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The 3-Hour Texas Electricity Shopping Nightmare (And How to Avoid It)
It’s 10:47 PM on a Tuesday. You’ve finally carved out time to deal with your expiring electricity contract. You open Power to Choose because, well, it’s the official site. It’s what everyone uses. It’s what your neighbor recommended. It’s literally the first result when you Google “Texas electricity rates.”
What could go wrong?
[Everything.]
You enter your zip code—the page loads. And suddenly you’re staring at 127 different electricity plans, each one more confusing than the last.
“8.9¢ per kWh!”*
“Free nights and weekends!”**
“Bill credit at 1000 kWh!”***
*Only at exactly 1000 kWh. Use 999 or 1001? Different rate.
**Days cost double. Hope you work from home.
***Credit disappears if you use 1001 kWh. Good luck with that.
Your browser tab—the one that says “Power to Choose – Shop for Electricity”—might as well say “Abandon Hope, All Ye Who Enter Here.”
Key Takeaways
- Power to Choose is the official website for comparing electricity rates and energy plans in Texas.
- Power to Choose displays limited usage rates, which can result in unexpected costs if your energy usage varies.
- A marketplace that compares plans based on your energy habits can help you avoid hidden fees and find the best plan for you.
Table of Contents
What is Power to Choose in Texas?
Power to Choose is Texas’s official, state-run electricity shopping website. Created by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, it’s designed to be your one-stop shop for comparing electricity plans from dozens of providers across the state.
The idea is simple and genuinely helpful: Instead of visiting 50+ individual provider websites, Texans can go to one neutral, government-operated platform to compare rates, read plan details, and make informed decisions about their electricity service.
In theory, Power to Choose should be a deregulated market success story—a transparent marketplace where competition drives down prices and consumers win.
In practice? Well…
Right now, 37,000 Texans have PowerToChoose.com open in a browser tab. They’ve entered their zip code with hope in their hearts. They’ve clicked that orange “Compare Rates” button thinking they’re minutes away from saving money on their electricity bill.
What they’ve actually done is started a 3-hour journey through hell.
The Traditional 3-Hour Death March
Let me walk you through what you’re about to endure. I’ve done this dance myself more times than I care to admit, and I’ve watched thousands of Texans stumble through the same infuriating process.
Hour 1: The Power to Choose Purgatory
You start where everyone starts: PowerToChoose.com, the state’s official electricity shopping site. It feels legitimate. Government-run. Unbiased.
Then you enter your zip code and—sweet mother of Edison—you’re staring at 127 different plans.
The prices make no sense. One says 8.9¢ per kWh. Another says 11.2¢. But wait—that first one jumps to 15.8¢ if you use more than 1,000 kWh. Or less than 500 kWh. Basically, it’s only 8.9¢ if you use exactly 1,000 kWh, which is about as likely as hitting exactly 1,000 on your car’s odometer while parallel parking.
You click “Fact Sheet” on the first plan. A PDF downloads. Then another. And another. Soon, your Downloads folder looks like a cemetery where hope goes to die.
Time elapsed: 45 minutes,
Tabs open: 7
Actual progress: Zero

Hour 2: The EFL Archaeological Dig
EFL stands for Electricity Facts Label, though a more accurate name would be Extremely Frustrating Literature.
These documents are masterpieces of obfuscation. It’s like providers hired the same people who write pharmaceutical side effects warnings and asked them to make it worse.
You pull out your calculator. Let’s see… if you used 1,247 kWh last month, and the rate is 8.9¢ for the first 1,000 kWh, but 14.2¢ for usage above that, plus a $9.95 base charge, divided by the total usage…
Your actual rate: 14.6¢ per kWh.
Not 8.9¢.
You check another provider. Their “simple” plan has only four different price tiers based on usage, two seasonal adjustments, a demand charge you need an engineering degree to understand, and something called a “capacity recovery factor” that sounds made up but apparently isn’t.
Time elapsed: 1 hour 45 minutes
Tabs open: 14
Spreadsheets started: 2
Times you’ve whispered profanities: 47
➤ Read: Why Texas electricity plans often cost more than advertised »
Hour 3: The Comparison Paralysis
You’ve narrowed it down to five plans. Maybe. You think.
Your kitchen table looks like a scene from A Beautiful Mind, if John Nash was trying to solve the electricity market instead of game theory. You’ve got:
- Your last 12 months of bills (half of which you had to dig out of your email)
- A spreadsheet with formulas you’re 70% sure are correct
- Multiple calculator apps open because you don’t trust just one
- A growing suspicion that this is exactly how the power companies want you to feel
You text your neighbor: “Who do you use for electricity?”
