FAQs

Best Electric Rates is a comparison platform that helps homeowners, renters, and businesses find and compare electricity plans from multiple suppliers. We simplify the process so you can choose the right plan for your usage, location, and budget.

In deregulated states, you can choose your electricity supplier (retail energy provider) rather than being locked into just one. This competitive market lets you shop for the rate, term, and plan that makes sense for you — while a separate utility company still delivers the power.

No, we do not deliver electricity. Instead, we help you compare and select a retail energy provider. Your delivery remains with your local utility (sometimes called the Transmission & Distribution Utility or TDU).

No, using our comparison service is free for consumers. We earn revenue from REPs when customers enroll in a plan using our platform.

A fixed-rate plan locks in one price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the entire contract term (for example, 12 or 24 months). This gives you predictability, helping you budget your electricity costs without worrying about market spikes.

Variable-price plans (also called variable-rate plans) fluctuate with the wholesale electricity market. Your rate might go up or down month to month, so your bill could vary more dramatically than with a fixed-rate plan.

With Time‑of‑Use plans, electricity costs are lower during certain off-peak hours (like nights or weekends) and higher during peak times. These are great if you can shift high-energy tasks, like EV charging or laundry, to cheaper hours.

In deregulated areas of Texas, no-deposit plans let you get electricity without paying a large security deposit up front. These are ideal if your credit is limited. Note that prepaid plans may require advance account funding and service can be disconnected if the prepaid balance runs out.

Green energy plans offer electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar, among others. These plans help support clean energy production through renewable energy certificates (RECs).

A good time to switch is typically when your current contract is about to expire. Under Public Utility Commission of Texas rules, you can schedule a switch within 14 days of your contract end date without paying an Early Termination Fee (ETF). If you switch earlier, an ETF may apply, which is listed in your Electricity Facts Label (EFL).

It may also make sense to switch if current market rates are significantly lower than your locked-in rate (of course, after factoring in any ETF), or if you want different plan features such as renewable energy, prepaid/no-deposit options, usage credits, or a new contract length.

Before switching, review your past 12 months of usage and compare plans using the EFL pricing at your typical usage level to ensure an accurate cost comparison.Let our site help with your comparison!

It’s simple:

1. Enter your ZIP code and usage into our comparison tool.
2. Review and compare available plans from different suppliers.
3. Choose a plan and sign up through us or directly with the provider.
4. Your new provider coordinates the switch with your utility. There’s typically no service interruption.

No, switching REPs does not change who delivers the electricity. Your local utility (“the Transmission and Distribution Utility”) still handles the wires, maintenance, outages, and meter. You’re only changing who supplies the electricity.

This depends on your contract and plan. All fixed-rate plans include an Early Termination Fee (ETF) if you cancel before the contract term ends. The ETF amount is disclosed in your Electricity Facts Label (EFL). Month-to-month or variable-rate plans typically do not have ETFs and allow more flexibility, but pricing may change from month to month.

Under Public Utility Commission of Texas rules, you can switch electricity providers without paying an ETF if you schedule the switch within 14 days of your contract expiration date. Always review your EFL and Terms of Service before enrolling.

When you compare plans through Best Electric Rates, you’ll see transparent details such as contract length, early termination fees, deposit requirements, and key pricing information pulled directly from the REP’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL).

We review and rate all energy providers featured on our platform based on factors like customer experience, pricing transparency, plan stability, and overall value, so you can compare not just price, but reputation and reliability.

No, plan availability depends on your ZIP code and your utility’s service area. That’s why it’s important to compare using your own address or ZIP code.

Yes, in deregulated markets, many providers offer both residential and commercial plans. We help business users compare based on demand, usage, and contract features specific to commercial energy needs.

When there’s an outage, you should contact your local utility (TDU), not your REP. The TDU handles physical infrastructure: poles, wires, and maintenance, and is responsible for restoring power.

If your question is about the usage or charge from the supply portion of your bill, you should contact your energy provider.

Yes, most retail electricity providers offer online billing, auto-pay, and usage tracking. When you sign up for a plan, you’ll get information on available payment options.

It depends. If you’re moving within the same electricity provider’s service area, you may be able to transfer your plan. If you’re moving to a different utility region or ZIP code, you’ll likely need to shop for a new plan.