Friday, so check online for current pricing and deals!

The Oncor/Sharyland Deal: How Customers Will Benefit

Last Updated October 12, 2017

Sharyland customers – your nightmare electricity bills are officially coming to an end.

On July 24, 2017, Oncor announced that it had reached a definitive asset swap agreement with Sharyland Utilities (SU) valued at approximately $400 million. Upon PUCT approval and successful close of the transaction, Sharyland will receive approximately 258 miles of 345 kV transmission lines from Oncor, and Oncor will receive all of Sharyland’s distribution network and, following ERCOT transitioning, all of Sharyland’s retail delivery customers.

Is a Short-Term or Long-Term Electricity Contract the Better Deal?

Is a short-term or long-term electricity contract a better deal? Well, it depends.

The cost of electricity can vary widely from month to month. That’s why consumers go for a fixed rate electricity plan. That way you’re protected from wild rate swings.

But how do you determine what length of contract to sign? Is a short term or long term electricity contract better? It depends largely on the region of the country that you live in and the time of year that you are shopping for a fixed rate. Learn about the benefits of the fixed rate contract and how to determine the best electricity contract length for you.

TL;DR: Long-term electricity contracts of 24-36 months are often the cheapest price and protect you against inflation. Economic indicators across the country are pointing UP for energy costs. In Texas, it’s high power demand for data centers, bitcoin mining and industrial processes. In the northeast it’s capacity costs that are increasing your bills. Time to lock in.

Texas is Deregulated. Why Can’t I Choose My Electricity Provider?

Texas is deregulated. That means that most — but not all — Texans have a choice of electricity supplier. If you live in an area served by an electrical cooperative, a municipal owned utility, or a utility that’s not part of ERCOT, you can’t choose your electricity provider.

Electricity Contract Ending? Here’s What’s Next.

Electricity deregulation gives consumers the power to choose their own electricity provider and an electricity plan that fits their budget. But that fabulous rate you signed up for with your electricity provider will come to an end when your contract expires.

Don’t let your electricity contract expire without taking action. If you let your contract expire without renewing or switching providers, you will have high variable rate electric bill coming your way. Keeping a low rate isn’t overly difficult, but it does require some planning and timely action.

Moving Before Your Electricity Plan Expires?

If you are moving before your electricity plan expires? In Texas, you can take it or break it. That means you can take your electricity contract with you to your new home or break your contract with no penalty. You can even have electricity in your name in two homes while you are moving.

PlanScan™ – A Personal Electricity Shopping Service (2026 Update)

Overwhelmed by electricity plan choices? Feel like you might as well be throwing darts at a dartboard to pick your next electricity plan? We understand completely. You can start our step-by-step guide to shopping for Texas electricity. But if you need more help, we’ve got you.

ElectricityPlans.com provides a free personal electricity shopping service for Texas residential electricity customers called PlanScan™. With PlanScan, you can take the guesswork out of shopping for your next electricity plan.

Why Is Your Electric Bill Higher Than You Expected?

Electric bill higher than expected? How can that be? You read the electricity providers’ information and picked what you thought was the best electricity plan available in your state. You even compared electricity rates offered and chose the cheapest plan.

Now you’ve received your first electric bill, and the power costs are much higher than you expected. And you’re wondering, Why is my electric bill so high? Why doesn’t the electricity rate on my bill match what you signed up for? Why is my electric bill higher than I expected?

Military Discount for Active Military, Veterans, and Reserve

If you’re a veteran, active military, Guard and Reserve member, or a military spouse, you may be eligible for a military discount on electricity.

If you live in a state with deregulated electricity, you can choose your electricity supplier. And you can find a plan that works for your budget and lifestyle. This can save you real money each month.

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