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Your Power to Choose Alternative - Best Way to Shop for Electricity

  • Written By: Rebecca Bridges
  • Edited By: Shannon Bedrich

  • Looking for a Power to Choose alternative? Power to Choose is the state-run electricity shopping website where any electricity provider can list their rates. And it’s the official electricity shopping site for the Public Utility Commission of Texas. But it’s hard to use, has a lot of gimmicky plans, and doesn’t have any quality screening.

    Instead, use the best Power to Choose alternative to compare energy plan options: ElectricityPlans.

    We read the fine print and highlight the information you need to know. You can shop based on your average monthly electricity usage.

    And we’ll help you avoid the gimmicks to get the best price and the best provider. Read on to find out why we’re the best Power to Choose option and how to compare providers to find the best company.

    In a hurry? Here are current prices for rates in Houston (Centerpoint) and Dallas (Oncor). Just enter your zip code to see electricity rates in your area. Or check our monthly list of the 3 cheapest electricity companies and the cheapest fixed rate offers.

    Shop Texas Electricity Rates by Zip Code

    What is the PowertoChoose.org Website?

    Texas Electric Choice was the first Power to Choose Texas site in 2002, at the beginning of deregulation. The Public Utility Commission of Texas launched the PowertoChoose.org site in 2012.

    The intentions of Power to Choose were good — help Texans shop for electricity. Unfortunately, the Power to Choose has become the Power to Confuse. Energy providers offers a bunch of teaser electricity rates, all hiding behind an average price per kWh that “looks” fair.

    The most common mistake people make when using the power to choose is not understanding the three electricity rates shown on the Electricity Facts Label. That’s because people don’t understand how to read the EFL. Few customers understand the three rate structure. And they sign up thinking that those are the exact rates that they’ll be paying for a range of usage.

    The truth is, on the Power to Choose site, there are a lot of plans look good at 1000 kWh. That’s the default usage level for the Power to Choose Texas site. But these are tiered rates or bill credit rates. They look good at a specific level of usage. But use more or less? And you’ll pay more than what you expected.

    Best Alternative to Power to Choose – ElectricityPlans.com

    That’s why we created ElectricityPlans.com as an alternative to Power to Choose. When you look at PowertoChoose vs. ElectricityPlans, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to shop for electricity.

    You’ll find tools that let you:

    • Shop based on your unique monthly usage.
    • See both your price per kWh and your estimated monthly bill for every plan.
    • Use search tools to look for just the features you want, like fixed rate electricity plans or 100% Texas green energy plans.
    • Review one-line plan summaries and rates to see if it’s the plan for you
    • See the fine print highlighted for each electricity plan.
    • Sign up for electricity plan expiration reminders after you shop.

    Residents can compare energy providers to find the energy plan to meet their needs. When you compare offers and find the cheapest plan, you save on your electricity bill!

    shop for electricity
    Shopping for electricity should be simple. ElectricityPlans.com is the best alternative to Power to Choose.

    Choosing an Energy Provider – Tools That Make it Easy

    It should be easy to shop for electricity, just like anything you buy online. ElectricityPlans.com is a simple alternative to Power to Choose and helps you find the best electricity plan for your home.

    Instead of shopping based on 500, 1000 or 2000 kWh, you can shop using your monthly kWh usage. We’ll recalculate every rate for you! That way you can find the plan that’s best for you…not best for the person using 1000 kWh a month.

    electricity bill calculator

    We comb through the details for you and show the exact pricing for each plan in an easy-to-read format. Type in your average usage level and we’ll calculate what your bill will be whether you use 500 kWh, 5000 kWh, or something in between. That gives you the ability to choose the electricity plan that matches your usage.

    Plan Details and Bill Calculator example for Electricity Plans.

    For each plan, we have a one line description to help you decide. You can also check the full Pricing Details section where we break down the math in the Electricity Facts Label.

    Make sure to sort by “Price: Low to High” to select a low price plan.

    You can also choose by type of plan. We always recommend you select a basic electricity plan. This type of electricity plan gives you the same fixed rate per kilowatt hour regardless of your usage. Other plans have tiered rates or bill credits that may make you think you’re paying less than you actually do. You can also pick 100% renewable plans like solar or wind.

    Compare companies to find energy plans that are right for you. That includes looking at contract length, differences between offers and special incentives.

    And if you need more help shopping? Our PlanScan service will evaluate your bill and make recommendations based on your electricity usage patterns, at no charge.

    FAQs About Texas Power to Choose

    What is a good kWh rate in Texas?

    Electricity rates vary depending on location, term, type of plan and other factors. Your best bet is to follow Texas electricity trends, and use comparison shopping to find the cheapest electricity rates in Texas.

    What is freedom to choose energy in Texas?

    Electricity deregulation in Texas means you have the freedom to choose energy in Texas. You choose your electricity supplier, rate and plan to fit your needs. Your local utility company continues to deliver power to your home, read your meter and respond to any emergencies. Your supplier, called a Retail Electricity Provider, provides power, sends your bill and handles customer service.

    Why are electricity prices so high in Texas?

    Electricity rates in Texas are 13% lower than the national average, but 20% higher than they were just 5 years ago. Factors impacting electricity rates in Texas include population and economic growth, regulatory changes and aging infrastructure.

    What is the average electric bill in Texas right now?

    The average electricity bill in Texas is $172.05, plus taxes and fees. That’s based on an average rate per kWh of 14.63 cents multiplied by average Texas electricity usage of 1,176 kWh a month.

    Why is there no Power to Choose for commercial electricity?

    While businesses can choose their electricity provider in Texas, there is no Power to Choose site for commercial electricity. When the Power to Choose site was created, most providers didn’t publish business electricity rates. Plus electricity rates and delivery rates depend on your commercial load factor and demand charges. Business owners in Texas can use ElectricityPlans as a power to choose alternative for commercial electricity rates.

    About Rebecca Bridges

    Rebecca Bridges has worked in deregulated energy markets since 2001. As chief marketing officer for ElectricityPlans, she focuses on helping consumers save on their electricity bills and find the best electricity plans. Outside of work, Rebecca uses her marketing experience to support dog rescue and can often be found hiking or biking local trails.

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