Switching electric companies (Spring: prices, renewal, cheapest)

[mirotek]

Hi everyone,


I am relatively new to Texas and have a few questions about the electric services.

1. My contract expires on November 15. When I sign up for a new contract, should I have the new one start on that date? I want to avoid a contract breaking fee.

2. Are electric plans cheaper in hotter or cooler months? Right now I'm seeing about 10.1 cents per kWh. Should I expect that price to increase or decrease as it gets closer to cold weather? I'm wondering if it's better to get a 12mo contract or get a 3-4mo contract and check rates in Feb or Mar.

3. Do most of you switch companies when your contract is up? It seems that most companies offer low prices for only new customers. Renewal rates are higher.

[jackalope48]

1. Yes tell them you are switching and your expiration date so they put the order in correctly.
2. Usually cheapest when Natural gas is cheapest which tends to be in moderate weather months.(Fall/Spring usually but they've been on a tear lately)
3. I bundle with a business account so don't typically switch much. Natural gas is much higher than it was a year ago. Be careful of teaser rates from small companies; high fees and odd contract language usually come with it.