AUSTIN – Texas Gov. Rick Perry has declared April 2003 as Texas Electric Choice Month.

The Governor’s declaration is part of a statewide campaign created by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to educate Texans about electric competition and the choice it brings.

“Texans are learning that they can save money by shopping for electric service,” said Gov. Perry.  “Giving customers power over their buying decisions is what choice is all about.”

Saving money is just one of the many ways Texas Electric Choice can benefit Texans, but for many electric customers price is the most important factor when choosing a Retail Electric Provider. 

“Customers who switch to the lowest cost provider can save between $180 and $324 over the year,” said Rebecca Klein, Chairman of the Public Utility Commission (PUC).  “We encourage every Texan to learn how Texas’ competitive electric market works and how to shop for the electric provider that’s best for them.”

Gov. Perry also encouraged Texans to take advantage of some shopping tips that can make selecting the right Retail Electric Provider a little easier.

The PUC requires all Retail Electric Providers to provide potential electric customers with all the information necessary to make an “apples-to-apples” comparison of offers from competing companies.  In fact, the PUC requires each electric provider to present this information in a standardized, easy-to-understand format known as an Electricity Facts Label. 

Similar to a nutrition label found on many food products, the Electricity Facts Label allows a customer to compare information, making it easier for customers to select a Retail Electric Provider based on what matters most to them.

The Electricity Facts Label provides information on electric prices, contract terms, sources of generation and emissions levels.  These “ingredients” can help customers make an informed decision about their electric service.

• Electricity Price — Includes the average cost of electricity in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at various usage levels. The price includes all charges for generation (including fuel), delivery and customer service. Any incentives or promotional offers from the Retail Electric Provider are also included in this price. 
• Contract Terms — Specifically informs customers about the duration of a contract and cancellation fees (if any).
• Sources of Power Generation — A percentage-based list of the fuel used to generate electricity.  Retail Electric Providers may purchase power from different generation plants that use various fuels such as natural gas, coal, nuclear energy or renewable sources like wind and solar. 
• Emissions — The amount of air emissions attributed to the sources of generation used to produce power.  Use the bar chart to see how the Retail Electric Provider’s emissions compare to the Texas average.