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.
Energy News
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
Florida Restructuring – Energy Choice
The Florida Supreme Court is currently reviewing a 2020 ballot initiative to push Florida restructuring for the electricity market. Deregulation has been hugely successful in Texas. If the Florida restructuring ballot passes, what will happen with Florida energy choice?
Power Consumption for Cannabis Growers
Grow room electricity used for commercial cannabis production is now estimated at 1% of all electricity used in the USA. Recreational and/or medicinal pot is legal in 31 states and Washington DC.
Indoor grow rooms use tremendous amounts of power. But just how much power do they consume?
CT Electricity Choice – Can You Save on Electricity?
The Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel recently called for the end of electricity choice in Connecticut. The OCC says electricity choice doesn’t save money. Retailers say you can save. But what’s the reality?
We’ll give you both sides of the argument. We’ll tell you why Connecticut electricity rates are so high. And we’ll tell you whether you can save on your United Illuminating or Eversource bill when you switch suppliers.
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FES Bankruptcy – Exelon Saves the Day?
When First Energy Solutions (FES), a retailer serving nearly 1 million electricity customers entered bankruptcy in April, Ohio regulators were concerned. After all, FES is the electric generation supplier of a large number of electricity municipal aggregations across Ohio. What would happen to consumers as FES fought its way through bankruptcy proceedings? It looks like a white knight has appeared on the horizon — Exelon Constellation.
The Breeze Energy Meltdown: A Sign of Things to Come?
Breeze Energy customers got a rude surprise on May 30, 2018. They received notification that their retail electric provider had gone out of business. They would now be served at a high market rate by the Provider of Last Resort, or POLR. What would you do if you received such a notice? And what is the risk of it happening to you?
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The High Risk of Summer 2018 Texas Month to Month Electricity Plans
Texas electricity customers face historically high electricity prices this summer. The rising energy rates are not so much a result of the cost of natural gas, the primary commodity used to generate electricity, but are a result of increased demand and anticipated shortages in supply. What does this mean for customers on variable rate, month to month electricity plans? High, high, high electricity rates for the dog days of summer. Who is most at risk? Prepaid electricity customers and customers on holdover rates from expired electricity contracts.
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What’s Ahead for 2018 Texas Summer Electricity Rates: Supply, Demand, and Reserve Margins
If you’ve shopped for an electricity plan in Texas recently, you’ve probably noticed that rates are rising. In fact, some of the energy rates for Texas plans have increased over 30% so far in 2018 and will continue to rise as the summer approaches.
What’s contributing to this rise? In short, it’s simple economics. Understanding the market forces at play in ERCOT will help you make an informed decision about your energy needs going into the summer and avoid a painful utility bill.
The Oncor/Sharyland Deal: How Customers Will Benefit
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.
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