Electricity Blog: News, Trends, & Information

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.

Why are Texas Electricity Prices So High?

In 2022, we had some of the highest electricity prices since deregulation. But now? Prices have come down by 30% or more vs. last year.

Here’s a recap on why prices are so high some years (and during the summer) and some strategies on how to get the best price for your home or business.

Reading Your Commercial Electricity Bill & TDSP Charges for Your Business

Are there ways to save on your business electricity bill? Doing so starts with understanding what makes up your commecial electricity bill. Across all types of energy markets, commercial electricity bills typically have three sections – delivery charges, supply charges and demand charges.

Learning more about each can help you cut your business’ electricity bill. and this helpful guide on reading your business’s electricity bill is a great foundation

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.

Texas Electricity Trends for 2022

Texas electricity rates in 2022 continue to show the greatest value with long terms plans. The other big trend? More green energy electricity plans as Texas moves generation to renewable energy.

(In a hurry? Jump right to our recommendations on the best residential Texas electricity plan for 2022.)

How to Use an Energy Broker for Commercial Electricity

A commercial energy broker can help your business save money on energy costs, manage contract renewals, and find the best energy solution. They can also advise you on various energy plans and contract terms, saving you a significant amount of time.

What Temperature Should I Leave My House When I’m on Vacation?

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?

The best approach is to set your vacation thermostat about 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. In general, don’t set it above 85° in the summer or below 50° in the winter.

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.

Texas Ancillary Services – What Are They? And Why Should You Care?

If you’re a business owner in Texas, you need to know that Ancillary Services could be passed through on your bill, depending on your contract language.

Ancillary Services are processes that help the ERCOT grid maintain a stable, efficient and safe operation. These processes and tools let ERCOT control voltage, frequency, flow and system recovery if there’s an emergency event. And new ancillary services charges in Texas could show up as line items in your business electricity bill.

Developing a Sustainability Strategy for Your Small Business

A sustainability strategy for your small business can help you attract new employees and new clients, as well as contribute to a greener environment. And becoming a green business can have a big impact on your bottom line. Here’s how to develop a sustainability strategy for your business.

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