Depending on where you live in Texas, you might have the option of choosing your own retail electric provider. If you have this option, it also means you're allowed to switch from one electricity provider to another. However, the process of switching providers can be complicated and costly if you don't know what you're doing and if you aren't aware of the terms of your current contract.
If you live in Texas and you're interested in switching electricity providers, you've come to the right place. This article will look at everything you need to know about making the switch, as well as reasons to do so. We'll also answer some of the most common questions related to switching electricity providers and what to expect during the process.
- Can I Switch Electricity Providers in Texas?
- Reasons to Switch Electricity Providers
- How to Switch Electric Providers in Texas
- How Long Does It Take to Switch Electric Providers?
- Things to Watch Out for When Switching Electric Providers
- Can I Choose My Electric Supplier?
- How to Switch to GoodCharlie Energy
Can I Switch Electricity Providers in Texas?
Whether or not you can switch electricity providers in Texas depends entirely on your zip code and where you're located. Most of Texas, roughly 80% of the state, has a deregulated electricity market. This includes major cities such as Houston, Dallas, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, and their surrounding metros and suburbs.
Deregulation means that the electricity market isn't regulated by the state or federal government. In addition to meaning that anyone can start their own electricity company, deregulation also means that most Texas residents can choose their own electricity provider. As a general rule, if you can choose your own provider, it also means you can switch from one provider to another. Therefore, if you live in a deregulated part of Texas, you can switch electricity providers.
Reasons to Switch Electricity Providers
Ultimately, you don't really need a reason to switch electricity providers. REPs don't have the power to prevent you from leaving their electricity plan if you don't want to stay. However, it's not always wise or prudent to switch electricity plans because it can be a bit of a hassle. Here are three of the main reasons why people switch electricity providers.
You're Moving
While some electricity providers operate in all areas of deregulated Texas, many of them operate with a limited reach. Therefore, if you're moving to a new city or part of Texas, it's possible that your current provider isn't available in that area. This means that you'll have to switch electricity providers whether you want to or not.
You Want a Different Type of Plan
In addition to lots of different electricity provider options, Texas also has a number of different types of electricity plans. It's possible that you are currently dealing with a prepaid, flat-rate, or variable-rate electricity plan and want to switch to a fixed-rate one.
You Found a Better Rate
Finally, one of the most common reasons for switching electricity providers is that you found a better deal and rate than what's offered with your current plan. Because Texas has a competitive electricity market, this is often the case.
How to Switch Electricity Providers in Texas
Once you find out whether or not you're allowed to switch electric providers and decide that you want to make the switch, here's what you need to do.
- The first step is to find out who your current electricity provider is.
- Next, examine the terms of your current electricity plan and the type of plan it is. You can find this information, along with your current electricity rate, on your monthly power bill.
- Determine which REPs and plans are available in your area and compare the various rates, terms, and benefits. If GoodCharlie Energy is available in your area, there's a good chance we have the best rates available.
- When you know which provider and plan you prefer, contact the provider offering the plan and notify them that you want to switch to them.
- The provider will then switch over your plan and contact your old provider, notifying them that you're no longer their customer.
Overall, switching electricity providers in Texas is fairly simple and straightforward.
How Long Does It Take to Switch Electric Providers?
The total process of switching providers varies from company to company. In general, however, the switch will happen within a maximum of 7 business days. Depending on who you're switching to, however, the process can be completed in a single day.
Things to Watch Out for When Switching Electric Providers
Just because you're allowed to switch electricity providers doesn't always mean that it's a smart decision. If you're currently enrolled in a fixed-rate contract, for example, most REPs in Texas have early termination fees. This fee can range anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars, all the way up to $500. You'll have to check the terms and conditions of your specific plan to know for sure.
Because of these steep fees, it might not always be worth it to switch electricity providers. It's only worth it if you have a low early termination fee, you're nearing the end of your current contract, you don't have an early termination fee, or the savings from your new contract are more than the fee you incur from leaving your current one.
Can I Choose My Electric Supplier?
If you live in a deregulated part of Texas, your electric supplier and provider aren't necessarily the same thing. Your electric provider is a privately-owned retail electric provider, and you have the power to choose them. Your electric supplier, however, refers to the local utility company that supplies or delivers electricity to your home. These companies are government-owned and operated, and you don't have the power to choose them.
How to Switch Electricity Providers to GoodCharlie Energy
If you live in a part of Texas where GoodCharlie Energy is available and you want to switch to us, you're about to make a great decision! The switching process is very similar to the method listed above. All you have to do is contact us, either online or over the phone, and notify us of which plan you'd like to switch to. We'll then verify that it's available in your area and start the switching process immediately.
We'll even notify your current electricity provider about your decision so that you don't have to deal with them. Finally, we'll notify your local utility company about the switch to ensure that there's no loss of electricity during the process. We make switching electricity providers as quick and easy as possible and save you hundreds of dollars in the process. Contact us to learn more or to make the switch today!
