ERCOT Archives - Page 2 of 3 - ElectricityPlans

What are Market Securitization Charges?

Market securitization charges are a new line item on Texas electricity bills. They’re a direct outcome of Winter Storm Uri, paying for some of the extraordinary costs of that storm.

The Texas legislature passed House Bill (HB) 4492 in 2021 in response to the storm’s financial impact on the ERCOT power region. The legislation allows Texas REPs to add the charge to their bills for the next 30 years

You can’t avoid paying these fees, which are from a regulatory change. But you might as well understand them, since you’ll be paying them for the next 3 decades.

Will Electricity Prices Fall this Fall in Texas?

We get questions like this all the time from customers, friends and neighbors. Will electricity prices fall this fall?

Normally we would say, of course! Electricity prices always drop in the fall in Texas. And this year is no exception, based on what we’re seeing with pricing. Prices are dropping… just not as far as we all hoped.

This article was written in Summer 2022. See our Texas Electricity Rate Trends 2023 article for the latest electricity price forecast for 2023.

Cheapest Texas Electricity Rates and Plans (November 2024)

Last Updated November 1, 2024

Finding the cheapest electricity rates in Texas doesn’t have to be a chore or require tons of research. Every month, we update our recommendation for the top three cheapest electricity companies in Texas, and our cheapest electricity rates for fixed rate plans. Here’s the November 2024 update.

Seasonality is in full effect, and prices are at affordable levels. We expect prices to remain low through December.

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.)

What’s Going On With Texas Electricity? February 2021

Last Updated October 14, 2022

What’s going on with Texas (ERCOT) electricity? And more importantly, why don’t I have lights?

Below we walk through what’s going on with Texas electricity during this brutal cold snap. We also have some ideas on why rolling blackouts have turned to 36+ hours without power in some areas.

Sales Tax Exemption in Texas – Cut Your Business Electricity Cost

Your Texas business may qualify for a sales tax exemption on your electricity bill. Any business that uses electricity in their production activities could qualify.

You’ll need an engineering study, called a Predominant Use Study, to prove what percent of your electricity usage goes into production. And you’ll need to file a Form 01-339 Exemption Certificate with the state in order to get the Utility Sales Tax Exemption.

But it’s worth it to save anywhere from 6-8% or more on your business electricity bill. Here’s what you need to know about the Texas Sales Tax Exemption and how to your business can qualify.

Impact of Coronavirus on Texas Electricity Grid

Last Updated April 2, 2020

In times of uncertainty, it’s natural for people to be concerned about those things that they can’t control. At ElectricityPlans.com we are working to get answers to some of the most common questions you may have about electricity reliability.

Will my power be disconnected if I can’t pay my bill?

What are electricity prices like right now?

US Energy Trends for 2020

Last Updated February 25, 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.

Texas Electricity Trends for 2020

Last Updated January 27, 2021

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

ERCOT

We just need your ZIP code