Electricity Education

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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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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Understanding Load Factor and Commercial Demand Charges

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 and how your load factor impacts your demand.

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