Electricity Education

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.

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Should I Install a Whole House Generator?

Thinking about installing a whole house generator in your home on the Texas Gulf Coast? Good call. The Gulf Coast is prone to hurricanes, flooding and power outages.

A whole home generator can be a good value if it brings you peace of mind and convenience during power outages and emergencies. They can automatically activate when the power goes out, so you barely notice a power outage. But they can be expensive, costing $8-12,000 installed.

Here’s what you need to know about installing a whole house generator in Houston or elsewhere in Texas.

>Before purchasing a whole house generator, take a look at this article on portable generators for your home.

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What’s the Best Thermostat Setting for Summer?

What’s the best air conditioner temperature setting in the summer? You want to keep your home cool, but also want to keep control of your electricity bills.

Keeping in mind both energy efficiency and comfort, the best thermostat settings for summer are 76° when you are home, 80-85° when you are away and 72° at night. Then use ceiling fans in the rooms you are in to feel up to 4* cooler.

Here’s more on why these thermostat settings are the best.

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City Inspections & Permits for Texas Business Electricity

City inspections and permits may stand in the way of getting new electricity turned on for your business.

It’s pretty common. The business owner shows up on the day they expected to have lights. And there’s no electricity. And it’s all due to a required inspection that no one told them about.

If you are putting the lights in your business name, you’re scheduling a “move-in” and that typically triggers an inspection. Contact your city or county inspection office to find out if a inspection is required. The inspection certificate must be filed with your local utility before you can get the lights turned on with the retail electricity provider you selected.

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How to Get Same Day Electricity in Texas

Do you need same day electricity service? Whether you’re moving in to a new home or to get power on today, when you have lights out no service, you need electricity fast.

Texas residents can get same-day electricity turn-on from any provider in Texas, as long as they sign up online or via phone by a certain time. The cut-off time varies by provider, but it’s usually between 2pm and 6:30pm, Monday through Saturday. There is no same-day power available on Sundays or major holidays.

You’ll find a list of the cut-off time for same day electricity below.

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US Energy Trends for 2020

Where are energy rates going for 2020? And what are the trends to watch? In this article we examine some of the important factors in energy rates, including: natural gas prices, the continued growth of renewable energy, and potential changes in capacity markets.

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Texas Electricity Trends for 2020

Texas electricity rates in 2019 were relatively flat compared to the prior year. And if you were in a fixed rate contract throughout 2019, you had a secure price. But those who were on a variable rate or a wholesale index rate (i.e. Griddy Energy) had their rate explode in mid August when ERCOT hit a historic usage level.

So what will happen in 2020? It all depends. But indications are that market forces are driving up retail energy prices in the short term, and that long-term contracts might be the way to go this year.

>>Want the latest Texas electricity trends? Here are Texas Electricity Trends for 2021

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Load Factor and Commercial Demand Charges – How to Lower Your Business Electricity Bill

You shopped for the lowest rate per kWh for your business. So what’s this other charge on your bill?

Business customers often pay a commercial electricity demand charge in addition to the cost per kWh. A demand charge is a fee based on the highest amount of power a customer draws during any 15 minute interval. Demand charges are established annually, and can add 30% or more to your electricity bill.

Read on to find out what is a demand charge, how demand charges are set, typical load factor by type of business, how your load factor impacts your demand, and most importantly, how to reduce your demand charges.

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