They respond: “IDK, whoever my apartment set up. Why?”
You resist the urge to throw your phone.
➤ Read: What are Advertised Rates? How to Avoid Gimmicky Pricing and Find Your Best Plan »
Why It’s This Complicated (Hint: It’s Not an Accident)
Here’s something the electricity providers hope you never figure out: The confusion is the point.
Industry experts call it a “confusopoly”—a market where companies compete on confusion rather than price. When pricing becomes too complex to compare, consumers give up and pick something, hoping for the best.
Think about it. In a truly competitive market, providers would race to offer the simplest, clearest pricing. “Here’s our rate. Period.” Instead, we get pricing structures that would make a derivatives trader nervous.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas has acknowledged this issue. In their 2023 market report, they noted that “pricing complexity remains a significant barrier to effective competition in the retail electric market.” Translation: Even the regulators know it’s a mess.
The Hidden Costs of Complexity
Beyond the obvious frustration, this complexity has real costs:
Time: Based on our analysis of 47,000+ ComparePower users, people spend an average of 3.2 hours comparing electricity plans when doing it manually. That’s nearly half a workday.
Money: Our data shows most Texans end up paying 20-40% more than necessary because they chose based on advertised rates rather than actual costs at their usage.
Stress: In our user surveys, one in three Texans reported that shopping for electricity was more stressful than doing their taxes.
Procrastination: We’ve found nearly half of people whose contracts expired simply let themselves roll onto a month-to-month variable holdover rate—almost always the most expensive option—because they couldn’t face the comparison process again.
The Psychology of the Hunt
What makes this especially maddening is that you know you’re probably getting played, but you can’t quite figure out how.
It triggers what psychologists call “optimization anxiety”—the fear that there’s a better deal out there, combined with the impossibility of actually finding it. You become convinced that if you just spend another hour, open another spreadsheet, factor in one more variable, you’ll crack the code.
But here’s the thing: The house always wins when the house writes rules no one can understand.
What If You Could Skip All This?
Now imagine a different scenario.
Instead of 3 hours, 14 tabs, and a kitchen table that looks like a crime scene, you could:
- Connect to your Smart Meter data (the same info your utility already has)
- See your real usage patterns—not estimates or averages
- Get accurate cost comparisons based on how you use electricity
- Find your best plan in under 10 minutes
No calculators. No spreadsheets. No trying to predict whether you’ll use 897 or 1,003 kWh next month.
This isn’t some electricity shopping fantasy. It’s what 81,590 Texans are already doing with Live Link™.
➤ Find Your Best Plan with Live Link »
The 10-Minute Method That Changes Everything
Here’s how Maria from Houston described her experience last month:
“I’d blocked off my entire Sunday afternoon to deal with my expiring contract. Had my coffee ready, bills printed, calculator charged. Then my sister told me about Live Link. I was done in 8 minutes. EIGHT MINUTES. I felt cheated—like I’d overprepared for a test that turned out to be one question.”
The difference? Live Link pulls your actual usage data directly from Smart Meter Texas—the same system your utility uses to bill you. No guessing. No estimating. No trying to remember if you run the AC more in August or September.
It shows you:
- Your exact usage patterns over the last 12 months
- How each plan would have charged you based on that real usage
- Your actual average rate—not the marketing nonsense
One comparison. Real data. Actual savings.
➤ Read: What’s Your Energy Plan Really Costing You?
The Beautiful Simplicity of Better Information
What makes this approach so powerful isn’t just the time saved. It’s the confidence that comes from making decisions based on reality instead of marketing math.
When you can see that Provider A would have cost you $1,847 last year while Provider B would have been $1,543, the choice becomes obvious. No anxiety. No second-guessing. No wondering if you missed some hidden catch in subsection 3.2.1 of the terms and conditions.
Your Next Move
Look, I’ve been writing about the Texas electricity market for over a decade. I’ve seen every pricing trick, every confusing contract term, every bait-and-switch “introductory rate” that disappears faster than brisket at a family reunion.
The traditional way of shopping for electricity is broken. It wastes your time, clouds your judgment, and usually costs you money.
You’ve got two choices:
- Block off the next 3 hours, brew a pot of coffee, and dive into the comparison chaos the old-fashioned way.
- Spend 10 minutes using your real data to find your best rate.
Your kitchen table will thank you.
Ready to skip the spreadsheet nightmare? Start your 10-minute comparison with Live Link »
Best Texas Electricity Rates for August 2025
Want to see plans available today? Here’s a snapshot of energy plans from major providers—the same ones you’d find after entering your zip code and starting your 3-hour comparison journey on Power to Choose.
