Power to Choose
Navigate Power to Choose like a pro and find the best electricity plans in Texas.
Brad Gregory
License
- Texas Energy Consultant License
Expertise
- Energy Industry
- Texas Electricity Market
- Customer Experience
Certifications
- Certified Energy Professional
- Texas Energy Market Specialist
12 years of experience
Power to Choose Texas
Whether facing an expiring contract, dealing with an unexpectedly high bill, or moving to a new home, choosing the right electricity plan can save you hundreds of dollars annually.
While well-intentioned, Power to Choose often falls short. It frequently misleads consumers with partial pricing, hidden fees, and confusing plan structures.
In this guide, we’ll explore Power to Choose in depth, honestly review its strengths and limitations, and introduce you to a better alternative that simplifies your search for the best electricity plan.
Power to Choose Electricity Rates
What is Power to Choose?
Power to Choose is an electricity choice program established by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) in 2002.
It’s part of the state’s initiative to deregulate the energy market and encourage competition among electricity providers.
The program allows residents in many Texas cities to select their electricity provider, allowing consumers to choose the best plan for their home or business.
Power to Choose Review
Let’s dive into how the state-run website works, where it shines, and why it often fails to help Texans find their best electricity plan.
How Power to Choose Works
- Enter your ZIP code on the website to verify if your area participates in the deregulated energy market.
- Explore available plans using the comparison tool to understand contract lengths, rate types, and other features.
- Select and enroll with your chosen retail energy provider’s website or by calling directly.
Benefits of Power to Choose
- It provides a central hub for comparing multiple providers
- Offers a user-friendly interface for basic comparisons
- Managed by the PUCT, providing a level of oversight
Electricity plans on the Power to Choose website.
Why Power to Choose Falls Short
Power to Choose, the state-run electricity comparison site, often leaves consumers confused and potentially misled. Here’s why:
No Personalization
Power to Choose doesn’t consider your unique energy needs or usage patterns. It presents a one-size-fits-all list of plans based on three specific usage levels (500, 1000, and 2000 kWh), which may not reflect your actual usage.
Hidden fees
The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) and Terms of Service are often filled with jargon and hidden fees, making it difficult to understand a plan’s true cost.
Confusing Plan Structures
Tiered rates and complex pricing models are challenging to understand, and actual costs for your specific usage are difficult to calculate.
Overwhelming Options
With hundreds of plans from dozens of providers, many users experience “analysis paralysis,” feeling overwhelmed by too many options.
Lack of Quality Control
Power to Choose doesn’t vet the listed providers or plans, potentially exposing consumers to unreliable companies.
Power to Choose Alternative
If you’re looking for a better way to shop for electricity in Texas, ComparePower is the best alternative to Power to Choose.
Unlike Power to Choose, ComparePower allows you to enter your energy usage and provides personalized rates tailored to your needs.
The Compare Power Difference
With all-inclusive pricing that reveals the total cost of each plan—eliminating hidden fees—and a selection of vetted providers, ComparePower makes it easy to shop confidently.
Plus, our user-friendly interface and expert support ensure you find the best plan without the hassle.
All-Inclusive Pricing, No Hidden Surprises
We show you the total cost of each plan, including all those pesky charges that can inflate your bill.
With all-inclusive pricing, you won’t experience sticker shock when you open your monthly bill.
Pre-Screened Providers
We only list reliable companies with a proven track record of customer service.
You can shop confidently, knowing that all providers on our platform have been vetted.
User-Friendly
Our platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to use while offering advanced tools like Live Link™ for those who want to maximize their savings.
We explain the fine print and help you find a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle.
No-Deposit Options
We simplify the search for no-deposit electricity plans in Texas by instantly comparing options, ranking them from lowest to highest deposit, and allowing you to enroll online easily.
This makes it easier for consumers with credit concerns or tight budgets to access power without upfront costs.
Expert Support
Our team of local energy experts is always ready to answer your questions and provide personalized recommendations.
We’re here to guide you through the process and ensure you make the best choice for your needs.
