Smart Electricity Shopping Archives - Page 9 of 10

Is a Short-Term or Long-Term Electricity Contract the Better Deal?

Is a short-term or long-term electricity contract a better deal? Well, it depends.

The cost of electricity can vary widely from month to month. That’s why consumers go for a fixed rate electricity plan. That way you’re protected from wild rate swings.

But how do you determine what length of contract to sign? Is a short term or long term electricity contract better? It depends largely on the region of the country that you live in and the time of year that you are shopping for a fixed rate. Learn about the benefits of the fixed rate contract and how to determine the best electricity contract length for you.

TL;DR: Long-term electricity contracts of 24-36 months are often the cheapest price and protect you against inflation. Economic indicators across the country are pointing UP for energy costs. In Texas, it’s high power demand for data centers, bitcoin mining and industrial processes. In the northeast it’s capacity costs that are increasing your bills. Time to lock in.

PlanScan™ – A Personal Electricity Shopping Service (2026 Update)

Overwhelmed by electricity plan choices? Feel like you might as well be throwing darts at a dartboard to pick your next electricity plan? We understand completely. You can start our step-by-step guide to shopping for Texas electricity. But if you need more help, we’ve got you.

ElectricityPlans.com provides a free personal electricity shopping service for Texas residential electricity customers called PlanScan™. With PlanScan, you can take the guesswork out of shopping for your next electricity plan.

Why Is Your Electric Bill Higher Than You Expected?

Electric bill higher than expected? How can that be? You read the electricity providers’ information and picked what you thought was the best electricity plan available in your state. You even compared electricity rates offered and chose the cheapest plan.

Now you’ve received your first electric bill, and the power costs are much higher than you expected. And you’re wondering, Why is my electric bill so high? Why doesn’t the electricity rate on my bill match what you signed up for? Why is my electric bill higher than I expected?

Military Discount for Active Military, Veterans, and Reserve

If you’re a veteran, active military, Guard and Reserve member, or a military spouse, you may be eligible for a military discount on electricity.

If you live in a state with deregulated electricity, you can choose your electricity supplier. And you can find a plan that works for your budget and lifestyle. This can save you real money each month.

Stuck In A Contract With Your Electricity Provider? Know Your Options

Do you feel like you are stuck in an electricity plan contract? What should you do if you are in a contract and electric rates go down? What if you find another electricity plan from another provider that’s better? And what if you are moving?

The big question is, “Can I cancel my electricity contract?” The answers depend on your specific situation. Each electric supplier has a unique policy for early termination fees and each state has their own rules about what your supplier can charge in different situations.

Bill Credit Electricity Plans – Texas Teaser Rate or Good Deal?

Last Updated April 25, 2026

Bill credit electricity plans are among the most popular in Texas. These are the electricity rates that look amazingly low at the advertised rate of 1000 or 2000 kWh. But dig into the details and you may find you’re paying a higher price per kilowatt hour than you expected. We call these plans a Texas teaser rate. And while they can be good for some consumers, they can be a big red flag for others.

Do Free Nights and Weekends Electricity Plans Really Save Money?

Last Updated April 25, 2026

As you’re shopping for electricity, you’ll come across plans that advertise phrases like “free nights and weekends” or “free nights and solar days” or even “free days electricity.” This may sound too good to be true, but they’re absolutely legitimate.

There are a lot of light companies with free nights and weekends plans. But, what you really want to know as an electricity consumer is, are free nights and weekends worth it? We explain how these plans work, their pros and cons and how to use them to save on your bill.

Why Does Texas Have Three Electricity Rates?

Last Updated August 7, 2025

If you are shopping for electricity based on the advertised rate or one of the three electricity rates shown on the Electricity Facts Label, stop. You might pick the electricity company advertising the lowest rate based on 500 kWh, 1000 kWh or 2000 kWh. But you could soon discover it’s not as straight forward as you’d hoped. Because unless you read the find print you may choose the wrong plan.

Before you blindly click on the plan with the lowest advertised rate, read this article.

How to Read an Electricity Facts Label (EFL)

Last Updated August 5, 2025

Knowing how to read an Electricity Facts Label (EFL) is the key to finding the right electricity plan for your home. It’s easy get pulled in by the advertised rates, showing low prices at a certain usage level. But the EFL shows you the math behind that attractive rate, showing you exactly what to expect from your electricity plan.

The Basics: How to Shop for an Electricity Plan

It’s easy to shop for an electricity plan. But for many consumers living in states with electricity deregulation? Well, the process of how to shop for an electricity plan can seem overwhelming.

After all, many states have a large number of electricity providers. Each provider offers different plans that often look very similar at first glance. If you’re not sure how to get started shopping for electricity plans, you’re not alone. This short guide will get you started.

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