Provider & Plan | Term | Rate per kWh |
---|---|---|
Frontier Utilities – Saver Plus 12 | 12 months | 10.1¢ |
4Change Energy – Maxx Saver Select 24 | 24 months | 10.6¢ |
Just Energy – Power Plus 24 | 24 months | 12.5¢ |
Reliant – Power Savings 12 | 12 months | 15.5¢ |
Constellation – 12Mo Usage Bill Credit | 12 months | 16.3¢ |
Power to Choose FAQs
What is Power to Choose?
Power to Choose is the official electricity marketplace managed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC).
On Power to Choose, you can compare rates, contract lengths, and plan types from Texas Retail Electricity Providers (REPs).
Is Powertochoose.org legit?
Yes, Power to Choose is a legitimate website operated by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT), a state government agency responsible for regulating the Texas electricity market. The PUCT created Power to Choose to provide Texas residents with an unbiased, transparent platform to compare electricity plans from various providers.
The information on Power to Choose, including plan details, pricing, and provider information, is submitted directly by the electricity companies and is subject to oversight by the PUCT. Providers must follow strict rules and regulations when listing their plans on the website to ensure accuracy and fairness.
However, it’s essential to understand that Power to Choose is a marketplace, not a regulatory body. While the PUCT strives to ensure the information on the website is accurate and up-to-date, it’s still the consumer’s responsibility to thoroughly review plan details, contract terms, and provider reputation before signing up for an electricity plan.
If you have concerns about a specific provider or plan listed on Power to Choose, contact the PUCT’s Customer Protection Division for assistance or file a complaint.
Is there a better alternative to Power to Choose when comparing electricity plans in Texas?
While Power to Choose is a valuable resource for Texas residents to compare electricity plans, it has some limitations. The website only provides a basic comparison of plans based on price, contract length, and renewable energy options, but it doesn’t consider a consumer’s specific electricity usage patterns. This means the plans listed on Power to Choose might not always be the most cost-effective or suitable for your household.
Compare Power, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive and personalized approach to comparing electricity plans. As an unaffiliated, independent marketplace, Compare Power provides several advantages over Power to Choose:
Usage-based recommendations: Compare Power analyzes your historical electricity usage data to provide personalized recommendations tailored to your unique energy needs. This ensures you find the most affordable plan that fits your consumption habits, saves money, and prevents unexpected high bills.
Transparent pricing: Compare Power displays all fees, charges, and contract terms upfront, so you know exactly what you’re signing up for. There are no hidden costs or surprises down the line.
Expert support: If you need assistance, Compare Power’s local energy experts can help you find the right electricity plan for your home. They can answer your questions, provide personalized recommendations, and assist you in making an informed decision.
Time-saving tools: With Compare Power’s user-friendly platform, you can quickly filter and compare plans from multiple providers in one place. The streamlined enrollment process allows you to sign up for your chosen plan in just a few clicks.
Business electricity rates: Unlike Power to Choose, which only caters to residential consumers, Compare Power also helps Texas businesses compare and select electricity plans tailored to their needs.
While Power to Choose remains a helpful starting point for exploring electricity plans in Texas, Compare Power offers a more advanced, user-centric alternative to help you find the best plan for your specific needs, save money, and avoid the pitfalls of choosing an unsuitable plan based on limited information.
I selected an electricity plan through Power to Choose. How do I pay my bill?
If you selected an electricity plan through Power to Choose, you must pay your bill directly to the provider you signed up with, not to Power to Choose. Your provider will send you monthly bills with instructions on how to pay, which may include options for online, phone, mail, or in-person payment. Pay your bill by the due date to avoid late fees or service interruptions.
Does Power to Choose list electricity rates for businesses?
No, the Power to Choose website, operated by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT), does not list business electricity rates. The website is designed to help residential consumers compare and select electricity plans from various providers in Texas.
However, businesses in Texas can still take advantage of the deregulated electricity market and shop for competitive rates from multiple providers. This is where Compare Power comes in.
Compare Power is an unaffiliated, independent marketplace that helps Texas businesses compare electricity rates from over 30 providers and find the right energy plan for their needs. Whether you have a small company with a monthly electricity bill under $1,000 or a large commercial facility with complex energy requirements, Compare Power has solutions tailored to your business.
For small businesses, Compare Power offers an online marketplace where you can instantly compare rates from multiple providers and enroll in a plan that fits your budget and energy usage. The process is simple, transparent, and can be completed online in just a few minutes.
If you have a more significant business with higher energy consumption, Compare Power’s business energy experts can provide personalized assistance and custom rate quotes. They will analyze your company’s energy needs, help you navigate procurement projects, and even assist with industrial installation design and rebate opportunities.
How does Power to Choose present electric rates, and is there a better way to compare them?
