Understanding Our Plan Ratings

Rating Plans - Simplifying Decisions

Looking for a fair electricity plan in Texas shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle.

That’s why we built a rating system that cuts through the complexity and rewards providers who play it straight with transparent pricing.

We keep the score of those genuinely looking out for you and those trying to hide costs in the fine print.

Because at the end of the day, you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for without having to decode marketing speak or hunt for hidden fees.

Here’s how we evaluate electricity plans:

Plan Rating Score Overview

Category	Maximum Points
Value	50
Rate Structure	35
Rate Consistency	15
Flexibility	30
Early Termination Fee	15
Satisfaction Guarantee	10
Contract Length	5
Features	20
Renewable Energy	15
Sign-up Incentives	5
Total Possible	100

Value - Peace of Mind Pricing

1. Rate Structure (35 Points) - How Your Plan Works

We look at how straightforward and honest the pricing is. Complex pricing often hides costs that can surprise you on your bill.

Flat Rate Plans (35 points) - One Simple Price

Like a fixed-rate mortgage - your rate stays steady
Know your cost before hitting the switch
Your usage changes and your rate doesn’t

Bill Credit Plans (15-20 points) - Target-Based Savings

Under 1,000 kWh usage (20 points)
Over 1,000 kWh usage (15 points)

Bill credits can save you money, but they’re tricky:

The most common is a $100 bill credit at specific usage levels
Example: If you get a $100 credit at 1,000 kWh but use 999 kWh, you’ll pay $100 more that month
Lower usage targets are easier to hit consistently
Missing the target by just 1 kWh means no credit at all

Time-of-Use Plans (10 points) - Schedule-Based Savings

Free nights and weekend plans have set schedules:

You know precisely when electricity is free
Example: From 8 pm to 6 am, all electricity usage is free
Great for running your washer, dryer, and dishwasher during free hours
But daytime rates are usually higher to make up for free periods

Seasonal Discounts (8 points) - Seasonal-Based Savings

These plans offer discounts during specific months:

Example: Lower rates in June-July for “summer savings”
But August is often just as hot with no discount
You can’t predict when you’ll need more air conditioning
Weather changes can affect how much you save

2. Rate Consistency (15 Points) - Your Bill’s Behavior

Rate consistency shows how much your price per kWh changes at different usage levels:

Very Consistent (15 points)

Less than 1 cent difference
Example: Rate only changes from 12 to 12.9 cents per kWh
You might see your bill change by around $10 each month
Makes budgeting predictable

Somewhat Consistent (12 points)

1-1.5 cent difference
Example: Rate changes from 12 to 13.5 cents per kWh
Your bill could jump $15 a month if your usage changes
Small changes that won’t surprise you

Moderately Consistent (8 points)

1.5-2 cent difference
Example: Rate changes from 12 to 14 cents per kWh
Bill swings of $20 could be coming your way
You’ll notice these changes on your bill

Less Consistent (4 points)

2-3 cent difference
Example: Rate changes from 12 to 15 cents per kWh
Watch out for up to $30 bill spikes
Significant monthly bill variations

Not Consistent (0 points)

More than 3 cent difference
Example: Rate changes from 12 to 16 cents per kWh or more
You could be looking at $40+ jumps on your bill
Large bill swings month to month

3. Flexibility - Your Freedom to Change When You Need To

Early Termination Fees (15 points)

This is what you’ll pay to end your contract early. Remember: Texas law protects you from early termination fees if you move.

No Fee (15 points)

Switch plans anytime without penalty
Take advantage of lower rates when available
No cost to change if the plan isn’t working for you
Maximum flexibility

Standard Fee (10 points)

$150 or less to cancel
The most common fee amount in Texas
Example: If rates drop 3 cents per kWh, paying $150 to switch could still save you money
Consider potential savings versus the fee

High Fee (5 points)

More than $150 to cancel
It makes switching expensive even when better rates are available
It could keep you stuck in a higher-rate plan
Less flexibility to respond to market changes

Satisfaction Guarantee (10 points)

This is your trial period to make sure the plan works for you:

Best Protection (10 points)

60+ days to switch to any provider
Time to see two monthly bills
Switch to any plan you want
No questions asked

