Electricity Facts Label
Looking for a great electricity plan can be daunting in the deregulated market. Confusing rates, contracts that are longer than your arm! and perplexing fees can lead you to spending more time on your electric bill than you intended to.
Understanding your Electricity Facts Label (EFL) is important for those who live in Texas. EFL’s are required disclosures that the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has asked that every retail electric provider(REP) in the state provide to every consumer in the state.
Standardized by the PUCT
All EFL’s are standardized by the PUCT. They are important documents made to protect residential and small commercial customers from dishonest and unexpected surprises on their bills.
| Electricity Facts Label
REP Name Plan Name Contract Start Date Make sure this information is correct. If the plan name does not match the contract you signed up for, contact your provider immediately |
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| Average Monthly Use: | 500 kWh | 1000 kWh | 2000 kWh | ||
| Average price per kilowatt-hour | Cents per kWh | Cents per kWh | Cents per kWh | ||
The above rates have been estimated based on an average load factor
This section comprises all bill charges, including: generation, transmission and distribution costs, fuel costs and customer services fees. If your plan involves any promotional incentives, they will also be INCLUDED in the average price. Per the PUC, every provider must show the average price per kWh. Did you know that the average American household uses about 900kWh per month, but the average Texas household uses around 1,130kWh per month? Be sure to check your current monthly electricity bill to find your monthly usage.
List of Utilities: This is all the transmission distribution service providers (TDSP) in your REP’s service area, and their charges per kWh at each of the above usage levels.
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See Terms of Service statement for a full listing of fees, deposit policy and other terms
(Some REP’s may list more information about your plan in this next section of the EFL or simply direct you to the Terms of Service in your contract) |
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| Type of Product | Is it a fixed rate or variable rate plan? |
| Contract Term | Length of the contract |
| Do I have a termination fee or any fees associated with terminating service? | Many REP’s charge a termination fee if you opt out before the expiration date. Check with your REP to see if they waive early termination fees with proper documentation. |
| Can my price change during contract period? | Usually this section says “YES” and lists the reasons why in the next section |
| If my price can change, how will it change and by how much? | Prices changes usually occur due to: changes in your TDSP charges, changes in ERCOT fees or changes in local regulatory fees. |
| What other fees may I be charged? | Monthly fees or deposits may be listed here, but always check the Terms of Service in your contract for a full list. |
| What other fees may I be charged? | This section will state Yes or No-this depends on the plan. |
| Does the REP purchase excess distributed renewable generation? | This section will state Yes or No-this depends on the REP policies |
| Renewable content | % of your plan that is renewably sourced |
| Statewide average of renewable content | 16.5% - Texas renewable content average |
| REP Address
REP Website Address-REP Email Address Plan Name REP Phone-Operating Hours REP License Info |
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Important Terms to Know:
- Energy Charge: how much you pay your provider per kWh used
- TDU or TDSP charges: Both of these terms mean your local utility’s delivery charges. These fees ARE NOT determined by your REP. They can appear as a flat rate or broken out line items.
- Bill or Usage credit plan: This type of plan often has HIGHER per kWh rates, but offers customers a credit when they reach a certain usage amount – be sure you know if your own usage will allow you to obtain the credit usage incentive.
- Base charge plan: This type of plan usually has a high Monthly Base Fee but low usage charges
- Flat rate plan: Very strait forward. This type of plan charges the same price per kWh, no matter how many kWh are consumed.