PowertoChoose.org, the official website of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), allows consumers to compare electricity rates from various providers in their area. The website lists plans with their corresponding rates, contract lengths, and renewable energy content.
However, there are a few limitations to how Power to Choose presents electric rates:
Limited usage pricing: Power to Choose only displays rates for three predefined usage points (500, 1000, and 2000 kWh per month), which may not accurately represent your household’s electricity consumption.
Lack of personalization: The rates displayed on Power to Choose are generic and do not account for your specific usage patterns, which can significantly impact your monthly costs.
Potential for hidden fees: While Power to Choose displays the average price per kWh for each plan, it may not always include all the fees, charges, and other costs that can affect your final bill.
In contrast, Compare Power offers a more accurate and personalized approach to comparing electric rates:
Usage-based rates: Compare Power analyzes your historical electricity usage data to provide rate comparisons tailored to your specific consumption patterns. This ensures you get the most accurate estimate of your monthly costs under each available plan.
Transparent pricing: Compare Power displays all fees, charges, and contract terms upfront, so you know exactly what you’re signing up for. There are no hidden costs or surprises down the line.
Apples-to-apples comparison: Power’s advanced algorithm calculates the total monthly cost for each plan based on your usage data, allowing you to compare plans side by side and easily make an informed decision.
Personalized recommendations: If you need assistance quickly, Compare Power’s local energy experts can provide customized recommendations based on your usage patterns, budget, and preferences.
While Power to Choose is a good starting point for exploring electric rates in Texas, Compare Power offers a more comprehensive and accurate way to compare rates tailored to your unique needs.
How do the electricity rates on Compare Power compare to those on Power to Choose?
Compare Power offers a more personalized and transparent approach to comparing plans. By analyzing your unique usage data and providing straightforward, upfront pricing information, we help you find the most cost-effective strategy for your specific needs.
Are there any reliable reviews of PowertoChoose.org?
Finding comprehensive, unbiased reviews of the platform can be challenging.
Lack of quality control: Power to Choose doesn’t vet the electricity providers or plans listed on its site, meaning consumers may encounter offers from unreliable or poorly rated companies.
Confusing plan information: The Electricity Facts Labels (EFLs) and Terms of Service documents provided on Power to Choose can be challenging to understand, as they contain complex jargon, hidden fees, and unclear terms.
No personalization: Power to Choose doesn’t consider a consumer’s unique energy needs, usage patterns, or preferences, which makes it challenging to find the most suitable plan for their household.
Limited customer feedback: While Power to Choose displays a complaint ratio for each provider, it lacks detailed information about customer experiences, making it difficult to gauge the quality of service each company offers.
In contrast, Compare Power offers a more user-friendly and reliable alternative to Power to Choose. Their platform provides:
– Personalized recommendations based on your actual energy usage
– Pre-screened providers with a proven track record of reliability and customer service
– Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees or confusing terms
– An easy-to-use interface with helpful tools and resources to guide your decision-making
– Exceptional customer support from local energy experts
While Power to Choose may seem like the go-to resource for comparing electricity plans in Texas, it’s crucial to be aware of its limitations and consider alternative platforms offering a more comprehensive, transparent, and user-focused approach.
What’s the difference between Compare Power and Power to Choose?
Power to Choose is the state-run marketplace for electricity providers, but it only shows rates at set usage levels. Compare Power provides more accurate pricing based on your usage, includes vetted providers, transparent rates, and expert support.
Who has the cheapest electricity rates in Texas?
Let’s be clear – no single provider is always the cheapest in Texas.
While companies like Gexa Energy, Frontier Utilities, and 4Change Energy often advertise low rates, the most affordable option depends on your location, the amount of power you use, and when you shop.
Don’t fall for the lowest advertised rate – compare plans using your actual usage to avoid getting burned.
Who is the cheapest electricity company?
The truth about cheap electricity in Texas? It’s not about which company, but which plan matches your usage.
While providers like Pulse Power, Chariot Energy, and Energy Texas often compete with low rates, your actual costs depend on your zip code, usage patterns, and plan type.
Don’t chase the lowest advertised rate – compare plans using your real usage data to find genuine savings.
Beyond Power to Choose
Power to Choose means well, but it often leaves Texans confused.
Don’t spend hours decoding complex electricity offers. There’s a more straightforward way.
Find Clarity on Your Best Energy Plan in Minutes, Not Hours
We’re on a mission to Unscrew Texas from confusing electricity bills.
Get personalized recommendations based on your energy habits and see transparent, all-inclusive pricing upfront so you can confidently shop and take control of your energy costs.
Ready to see your savings? Enter your ZIP code to start your personalized comparison.
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