Understanding
Texas Energy Deregulation and how it can benefit your business
is the biggest challenge facing your Home
or Business. Unfortunately concerns
about reliability issues, and misinformation regarding actual
savings have created a great deal of confusion. There are
a number of myths in the Texas market that consumers need
to be aware of before making an informed energy decision on
a Texas Independent Energy Provider.
The basic concept of energy deregulation in
Texas is to develop a better service for the customer by creating
a climate of provider competition.
The Texas Electric Market has successfully completed
its first year. As of February 7, 2003 more than 683,000 Texas
retail customers have saved more than $1.5 billion in the
first year of competition as compared to the regulated rates
in effect during 2001. Almost 90% of large Business
customers have chosen competitive providers or alternative
REPs.
What has Changed?
In the past, one company provided all parts
of your electric service (generation, transmission and distribution,
and retail sales). With competition, these parts are separated
into different companies. Generation, or production of electricity,
was deregulated in 1995, resulting in an ample supply of new,
cleaner and more efficient power plants throughout Texas.
The actual delivery of electricity across poles
and wires to your home is called transmission and distribution.
These services are provided to you by your local wires company,
which is responsible for maintaining the poles and wires,
and responding to emergencies and power outages as always.
The Public Utility Commission continues to regulate transmission
and distribution to ensure the safety and reliability of your
electric service.
With electric competition, Retail Electric Providers
such as CHOICE!
Energy Services sell electricity to you and provide functions
such as customer service and billing. Retail Electric Providers
compete for your business by offering lower prices, renewable
energy options, added customer service benefits or other incentives.
Learn More..
|
