Monthly Archives: March 2010

Market Prices: Green Energy 3/31

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Today is the day we take a look at the Texas electricity market and concentrate on the different plans and rates for 100% Green Energy plans. As always, this post is to help people who are shopping for new electricity plans this week and are interested in finding the best prices on 100% green electricity rates.

Green Variable Rates:

  • Dynowatt – 8.3
  • Kinetic Energy – 9.6
  • Southwest Power & Light – 9.8

    • Green 3 Month Plans

  • Gexa – 9.0
  • Southwest Power & Light – 9.7
  • YEP – 9.8

    • Green 6 Month Plans

  • Dynowatt – 10.0
  • Champion – 10.0
  • Bounce – 10.2

    • Green 1 Year Plans

  • Kinetic – 9.8
  • Southwest Power & Light – 9.9
  • Dynowatt – 10.0

    • Green 2 Year Plans

  • Kinetic – 11.2
  • Southwest Power & Light – 11.3
  • Gexa – 11.3

    • Ok, there’s the rates for Green energy plans that are in the marketplace this week. One again, be sure that the rates listed under the variable section aren’t simply promotional rates if you’re interested in selecting one of them as your electricity plan. Hopefully this helps everyone who is comparing prices on green electricity.

    Market Prices: Fixed Plans 3/30

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    Ok, it’s Tuesday so we’re going to take a look at the electric rates for Fixed Plans in the state of Texas. With summer knocking on our door, it would be a good idea to lock in long term rates while they’re exceptionally low, as they are now, before the summer heat starts drastically raising the rates. Summer is always the most brutal time of the year for Texas electricity, so everyone might be well served to lock in guaranteed low rates while they can.

    3 Month Plans:

  • Gexa – 8.5
  • Spark – 9.0
  • APNA – 9.1

    • 6 Month Plans:

  • Champion Energy – 9.5
  • Dynowatt – 9.6
  • Texas Power – 9.6

    • 1 Year Plans

  • Champion Energy – 9.3
  • Mega Energy – 9.4
  • Kinetic Energy – 9.5

    • 2 Year Plans:

  • Champion Energy – 10.4
  • Kinetic Energy – 10.5
  • Brilliant Energy – 10.6

    • Lots of different options for cheap Electricity this week. Champion Energy shows the lowest plans almost completely across the board, with Gexa chiming in for an ultra low 3 month plan, which they have listed as a Special Rate. Also, strange that the 12 month rates are actually cheaper than the 3 month rates. Looks like electricity companies are looking to give customers an incentive for signing up for an entire year instead of just riding out the summer heat. So read the fine print. Hope this helps people shopping for electricity this week.

    Market Prices – Month to Month Plans -3/29

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    Ok, it’s Monday, so we’re taking a look at the lowest prices in the Texas Electricity market for Month to Month plans. This includes Variable rates and Indexed rates. Remember, if you’re shopping for a Month to Month plan, make sure you check to see if the rate listed here is a promotional rate. Read your fine print to make sure you’re not going to get hit with a much higher rate just as the summer months start. Checking the electricity facts label might be the best way to save money.

    Lowest Month to Month Rates:

  • Dynowatt – 7.8
  • Startex Power – 8.3
  • Bounce Energy – 8.5
  • Simple Power – 8.5
  • MX Energy – 8.5

    • Highest Month to Month Rates

  • First Choice Power – 14.6
  • Reliant Energy – 13.4
  • Texpo Energy – 12.7

    • After that, there were lots of different providers with plans in the same range. But once again, the big winner was First Choice Power, which was far and away the most expensive provider this week when it comes to Texas electricity and month to month plans.

    Tres Amigas Power Station News

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    There’s been a lot of news in the past week on the Tres Amigas power station which is currently proposed to be built in New Mexico. This article here in the Clovis News Journal talks about the details of the power station and what it potentially means to America, as well as to Green Electricity.

    I think I’ve discussed it before, but we’ll go over the details here again really quickly. Basically, the US is separated by three distinct power grids; East, West, and Texas. And right now, the three separate grids aren’t really compatible with each other. So when one grid has surplus electricity, they can’t send it to another grid where there might be a shortage. So Texas can’t send electricity to Arizona if there were a reason. Well, this Tres Amigas plan in New Mexico will fix that, essentially allowing the entire US electric Grid to work together.

    The biggest impact on this is in the world of Green Energy. Currently, much of the Texas electricity from Wind or Solar power has a shelf life. What we don’t use when it’s manufactured expires because the batteries that store that energy still aren’t efficient. So Texas has oodles of green energy that goes to waste because we don’t use it all, and because we can’t ship it elsewhere. The Tres Amigas plant will allow Texas to send this energy to other areas of the country. Basically, the ability to ship the electricity all over the country is seen as a tipping point for investors looking to get entry into the green energy market and business. So the construction of this plant should elevate investment into and construction of green energy into the next atmosphere.

