If you are a Texas resident, you might have come across PowerToChoose.org, the state's official and unbiased platform for shopping for electric plans. However, this platform oversimplifies the electric plan shopping process in a way that is not effective or honest. In this blog post, we will explain why PowerToChoose can trick consumers into predatory rates and what alternative options you have for finding a better deal.

PowerToChoose oversimplifies the electric plan shopping process by ignoring the hidden rate games that retailers have played for years. The site provides superficial search results based on the three "Price/kWh" numbers listed on the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) of each plan. However, this approach is not enough to determine if a plan is a good deal or an overpriced gimmick. The pricing profile of a plan can vary wildly depending on usage, and the EFL only lists prices at 500-, 1000-, and 2000 kWh/month.

Furthermore, even deciphering the full rate profile is not enough to find the best deal. Outdated delivery charges, non-cumulative charges, non-recurring fees, and partial billing cycles can add layers of confusion and expense that are rarely discussed on PowerToChoose. The only way to compare plans effectively is to compute your total cost across each of your usages (not their average) by reading the rate terms in each EFL's fine print and making a spreadsheet.

This level of work is arguably more than many Texans should have to do to get a competitive electric rate. That's why consumers today have better options, such as Nutiliti: Energy Choice. This platform educates and enables consumers to find the best electric plan by computing the total cost across their usages. This approach is more effective and efficient than PowerToChoose's crippled search engine and its guidance to compare pricing only at 1000 kWh.

In conclusion, PowerToChoose serves a valuable role as the marketplace for many low-cost plans. However, its oversimplified approach and disregard for the hidden costs and fees associated with electric plans can lead consumers into overpaying by hundreds or thousands of dollars per year. By using a platform like Nutiliti: Energy Choice, you can save time and money and put it to better use. Don't be misled by PowerToChoose – take control of your electric bill today.

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