If your electricity bill feels unusually high, your plan might be part of the problem. KPRC 2’s Amy Davis shares that common shopping mistakes could be costing Texas consumers hundreds of dollars a year.
Jennifer Coulter, with Texas Power Agents, helps customers find the best electricity rates. She says it’s common for people to be confused about electricity rates and shopping. The results = higher bills.
Mistake #1 - Thinking gimmicks will save you money
She says one of the biggest mistakes is falling for promotional offers that sound good but end up being more expensive.
“For every hour you aren’t paying much for your electricity, the hours you are paying could be above market,” Coulter explained. “A fixed-rate plan is usually a better deal because it keeps your price steady per kilowatt hour, no matter the time of day.”
Mistake #2 - Staying loyal to the same company for too long
Another common misstep is staying loyal to the same provider for too long.
“Loyalty isn’t rewarded,” Coulter said. “When contracts expire, we move customers to new suppliers because new customer rates are often lower than renewal offers from their current company.”
Mistake #3 - Believing a name-brand provider means better service
“During storms, all customers are served by the same utility — in Houston, that’s CenterPoint,” Coulter said. “It doesn’t matter who you pay for electricity. The reliability is the same.”
Coulter also cautions against signing up for plans with complicated rate tiers that require constant monitoring to avoid higher prices.
Now may be the best time to shop for a new plan, before rates rise again in the summer or winter. Coulter recommends a six-month contract to lock in a good price, then re-evaluate in the spring when rates may drop.
Texans can also sign up for a free Smart Meter Texas account to track daily usage and manage energy costs more effectively.