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Since Texas deregulated utilities several years ago, consumers have elected to shop for competitive electricity rates in growing numbers. As competitors have entered the market, several websites have come along with tools for comparing their rates and plans. HoustonConsumerChoice.com and ElectricityTexas.com allow consumers to learn about renewable energy, compare plans and rates, order new services, transfer existing services, switch providers, or choose from other value-added services. With these tools, lowering your electric bills is possible in just a few easy steps — and several providers include exclusive web offers for additional savings.

Houston’s mayor, Bill White, was early to adopt a competitive outlook and helped establish the City of Houston’s website HoustonConsumerChoice.com, offering shopping alternatives for electricity and health care. As Mayor White states on the website, becoming an informed consumer allows us to make the best decisions for ourselves and our families. HoustonElectricityChoice.com contains valuable resources explaining the new competitive market for electricity including a list of providers, answers to common questions like switching and transfer hassles, and tools for comparing fixed, variable, or renewable energy pricing.

ElectricityTexas.com, promoting itself as the #1 site for comparing and ordering electricity in Texas, includes information on deregulation, providers, service areas and more. The site also includes links to add-ons like moving services. Once in the site, you can type in your address and retrieve a listing of current offers including plan names, contract terms, fees, energy type and special savings offers. The price per kilowatt-hour is prominently displayed for easy comparison. After reviewing the current offers for your address, it’s easy to complete your selection and submit an offer.

When viewing offerings on ElectricityTexas.com, you’ll find a listing of the most popular electricity companies available for your address. Many of the providers offer more than one program with alternative payment schedules and prices. For example, not every provider offers green energy solutions, and when I checked on my home address, only Reliant, Green Mountain Energy, First Choice Power, and Amigo Energy had renewable energy programs. For those interested, Amigo Energy’s 100% renewable energy program consists of power generated from eco-friendly means such as wind or hydro-power, emitting no greenhouse gases. Green Mountain’s Pollution Free Plan includes clean power generation from wind and water sources. Reliant Energy’s OneRate Secure Wind Plan derives 100% of its power from wind sources. First Choice Power’s Simply Better Earth Saver Plan provides 100% renewable energy, but doesn’t specify the source.

Deregulation reduced state and local governments control over energy rates, making comparison shopping essential for eco-friendly and frugal consumers. By shopping around for the best rates, consumers foster market competitiveness, keeping energy providers attentive to changes in demand for their services. Whether your preference is for renewable energy or the lowest possible rate, consumers have several good alternatives in today’s market, and with the convenience of the internet, finding the service that best meets your needs is right at hand.

Sites offering electric bill comparison information

• Houston Electricity Choice
• ElectricityTexas
• ElectricChoiceForTexas