Don’t get stuck with a default retail electric provider
LUBBOCK – If you don’t select a provider on your own before February 15, 2024, you will be automatically assigned to a Default Retail Electric Provider (DREP). You do not have a choice in your provider if you fail to make a selection in time.
There are three electricity providers with this status:
- Reliant Energy
- Octopus Energy
- TXU Energy
You may feel overwhelmed by the onslaught of information from the dozens of providers vying for your attention, messages from Lubbock Power & Light or ERCOT, and the often confusing interface of powertochoose.org.
We encourage you to make a decision anyway, because the default plans are not a good option for your budget. According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, these services are “relatively high-priced, due to the costs associated with planning and the risk of serving an uncertain number of customers with uncertain electricity loads.”
If you do not select a provider on your own, the default provider you’re assigned to will enroll in a month to month plan.
We do not recommend month to month plans for several reasons:
- They are typically more expensive than simple fixed rate plans.
- The rate changes every single month — there’s no guarantee that your rate won’t increase over time.
- In fact, it’s very likely that you will end up paying more for energy if you delay your decision making until the summer as the cost of energy production increases.
Choosing the Best Energy Plan
Choose a Simple Fixed Rate Plan
Sign up for a fixed rate plan so your rate doesn’t spiral out of control during the summer when the cost of energy production increases. The BKV Energy Bluebonnet plan offers an affordable fixed rate.
Avoid Base Charges
Many electricity companies tack on a monthly base charge up to $9.95 or more regardless of how much electricity you consume. Opt for a plan that comes without this unnecessary fee.
Our Bluebonnet will never include a monthly base charge.
Stay Away from Usage Fees
Some retail providers charge extra if you use the “wrong” amount of energy during a billing period. We recommend staying away from plans with these fees.
Signing up for the Bluebonnet plan with BKV Energy means you will never be charged extra based on your usage.
Double Check the Early Termination Fee
ETF fees can range from $150 to $300 and higher. Look for plans that offer a cancellation fee that decreases as your contract ages.
At BKV Energy, you can cancel within the first 30 days through our 30-Day Power Pilot at no cost. After that, it’s $20 per remaining month on your contract.
Select a Balanced Contract Length
We recommend selecting a plan in the middle range, lasting between 9-24 months.
Plans with these lengths offer the perfect balance between rate stability, potential early termination fees, and flexibility to switch to another plan or provider.
Always Check the Electricity Facts Label
Always, always, always check the Electricity Facts Label before enrolling in a plan.
Enter Your Zip to Get Started
Texans can save up to $500 per year with BKV Energy compared to other providers.
Our Bluebonnet plan especially puts customers first thanks to our Blend & Extend program, our system that automatically searches for opportunities to lower your rate. You can switch plans in the middle of a contract at no cost!
Enter your zip code below to explore affordable fixed rate plans without extra fees and other nonsense.
Graham Lumley, Digital Marketing Manager at BKV Energy, leads digital and traditional marketing strategies, focusing on educating Texans about the state's deregulated energy market. With over 8 years of marketing experience, he creates content to help consumers understand and save on their energy bills, bringing a fresh and dynamic approach to the industry.
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