Should I Compare Electricity Rates When Choosing My Plan?
Because of how many different electricity providers and plans there are in Texas, numerous electricity comparison tools and websites have been created. These sites are designed to help you compare electricity rates to find the best and most affordable plan. While there’s certainly a time and a place for comparison tools, they aren’t foolproof or perfect.
If you’re searching for a new electricity plan in Texas, you’ve come to the right place. This article will look at how to compare electricity rates, the value of doing so, and whether or not there’s a better way. We’ll also look at how electricity comparison tools work and their potential dangers. Let's get started!
- What is the Best Way to Compare Electricity Rates?
- How do Electricity Comparison Tools Work?
- Pros and Cons of Using a Comparison Tool
- Pros and Cons of Using a Concierge Service
- Who to Turn to If You Don’t Want to Compare Electricity Rates
What is the Best Way to Compare Electricity Rates?
To date, there are more than 120 retail electric providers in Texas, and many of them offer several different electricity plans. Altogether, depending on where you live, you could choose between hundreds or even thousands of different plans. Various companies have created electricity comparison tools to make this task more manageable and less stressful.
Electricity comparison tools are the quickest and easiest way to compare electricity rates. They can be standalone companies or part of a larger organization. There are two types of electricity comparison tools - those that compare plans but let you make the final decision and those that choose your plan for you. Those that choose the plan for you are known as electricity concierge services.
How do Electricity Comparison Tools Work?
Comparison Tools
While every comparison tool has its own nuances and features, here’s how most of them work. Remember, this is how COMPARISON-ONLY tools work and not how electricity concierge services work.
- You enter your zip code into their database.
- They compile a list of all the plans and companies available in your area.
- You then have the power to choose which company and plan you prefer.
- You either sign up for your new electricity service, or the comparison tool does it for you.
Concierge Services
If you decide to use an electricity concierge service, they work slightly differently.
- Enter your zip code into their database.
- Enter additional information about the size of your home, the type of plan you want, and how much electricity you use monthly.
- The concierge service will choose your plan based on your information and preferences.
- The concierge service will also monitor your plan, watch out for upgrades, and re-enroll you at the end of your contract.
Pros and Cons of Using a Comparison Tool
Pros
- Compiles a list of all the electricity plans in your zip code
- It can save you time and money while making your choice
- Don’t choose your electricity provider, but let you make the choice instead
Cons
- Some comparison tools charge a fee for their service
- Some comparison tools have deals with REPs, which means they’ll direct you to their plans
We recommend using a comparison tool for the best way to compare electricity rates. Comparison tools make choosing an electricity provider quick and easy without actually choosing for you.
Pros and Cons of Using a Concierge Service
Pros
- Compile a list of all the electricity plans in your area.
- Will choose your electricity plan for you.
- Manage and monitor your plan in case there are changes or extra charges.
- Take the stress and time out of comparing electricity rates.
Cons
- You don’t get a say in the final decision of who your provider is.
- The cost of using a concierge service is sometimes more than what you’ll save by finding a cheaper plan.
- Your concierge service might switch plans in the middle of a contract if they think a better option is available. This can lead to power outages, early termination fees, and other issues.
- Some concierge services have deals with REPs and sign you up for their plans even if they aren’t the best option.
One of the biggest complaints we’ve seen about electricity concierge services is that customers aren’t happy with the plans they choose. Customers love the idea of not having the worry, stress, or time consumption of comparing electricity rates. However, they get very irritated when they realize they’re paying way more for electricity than they were in the past.
Comparison tools and concierge services also don’t consider the rewards and benefits of electricity plans. So, regardless of which method you use to compare electricity rates, neither of them are perfect. There’s always a chance you’ll sign up for a plan that doesn’t benefit you in the long run. Contact us if you want to remove the guesswork and sign up for the best fixed-rate electricity plan in Texas.
Who to Turn to If You Don’t Want to Compare Electricity Rates
If you want to take your destiny into your own hands and bypass the need to compare electricity rates, turn to GoodCharlie Energy. We’re one of Texas's newest and best retail electric providers, and we exclusively offer fixed-rate electricity plans. We also like to keep things simple, so we offer three plan options to each of our customers.
To date, we offer some of the lowest and most affordable electricity rates in Texas. No matter where you’re located, we’ll be one of the top options in your area.
Reasons to Sign Up With GoodCharlie Energy
In addition to offering competitive rates on our electricity plans, here are a few other reasons to consider enrolling in a plan with GoodCharlie.
Unmatched Pack Benefits that are geared towards helping your pets stay safe.- A dedication to making Texas the best place for a dog to live in.
- Outstanding customer service and a handy blog to answer all your pet and electricity questions.
- We’re partnered with several of the top animal shelters in Houston and send monthly donations their way.
- Renewable energy options on each of our plans.
To date, we’ve donated nearly $50,000 to animal shelters and have impacted the lives of more than 300 animals. We’re truly a company that cares about more than the bottom line, and we’d love to partner with you. Contact us to make the change to GoodCharlie and start saving money and lives today!