Electricity Education Archives - Page 3 of 6

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.

Variable Speed Pool Pumps Can Lower Electricity Bills for Pool Owners in TX

Last Updated August 28, 2025

Homes with swimming pools use 40-50% more electricity than homes without one. The amount of additional usage varies based on the type and size of pool pump and how long it runs.

A standard 2000 watt pool pump will use around 480 kWh a month. An equivalent variable speed 300 watt pool pump will use around 72 kWh a month. That’s a huge difference in electricity usage.

Air Conditioners vs. Fans: Which is Best?

For as long as there’s been air conditioning, there’s probably been the debate. Air Conditioners or Fans. Which is best?

When it comes to air conditioning vs. fans, we say both! Air conditioning keeps the air cool in your home. And ceiling fans can create an additional cooling effect that makes you feel up to 4* cooler.

In this article we tell you how air conditioners and fans work to cool your home. And we look at air conditioners vs. fans from two aspects: keeping you cool and keeping your electricity bill low.

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 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.

Should I Install a Whole Home Generator?

Thinking about installing a whole house generator for 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 $8,000-12,000 to install.

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. And consider a home battery backup + energy option. You’ll get a full home battery backup system installed for under $700, pay a monthly fee and commit to using a specific retail electricity provider. Your REP will charge your battery when prices are low and sell power back to the grid when demand is high.

Electricity Education

We just need your ZIP code