The Best Little Electric Company in Texas?

September 14, 2010 10:13 AM

Help my sister choose a Retail Electric Provider in Arlington, Texas!

She's willing to pay a little extra for green power, and would prefer not to sign a contract longer than 6 months. She checked out a couple of comparison sites, but the options are overwhelming. Any recommendations or disparagements of specific companies would be appreciated! Things to watch out for would also be helpful.

On preview, I saw this previous question from 2008, which didn't get much of a response. I'm hoping a few more of you might have suggestions two years later.

On the fixed/variable rate question: if she is out-of-state every summer, does she have to worry about price spikes? I assumed those happened when everybody turned on his air conditioning simultaneously.

posted by blue grama to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

I use Gexa Energy, though I didn't sign up for their green power plan (don't hate me!). I signed a year-long contract (at a fixed rate) because that's how long my lease is. There was an option for a half-year contract at a slightly higher rate. I remember the green power rate being slightly more expensive still.

I'd be concerned about the variable vs. fixed rate if her place has electric heat. The Metroplex had a fairly wicked winter last year (by Texas standards) and I would imagine energy providers would have used that to their advantage to raise prices.* If she's got the room in her budget for a couple of high utility bills, then it matters much less. I chose the fixed rate because I don't like surprises.

*I am completely making this up. I have no proof of this happening and this is pure supposition. But it really was cold up there last winter.
posted by heathergirl at 11:35 AM on September 14, 2010

And to answer your actual question, I am completely happy with Gexa. I don't feel like I have unreasonable fees and other nonsense added on to my bill and they've got an easy to navigate web site. I set up my bill for autopay and it's done.
posted by heathergirl at 11:37 AM on September 14, 2010

Review all the options at Power To Choose. Then carefully review the terms of the contracts being offered, because the top-line info that PTC displays doesn't always include all the terms that the full contract defines.

This is in my wheelhouse, I subcontract for a REP in Texas doing software development.
posted by clicking the 'Post Comment' button at 12:18 PM on September 14, 2010