Life is full of tough choices, and your utilities are at the top of the list. Choosing the right energy provider is challenging, and Texas's highly competitive energy market only complicates matters. While millions of Americans don't have the opportunity to choose their own light company, most residents of Texas do.
This article will look at why there are so many light companies and power companies in Texas. We'll also look at how to choose the right one for you and whether or not GoodCharlie Energy fits the bill. Contact us to find out about the best rates and electric deals in Texas!
- Why are There so Many Light Companies in Texas?
- What is a REP?
- What to Look for in a REP
- Is GoodCharlie Energy the REP for Me?
Why are There so Many Light Companies in Texas?
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the energy and electricity market. A big part of the reason for the stiff energy competition in Texas is because of deregulation. Deregulation happened in the early 2000s and essentially means that most Texans have the power to choose their electric provider.
While not all Texans have this privilege, over 80% of them do, including residents of Houston and surrounding areas. Although deregulation means that you have the freedom to choose your electric plan and provider, it can also lead to headaches and frustration.
Since deregulation was implemented in Texas, over 120 retail electric providers (REPs) have formed. The high number of REPs gives you many options to choose from, but it can also complicate your life because every REP typically offers between 6 and 12 different electric plans. Knowing which one of these many companies and plans to choose is daunting, to say the least.
What is a REP?
The many different light companies competing for your electric services are known as REPs or retail electric providers. REPs buy electricity from companies that create electric energy by converting fossil fuels, solar power, and wind energy into electricity. After buying the electricity at wholesale value, REPs then sell it to you, the customer.
REPs work together with various Transmission and Distribution Utilities (TDUs) to ensure that electricity makes it from them to your home. Here is how the process works and why choosing a great REP is so essential.
- You do some research to determine which light companies sell electricity in your area. Contact us at GoodCharlie Energy to find out if we're an option!
- You pick a REP and select one of their electric plans.
- The REP purchases wholesale electric energy from power plants and delivery and maintenance services from a local TDU.
- The REP and TDU work together to ensure that electricity makes it to your home.
- You don't have to worry about paying the TDU or the company that created the electricity. You only pay the REP, and they make sure all other parties get compensated.
REPs essentially act as a middle-man between you and your electricity, so having a light company you can trust is essential. Your REP is who you will contact with any electricity or pricing questions, as well as if there's a power outage.
What to Look for in a REP
Choosing the right REP is one of the most significant decisions you'll face as a homeowner or renter. Your utility bills will be sky-high or extremely low based on the power company and electricity plan you choose. Here are some of the things you should look for when selecting your REP.
Transparency and Integrity
Electricity plans and pricing structures are tricky and confusing. Many REPs look for ways to sneak hidden rates and fees into their contracts and lock you up for several years with no way to get out. GoodCharlie Energy, however, makes it a point to have transparency and integrity at the forefront of all of our electricity plans and business dealings. You won't have to worry about price hikes or hidden fees when you sign up with us!
Low Rates
As with all things in life, finding an electricity plan with rates that fit your budget is highly important. For that reason, we offer several plans to choose from, including those that have fixed rates or variable rates. Regardless of the plan you ultimately choose, we'll make sure you understand the terms of the deal and roughly what you should plan to budget for electricity each month.
Good Customer Service
Remember, you'll be relying on your REP when there's a power outage to make sure that electricity gets restored promptly. The REP doesn't personally restore electricity, but we'll ensure to stay on top of the TDU servicing your area and ensure they're doing everything to get your lights back on.
We also pride ourselves on taking extra time to make sure that any questions or concerns you have are addressed in a timely manner.
A Company That Cares
Most importantly, you should choose a REP that cares about you and the other members of your household. GoodCharlie Energy is extra invested in making sure that you have an affordable rate and don't lose power because we care about every member of your household, including the furry ones.
In fact, we have a partnership with Houston Pets Alive, a leading dog rescue facility in Houston. Together, we're working to make Texas the best place for you and your canine friends to live your lives to the fullest. That extra care and concern make us a top REP for Texans who love dogs as much as we do.
Is GoodCharlie Energy the REP for Me?
If you're looking for excellent customer service, affordable energy rates, and a company that cares, GoodCharlie Energy is the REP for you. The electricity market in Texas is fierce, but that doesn't mean we can't provide excellent service while saving dogs in the process. We offer our customers a pet emergency fund, 24/7 vet video access, and a promise to support local shelters. Our goal is not only to provide you with the best electricity rates and service in Texas but also to make sure that dogs in Texas are safe and cared for.