Power to Choose vs. ComparePower
| Feature | Power to Choose | ComparePower |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Accuracy | Based on preset usage levels | Based on your actual usage |
| Provider Vetting | No vetting process | Pre-screened providers only |
| Personalization | One-size-fits-all approach | Tailored recommendations |
| Customer Support | Limited | Expert guidance available |
| User Experience | Can be overwhelming | Streamlined and intuitive |
| Pricing Transparency | Hidden fees may apply | All-inclusive pricing |
| Tools and Resources | Basic comparison tools | Advanced features and educational resources |
Power to Choose Electricity Rates
As of April 2025 , the average electricity rate in Texas is
Here’s a quick overview of rates in major Texas cities today:
Power to Choose for Business
Power to Choose doesn’t list business electricity rates, but Compare Power does. We simplify the process, secure custom pricing, and help your business save.
Commercial energy plans can be riddled with complex terms and conditions. We understand this, so we make it our mission to simplify the process for you.
Our team of experts will break down the fine print and answer any questions you have, ensuring you fully understand your chosen plan before you sign up.
We’ve helped countless businesses find the most cost-effective energy plans, and we’re confident we can do the same for you.
Texas Electricity Companies
Discover the top electricity providers in Texas.
| Energy Companies | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| 4Change Energy | 888-250-2215 |
| APGE | 877-420-3510 |
| Amigo Energy | 866-993-4445 |
| Cirro Energy | 866-965-5660 |
| Constellation | 877-390-0411 |
| Direct Energy | 866-285-4447 |
| Discount Power | 866-996-1740 |
| Flagship Power | 866-747-7111 |
| Frontier Utilities | 866-280-3131 |
| Gexa Energy | 888-688-8460 |
| Green Mountain | 844-854-2257 |
| Just Energy | 866-985-2820 |
| New Power Texas | 888-316-0697 |
| Payless Power | 855-854-8490 |
| Pulse Power | 888-317-1431 |
| Reliant | 866-983-4620 |
| Rhythm Energy | 877-825-9940 |
| TXU Energy | 866-370-2440 |
| Tara Energy | 877-599-2580 |
Power to Choose FAQs
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 online, phone, mail, or in-person options. 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 ComparePower comes in.
ComparePower 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 business with a monthly electricity bill under $1,000 or a large commercial facility with complex energy requirements, ComparePower has solutions tailored to your business.
For small businesses, ComparePower 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 and transparent and can be completed online in just a few minutes.
If you have a larger business with higher energy consumption, ComparePower’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.
**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 PUCT oversight. 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.
ComparePower, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive and personalized approach to comparing electricity plans. As an unaffiliated, independent marketplace, ComparePower provides several advantages over Power to Choose:
- Usage-based recommendations: ComparePower analyzes your historical electricity usage data to provide tailored recommendations based on 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: ComparePower 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, ComparePower’s team of local energy experts is available to help you find the right electricity plan for your home. They can answer your questions, provide personalized recommendations, and help you make an informed decision.
- Time-saving tools: With ComparePower’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, ComparePower 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, ComparePower 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.
**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 shown on Power to Choose are generic and do not consider 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, ComparePower offers a more accurate and personalized approach to comparing electric rates:
- Usage-based rates: ComparePower 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: ComparePower 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: ComparePower’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, ComparePower’s local energy experts can provide personalized recommendations based on your usage patterns, budget, and preferences.
While Power to Choose is a good starting point for exploring electric rates in Texas, ComparePower provides a more comprehensive and accurate way to compare rates based on your unique needs. By considering your actual usage data and providing transparent pricing information, ComparePower helps you find the best plan for your household, ultimately saving you time and money.
**How do the electricity rates on ComparePower compare to those on Power to Choose?**
ComparePower 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.
You can read our in-depth review and analysis, where we highlight several key issues with the Power to Choose platform:
- 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, containing 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, making it hard 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, ComparePower 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.
ComparePower has over 70,010 reviews from verified customers.
Beyond Power to Choose
While well-intentioned, the Power to Choose often overwhelms Texans and potentially misleads.
Don’t waste hours decoding cryptic electricity offers. There’s a better way.
ComparePower - Clarity in Minutes, Not Hours
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