Good Protection (6 points)

60+ days, same provider only
Two billing cycles to decide
But can only switch to other plans from the same provider
Limited options if unhappy

Basic Protection (4 points)

30 days to switch to any provider
Might only see one bill
Quick decision required
Any provider available

Limited Protection (2 points)

30 days, same provider only
One billing cycle
Limited options
Quick decision needed

No Protection (0 points)

No guarantee
No trial period
Locked in immediately
No flexibility

Contract Length (5 points)

The length of your contract affects both price security and flexibility:

12-Month Contract (5 points)

The most common contract length
Covers a full cooling and heating season
Long enough for price stability
Not too long if market rates drop

Extended Contract (3 points)

24 or 36-month terms
Longer price protection
Might miss lower rates
Less flexibility to change

Other Terms (1 point)

Month-to-month or non-standard lengths
Could be higher rates
Your contract might end when prices are at a peak

Features - The Extra Benefits

Renewable Energy Content (15 points)

Texas’s average renewable energy content for electricity plans is around 33%. Here’s how plans compare:

100% Renewable (15 points)

All power from renewable sources
Mainly Texas wind and solar
Zero fossil fuels
Maximum green energy

Mostly Renewable (12 points)

50% or more renewable energy
Well above the Texas average
Mixed energy sources
Strong environmental benefit

Average Content (8 points)

Near Texas average (33%)
Typical power mix
Standard renewable content
What most Texans get

Below Average (5 points)

Less renewable than Texas’ average
More fossil fuel power
Minimum green energy
Basic power mix

Remember: These “free” gifts are usually built into your rate:

Premium Gifts (5 points)

Smart thermostats or home devices
Retail value is usually $200+
Higher electricity rates to cover the cost
Check the total plan cost carefully

Large Gift Cards (3 points)

$75 or more in gift cards
One-time bonus
Small monthly impact
Compare total plan costs

Small Gift Cards (1 point)

Under $75 in gift cards
Minor incentive
Minimal monthly value
Focus on electricity rates

No Incentives (0 points)

No extra perks
Often, better electricity rates
Straightforward pricing
Pure electricity service

What Our Star Ratings Mean for You

The Transparent Plan

★★★★★ Outstanding Value

These plans excel in what matters most:

Clear, straightforward pricing
Consistent rates that make budgeting easy
Reasonable fees and good flexibility
Strong consumer protections
Additional features that add real value

The Balanced Plan

★★★★ Smart Choice

Solid plans that get the basics right:

Good, competitive rates
Standard consumer protections
Reasonable fees and terms
Some useful extra features

The Specialized Plan

★★★ Solid Option

Basic plans that might work for specific situations:

Standard market rates
Basic protections and terms
It may have some trade-offs
It could be a good fit depending on your needs

Remember: The highest-rated plan isn’t always the best for your situation. The key is focusing on what matters: will this plan deliver reliable power at a price you can predict and trust? Everything else is secondary.

Use these ratings as a guide, but consider your household’s unique needs when choosing.

How to Choose the Right Plan

Don’t get overwhelmed by all these electricity options. With the right approach and tools, finding the best plan for your home can be quick and easy.

Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to personalized savings with Live Link™. This innovative feature taps into your energy usage data to find the perfect electricity plan for your home. Here’s why Texans love Live Link™:

Effortless Accuracy: No more digging through old bills or estimating your usage. Live Link™ securely pulls your actual consumption data with just a click.
Tailored Recommendations: Get plan options customized to your unique energy habits, not generic estimates.
True Cost Clarity: You can see the full picture of your electricity costs, including how seasonal changes affect your bill.
Big Savings: By matching you with plans that fit your usage, Live Link™ could save you hundreds yearly.

Ready to find your best plan? Try Live Link™ now - it’s free, fast, and could be your ticket to lower electric bills.

Try Live Link™ Free →

Don’t settle for one-size-fits-all plans. Let Live Link™ do the heavy lifting and find a plan that truly fits your home’s needs.

Looking for a DIY approach?

This 2-minute video explains everything you need to know ⤵️

Keep reading

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Written by

Graham Griffin