Understanding Our Plan Ratings

Rating Plans – Simplifying Decisions

Looking for a fair electricity plan in Texas shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle.

That’s why we built a rating system that cuts through the complexity and rewards providers who play it straight with transparent pricing.

We keep the score of those genuinely looking out for you and those trying to hide costs in the fine print.

Because at the end of the day, you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for without having to decode marketing speak or hunt for hidden fees.

Here’s how we evaluate electricity plans:

Plan Rating Score Overview

Category	Maximum Points
Value	50
Rate Structure	35
Rate Consistency	15
Flexibility	30
Early Termination Fee	15
Satisfaction Guarantee	10
Contract Length	5
Features	20
Renewable Energy	15
Sign-up Incentives	5
Total Possible	100

Value – Peace of Mind Pricing

1. Rate Structure (35 Points) – How Your Plan Works

We look at how straightforward and honest the pricing is. Complex pricing often hides costs that can surprise you on your bill.

Flat Rate Plans (35 points) – One Simple Price

• Like a fixed-rate mortgage – your rate stays steady
• Know your cost before hitting the switch
• Your usage changes and your rate doesn’t

Bill Credit Plans (15-20 points) – Target-Based Savings

• Under 1,000 kWh usage (20 points)
• Over 1,000 kWh usage (15 points)

Bill credits can save you money, but they’re tricky:

• The most common is a $100 bill credit at specific usage levels
• Example: If you get a $100 credit at 1,000 kWh but use 999 kWh, you’ll pay $100 more that month
• Lower usage targets are easier to hit consistently
• Missing the target by just 1 kWh means no credit at all

Time-of-Use Plans (10 points) – Schedule-Based Savings

Free nights and weekend plans have set schedules:

• You know precisely when electricity is free
• Example: From 8 pm to 6 am, all electricity usage is free
• Great for running your washer, dryer, and dishwasher during free hours
• But daytime rates are usually higher to make up for free periods

Seasonal Discounts (8 points) – Seasonal-Based Savings

These plans offer discounts during specific months:

• Example: Lower rates in June-July for “summer savings”
• But August is often just as hot with no discount
• You can’t predict when you’ll need more air conditioning
• Weather changes can affect how much you save

2. Rate Consistency (15 Points) – Your Bill’s Behavior

Rate consistency shows how much your price per kWh changes at different usage levels:

Very Consistent (15 points)

• Less than 1 cent difference
• Example: Rate only changes from 12 to 12.9 cents per kWh
• You might see your bill change by around $10 each month
• Makes budgeting predictable

Somewhat Consistent (12 points)

• 1-1.5 cent difference
• Example: Rate changes from 12 to 13.5 cents per kWh
• Your bill could jump $15 a month if your usage changes
• Small changes that won’t surprise you

Moderately Consistent (8 points)

• 1.5-2 cent difference
• Example: Rate changes from 12 to 14 cents per kWh
• Bill swings of $20 could be coming your way
• You’ll notice these changes on your bill

Less Consistent (4 points)

• 2-3 cent difference
• Example: Rate changes from 12 to 15 cents per kWh
• Watch out for up to $30 bill spikes
• Significant monthly bill variations

Not Consistent (0 points)

• More than 3 cent difference
• Example: Rate changes from 12 to 16 cents per kWh or more
• You could be looking at $40+ jumps on your bill
• Large bill swings month to month

3. Flexibility – Your Freedom to Change When You Need To

Early Termination Fees (15 points)

This is what you’ll pay to end your contract early. Remember: Texas law protects you from early termination fees if you move.

No Fee (15 points)

• Switch plans anytime without penalty
• Take advantage of lower rates when available
• No cost to change if the plan isn’t working for you
• Maximum flexibility

Standard Fee (10 points)

• $150 or less to cancel
• The most common fee amount in Texas
• Example: If rates drop 3 cents per kWh, paying $150 to switch could still save you money
• Consider potential savings versus the fee

High Fee (5 points)

• More than $150 to cancel
• It makes switching expensive even when better rates are available
• It could keep you stuck in a higher-rate plan
• Less flexibility to respond to market changes

Satisfaction Guarantee (10 points)

This is your trial period to make sure the plan works for you:

Best Protection (10 points)

• 60+ days to switch to any provider
• Time to see two monthly bills
• Switch to any plan you want
• No questions asked