    So what still stands in the way? Texas being Texas, well, we value our independence. Part of this deal is that federal regulation and oversight would have to exist over the plant, in part to regulate the price of electricity throughout the country. Well, this doesn’t sit to well with Texas and ERCOT (Electricity Reliability Council of Texas), who wants to have the right to regulate our own prices in our own state. And because we’re the largest producer of green energy in the country, we have quite a bit of leverage in this situation. This article in Newseek says that, however, for the time being, it looks like Texas is going to get their way and retain the ability to set prices withing our own market, at least for the time being. But this paves the way for the Tres Amigas plant possibly as early as 2013.

    What does this mean for customers in Texas in the near future? It’s a long time in the future, and even though Texas has retained the ability to set their own rates, the Tres Amigas system would likely result in lower prices, both in Texas, as well as the rest of the United States.

    Market Prices: Green Plan Rates 3/24

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    Today we’re looking at the Green Electricity Plan prices in the marketplace, which includes both Month to Month plans as well as the longer term Fixed plans. As always, this is based only on plans that are 100% from renewable energy sources. So plans where only a portion of the electricity comes from renewable sources won’t be mentioned here.

    Green Variable Plans:

  • Dynowatt – 8.3
  • Kinetic Energy – 9.8
  • Southwest Power & Light -9.8

    • Green 3 Month Fixed:

  • Gexa – 9.0
  • Southwest Power & Light – 9.7
  • YEP – 9.8

    • Green 6 Month Fixed

  • Bounce Energy – 10.2
  • Southwest Power & Light – 10.2
  • Dynowatt – 10.2

    • Green 12 Month Fixed

  • Kinetic Energy – 10.1
  • Dynowatt – 10.2
  • Gexa – 10.3

    • Hopefully this list will help some people shop for green energy and save some money. For all plans, but month to month plans in particular, make sure the rates aren’t promotional rates that will expire.

    Market Prices: Fixed Rates 3/23

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    Here’s a look at the Fixed rate plans in the Texas deregulated electricity market for the current week.

    3 Month Fixed Rates

  • Gexa Energy – 8.5
  • Spark Energy – 9.0
  • APNA Fixed 3 – 9.1

    • 6 Month Fixed Rates

  • Champion Energy – 9.6
  • Texas Power – 9.6
  • Southwest Power & Light – 9.7

    • 12 Month Fixed Rates

  • Mega Energy – 9.5
  • Brilliant Energy – 9.7
  • Dynowatt – 9.7
  • Champion – 9.7

    • 24 Month Fixed Rates

  • Kinetic Energy – 10.5
  • Brilliant Energy – 10.6
  • Cirro Energy – 10.6

    • Again, some good rates out there. Particularly Gexa’s 3 month rate at 8.5. I would caution everyone to be careful, however. That plan will expire right when summertime heat start really hitting overdrive, and to save money now might lead to a few months of much much higher rates when that plan expires. So unless you stay on top of it, 3 month plans right now could really explode come the summer, when all electric rates are likely to be much higher.

    Market Prices: Month to Month 3/22

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    Ok, here’s the snapshot of the cheapest plans we’re seeing in the marketplace this Monday. As always, if you’re interested in shopping for any of these particular plans and trying to save money, make sure that you look at the fine print of the electricity facts label and make sure that the rate you’re looking for isn’t just a promotional rate. Otherwise your bill might jump noticeably a few months down the line. So read your fine print. Now, on to the lowest prices in the Texas electricity world for Month to Month plans:

    Lowest Month to Month Rates:

  • Dynowatt – 7.8
  • Startex Power – 8.3
  • Simple Power – 8.4
  • MX Energy – 8.5
  • Bounce Energy – 8.5

    • And just for grins, lets take a look at some of the highest prices, and how NOT to save money.

    Highest Month to Month Rates:

  • First choice Power – 14.6
  • Green Mountain Energy – 14.4
  • Reliant Energy – 13.7
  • Stream Energy – 13.3
  • Texpo Energy – 13.2

    • Improving Texas Green Efficiency

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    Here is an interesting article from the Ft. Worth Star Telegram. It recounts evolution of the PUC demands on improving energy efficiency and green concerns in the world of Texas electricity ever since the market deregulated in 2000. It’s a pretty interesting read.

    In short, the article talks about how since the market deregulated, there have been requirements built into all of the TDSPs, as well as different cities, that all new growth needs to be energy efficient to a percentage of all advancements. Early on, it was 15%, then 20%, in increasingly higher increments each year. So basically, X% of all energy growth needs to be in energy efficient and green energy areas. For this reason, Texas has been blowing past other states in regards to energy efficiency. However, this statistic is somewhat deceiving. But it’s still pretty good compared to the past, where there were little to no requirements to improve efficiency at all. Of course, lets not forget that a.) Some of these costs are being passed directly onto the customers and b.) the new presidential administration is throwing LOTS of money (grants, tax breaks, incentives) for institutions to get energy efficient and fast. So basically, there’s money to be made by doing it right. But if the outcome is desirable, that’s all that really matters, right?

