Prepaid Lights

  Texas is one of the handfuls of states which has undergone energy deregulation. Deregulation attempts to minimize monopolies on the market of energy providers by allowing an increase in competition. For Texans, it means that you can shop around for the best energy company much the same as you would for an insurance policy.    There are many reasons and incentives that electricity providers in Texas use as a means to market their company. Plans range in prices, but also offer items such as price protection, customer service, or freedom of choice. You can determine to purchase on the plan over another based on prices, the term, the customer ratings, and many other options.   If you find yourself in a position to want to switch providers, here are a few tips you should keep in mind.   Contract Status Review your current contract thoroughly to determine whether you are bound to any specific rules concerning switching. Some providers will require you to fu...

  As you watch the period increases in your bill year after year, you may be wondering what causes the change. The truth is that electricity is a complex commodity the same as natural gas or oil, and prices can continuously change, especially since they can also be influenced by something like global markets.    Besides flipping the switch to turn on your lights, there is a lot that goes into the process itself from the equipment that is used to generate your power to the delivery system. This means that there are a couple of different factors, both small and large, that could impact the price of the electricity you pay, even if you are charged based on the seasonal demand.   Supply and their Costs No matter the type of materials that are used to generate your electricity , such as nuclear, coal, or oil, it comes down to the supply and the price of that supply. As with any other commodity, the amount that is available for public use can vary from one day to the...

When it comes to electricity consumption, just how “smart” are smart meters? What is a so-called “smart meter” even capable of? These devices, which an estimated 70 million American homes are using (according to the U. S. Department of Energy), manage and record usage and performance of electronic devices. Smart meters cut out the middle man (or technician) by accurately assessing data on electrical usage in real-time or pre-determined time intervals—thus the “smart” moniker. Sounds pretty…smart, huh? Smart meters for consumers are used to replace traditional analog monitors that are read manually on a monthly basis. These modern meters are being implemented at a rapid pace whenever and wherever possible.   Now that we know what a smart meter is , let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of smart meters for consumers  and electric companies alike.   “Pros” for Consumers and Electric Companies:          Cost benefits and competitive prici...

Power outages are an inevitable reality that homeowners have to deal with from time to time. For the most part, outages are nothing more than a minor inconvenience. But what if an outage lasts longer than a couple of hours? A lack of electricity could affect your family's safety, health, and comfort. It's always good to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Use these power outage tips and tricks to ensure that you're ready. Invest in Backup Power Options Backup power generators can be very useful when power is out for an extended period. Consider purchasing one if you rely on power for medical supplies. For example, they're essential if you have medications that need refrigeration, oxygen machines, or CPAP machines. You can obtain generators from most big-box stores. There are a few different types of backup power equipment available. The right option for you will depend on your needs. Whole-home generators can power your entire home with enough fuel. But, they wil...

If you are like a growing number of people, you want a better understanding of how you can control your energy use. You may want to get a better idea of how much energy you use to save money , you may want to leave a smaller carbon footprint or both. With that in mind, a key question you likely have is what uses the most electricity in a household? Water Heater In the typical household in the United States, the appliance that uses the most energy is the water heater. Industry experts advise that about 14% of electricity in a residence powers the typical water heater. The water heater is something a homeowner has a considerable amount of control over. For example, you can lower the amount of energy used on your water heater by lowering the temperature. In addition, you can save money on the operation of the water heater in your residence by lowering usage. Washer and Dryer Although the hot water heater in a typical residence is the appliance at the head of the pack when it comes to el...

Consumers who consider purchasing electric cars, not the popular and more common "hybrids" but the all-electric vehicles, want to know things like how long to charge electric car, the average charging time electric cars, and how much electricity do electric cars use. It's only natural to wonder about these energy-saving, particularly when they're still relatively new to the market. Hybrid-electric vehicles contain a small electric motor as well as a the gasoline-powered engine that work together. Contrast these hybrids with the so-called "pure," or all-electric cars that run on nothing but electricity. When looking at energy usage rates for electric cars, we're talking about the fully electric vehicles, not the hybrids. It's too hard to make comparisons about hybrid cars because they sometimes use electric power and sometimes don't. Cost of Electricity For Cars For an "average electric car," the cost of the electricity used is a...