Good Protection (6 points)

• 60+ days, same provider only
• Two billing cycles to decide
• But can only switch to other plans from the same provider
• Limited options if unhappy

Basic Protection (4 points)

• 30 days to switch to any provider
• Might only see one bill
• Quick decision required
• Any provider available

Limited Protection (2 points)

• 30 days, same provider only
• One billing cycle
• Limited options
• Quick decision needed

No Protection (0 points)

• No guarantee
• No trial period
• Locked in immediately
• No flexibility

Contract Length (5 points)

The length of your contract affects both price security and flexibility:

12-Month Contract (5 points)

• The most common contract length
• Covers a full cooling and heating season
• Long enough for price stability
• Not too long if market rates drop

Extended Contract (3 points)

• 24 or 36-month terms
• Longer price protection
• Might miss lower rates
• Less flexibility to change

Other Terms (1 point)

• Month-to-month or non-standard lengths
• Could be higher rates
• Your contract might end when prices are at a peak

Features – The Extra Benefits

Renewable Energy Content (15 points)

Texas’s average renewable energy content for electricity plans is around 33%. Here’s how plans compare:

100% Renewable (15 points)

• All power from renewable sources
• Mainly Texas wind and solar
• Zero fossil fuels
• Maximum green energy

Mostly Renewable (12 points)

• 50% or more renewable energy
• Well above the Texas average
• Mixed energy sources
• Strong environmental benefit

Average Content (8 points)

• Near Texas average (33%)
• Typical power mix
• Standard renewable content
• What most Texans get

Below Average (5 points)

• Less renewable than Texas’ average
• More fossil fuel power
• Minimum green energy
• Basic power mix

Sign-up Incentives (5 points)

Remember: These “free” gifts are usually built into your rate:

Premium Gifts (5 points)

• Smart thermostats or home devices
• Retail value is usually $200+
• Higher electricity rates to cover the cost
• Check the total plan cost carefully

Large Gift Cards (3 points)

• $75 or more in gift cards
• One-time bonus
• Small monthly impact
• Compare total plan costs

Small Gift Cards (1 point)

• Under $75 in gift cards
• Minor incentive
• Minimal monthly value
• Focus on electricity rates

No Incentives (0 points)

• No extra perks
• Often, better electricity rates
• Straightforward pricing
• Pure electricity service

What Our Star Ratings Mean for You

The Transparent Plan

★★★★★ Outstanding Value

These plans excel in what matters most:

• Clear, straightforward pricing
• Consistent rates that make budgeting easy
• Reasonable fees and good flexibility
• Strong consumer protections
• Additional features that add real value

The Balanced Plan

★★★★ Smart Choice

Solid plans that get the basics right:

• Good, competitive rates
• Standard consumer protections
• Reasonable fees and terms
• Some useful extra features

The Specialized Plan

★★★ Solid Option

Basic plans that might work for specific situations:

• Standard market rates
• Basic protections and terms
• It may have some trade-offs
• It could be a good fit depending on your needs

Remember: The highest-rated plan isn’t always the best for your situation. The key is focusing on what matters: will this plan deliver reliable power at a price you can predict and trust? Everything else is secondary.

Use these ratings as a guide, but consider your household’s unique needs when choosing.

How to Choose the Right Plan

Don’t get overwhelmed by all these electricity options. With the right approach and tools, finding the best plan for your home can be quick and easy.

Sign Up and Save With Live Link™

Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to personalized savings with Live Link™. This innovative feature taps into your energy usage data to find the perfect electricity plan for your home. Here’s why Texans love Live Link™:

• Effortless Accuracy: No more digging through old bills or estimating your usage. Live Link™ securely pulls your actual consumption data with just a click.
• Tailored Recommendations: Get plan options customized to your unique energy habits, not generic estimates.
• True Cost Clarity: You can see the full picture of your electricity costs, including how seasonal changes affect your bill.
• Big Savings: By matching you with plans that fit your usage, Live Link™ could save you hundreds yearly.

Ready to find your best plan? Try Live Link™ now – it’s free, fast, and could be your ticket to lower electric bills.

Try Live Link™ Free →

Don’t settle for one-size-fits-all plans. Let Live Link™ do the heavy lifting and find a plan that truly fits your home’s needs.

Looking for a DIY approach?

This 2-minute video explains everything you need to know ⤵️

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