Texas is a top state for residential solar panels. According to Google Project Sunroof, 90% of Texas buildings are solar-friendly. But what are the top cities for solar panels in Texas? And why are they the best cities to consider rooftop solar? Here’s our summary of the best cities for solar in Texas, based on third party data.
Smart Electricity Shopping
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.
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.
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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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How Much Does it Cost to Charge an EV at Home?
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are an increasingly popular choice for vehicle purchases. But before you buy an electric car, you may want to look at how much it will cost to charge. After all, how much will an EV add to your electricity bill? Here’s how to calculate the costs of charging your EV at home.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home? Use your car’s battery storage kWh and multiply that by your price per kWh. That’s a good estimate of how much it costs every time you fully charge your EV. For example, a 40 kWh battery, charged with power that costs 11.4¢ per kWh (the Texas average rate), will cost $4.56 to fully charge. That’s 40 * $0.114.
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Columbus Ohio Renewable Energy and Carbon Neutral Programs
Columbus Ohio has the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2022 and carbon neutral by 2050. That’s a goal not only for the city facilities, but also for all residents and small business owners. Here’s our review of the Columbus Community Choice Aggregation Program for electricity, which is one step toward that goal. Plus we review your options to go green when you opt-out of aggregation. And, how you can go carbon neutral with your natural gas.
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Texas Electricity Companies with a Satisfaction Guarantee
A satisfaction guarantee can go a long way toward making you feel confident in your choice of Texas electricity plan. After all, there are a lot of things to compare when you’re shopping for electricity.
That’s why we like these electricity companies with a satisfaction guarantee. With electricity prices higher than they’ve ever been, a satisfaction guarantee gives you a chance to shop around.
SUMMARY: Texas electricity companies are increasingly offering a satisfaction guarantee to attract new customers. These guarantees are from 30-90 days and let you switch to a new plan if you don’t like your initial plan choice (or if prices go down) with no early termination fee. Some providers will give you the option of switching away with no early termination fee. As always, read the fine print of any offer.
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How to Compare Plans to find the Best Electricity Rates in Texas
Looking for the best electricity rates in Texas? Use our guide to find the best power prices for you, what to look for in an electricity plan and step by step process to compare electricity plans.
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