    So what’s the issue? Well, now there’ a proposal to make 50% of all improvements and growth fit into the guidelines of energy improvement and efficiency. So half of all growth. This is a HUGE number. Well, what would that mean? Some of that would probably mean more money out of the pockets of customers. But that’s not necessarily the big deal either (although customers and their electric rates might disagree). The problem is that companies are basically saying that they’ve done everything they can realistically do to get more efficient and green. They’re saying they’re rapidly running out of options. Is that true? Or are they simply running out of PROFITABLE options? It’s hard to say. What I can say is that 50% is a huge number. For example, if there was a new law that said that 50% of everything you purchased at a grocery store had to be healthy (organic, fresh produce, healthy nutritional value) then lots of people would be pretty damn unhappy. Companies probably feel the same way.

    I guess the only interesting left is to see how things progress from here.

    Oncor Unrolls Energy Incentives

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    Here’s a link to an article in the Ft. Worth Star Telegram that details all of the Energy Incentives and Programs that Oncor is unveiling this year. Since Oncor operates a deregulated electric area of Texas, they’re bound to put forth a number of energy efficiency programs to help customers save money. They’re required to grow energy efficiency

    Basically, everyone should look into these programs and see what fits for there. There’s all kind of different opportunities here, and many of them are available to all income classes. But one thing to keep in the forefront of your mind is that most of them operate on a first come-first serve basis. I’ll highlight some of the things below that are available.

    Solar Panels
    Oncor is increasing their funding of this program by almost 50% from last year, from 1.4 million to 2.3 million. Customers should get on the waiting list for this ASAP. One customer they spoke with says the incentives covered about half the cost of his solar panel installation, which was about 20,000. So half of that. Plus, any extra energy that is created by the panels is sold back into the grid, so the customer can make money. Green Mountain Energy will buy the first 500 kWh back at the same rate customers are buying FROM GME, so customers can make money from this process. Additionally, TXU has recently launched their own solar programs, which could bring even more incentive money for panel installation to customers. This is the biggest Oncor program, and solar energy is the most recognizable form of green energy.

    Home Energy Efficiency
    This is the title in the article for this section, but it’s really just Home Insulation. By law, the savings are passed onto the contractors themselves, but they in turn often pass the savings onto the customers. ONCOR has a list of trusted contractors on their website that customers should consider contacting first. Consumers often overlook insulation, and most people in Texas have about half the recommended insulation, which is 12 inches. This program basically helps customers get more insulation at about 1/3 the price.

    Home Performance with Energy Star

    This program gives customers up to $1500 dollars for customers who have an energy audit performed. Now, the customers have to pay for the energy audit themselves, but that $1500 can then be applied to any of the changes the auditor recommends be made to the home site. This may seem like You Pay For It, We Pay You Back kind of situation in regards to having to pay for the energy audit out of hand, but some electricity providers like Bounce Energy have offered Energy Audits in the past as part of their different plans, so that might be something for a customer to explore further. All of this money just keeps showing that Texas electricity continues to push people towards green energy.

    Note: These plans are only available for people who have ONCOR as their TDSP (North Texas, Dallas area). However, Centerpoint (Houston area) and the other TDSPs should have similar programs for customers to take advantage.

    Market Prices 3/17 – Green Energy

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    Ok, it’s Wednesday, and that means we’re going to take a look at the prices on the different environmentally friendly electric rates and plans. And this works out perfectly, because by complete luck and coincidence, St. Patrick’s Day is today, so it’s the perfect day to check out all things green, including Green Energy.

    Month to Month Plans:

  • Dynowatt – 8.3
  • Southwest Power & Light – 9.8
  • Kinetic – 9.9

    • I’ll pause right here and point out that Dynowatt is basically just killing everyone else here. So much to the point that I’m not sure this wasn’t a typo on their part. The next closest is a cent and a half higher, and that’s listed as a Promotional Rate, which means it’ll likely jump up a few months after people sign up. I’m not sure if Dynowatt’s is a Promotional rate as well, but it stands to reason that it is one. As always, check the fine print.

    3 Months Fixed

  • Gexa – 9.0
  • Southwest Power & Light – 9.7
  • YEP – 9.8

    • Another note: Southwest Power & Light’s 3 month fixed is the same as their variable rate? That seems odd, but not out of the realm of possibility. Read your fine print.

    6 Months Fixed

  • Southwest Power & Light – 10.2
  • YEP – 10.3
  • Gexa – 10.4

    • 12 Months Fixed

  • Kinetic – 10.2
  • YEP – 10.3
  • Dynowatt – 10.3

    • Basically, it looks like lots of the same companies are making an effort to get some really low prices for green electricity into the Texas marketplace. Like all electricity prices, this is a good time to get cheap power, green or otherwise.