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See Retail Electric Provider (REP)
Refers to how much you pay for a unit of energy. When
talking about electricity, 1 unit = 1 kilowatt hour.
The transmission of electricity over poles and wires to a home and/or business. Your local wires company is responsible for maintaining the poles and wires, as well as responding to emergencies and power outages.
The amount of electricity used at any given instant, or averaged over a designated period of time. Demand is usually measured in kilowatts or megawatts. The peak demand is the highest 15 or 30 minute recorded demand period over 12 months.
In the retail electricity market, deregulation refers to ending the monopoly status of local utilities and allowing Retail Electric Providers (REP) to offer service to customers. In deregulated markets the incumbent utility retains control of transmitting and distributing power, while power generation and retail service become open to competition.
The local poles, wires, transformers, substations and other equipment used to deliver electricity to end-use consumers from high-voltage transmission lines.
Responsible for system reliability and the competitive wholesale market in Texas. ERCOT is also responsible for centralized power scheduling, transactions and evaluation of balanced schedules to ensure reliability. Once you've switched to a new Retail Electric Provider, ERCOT will send you a postcard confirming your switch.
An information sheet required by the PUC that provides customers with standardized information on an REP's prices, contracts, sources of power generation and emissions. It allows customers to compare REP offers. Retail Electric Providers must provide this disclosure to all customers at time of enrollment.
Using less energy to perform the same function.
Each meter is assigned an ESI-ID that can be found on your electric bill and is required for enrollment.
A per unit cost that does not change for the term of the contract.
In Texas, electricity is produced by a number of methods, including natural gas, coal, nuclear power, wind, water and solar energy. The generation of electricity is deregulated.
A network for the transmission of electricity throughout a region. The term is also used to refer to the layout of an electric distribution system.
The most commonly-used unit of measure to explain the amount of electricity consumed over time. It means one kilowatt of electricity supplied for one hour. The amount of electricity used each billing period is expressed in terms of a kilowatt-hour, and is noted on your bill.
See Transmission & Distribution Service Provider (TDSP)
A term commonly used to rate the power output of electric power plants or to define large electric customer loads. A megawatt equals one thousand kilowatts, or a million watts. A large utility power plant typically has a power rating of 500 to 1,000 megawatts. One megawatt of power could supply 500 to 1,000 average homes, depending on the time of day.
Recording the amount of electrical energy used by homes and businesses as displayed by an electricity meter. Electricity meters are typically mounted on the exterior walls of homes and businesses. Most record total kilowatt hours of energy used per month and are usually read monthly by utility employees.
A non-profit electricity provider that is owned and operated by the municipality it serves. Texas city-owned utilities may decide whether or not their customers will have a choice of REPs. Customers should contact their electric cooperative or city utility for more information.
Electricity for use as energy.
The Provider of Last Resort serves as the "back-up" provider when a REP leaves the market for any reason. If this happens, customers may switch back to the Affiliate Retail Electric Provider or choose another Competitive Retail Electric Provider offering electric service in the area.
State-run PUCs provide a regulatory environment under which electric, gas, telecommunication and water utilities operate. The PUC regulates the delivery of electricity and enforces customer protections.
A REP is a company licensed to provide electric service to end-use customers (residential, commercial or industrial consumers). There are two types of REPs. The Affiliate Retail Electric Provider (AREP) was part of the original electric company that generated and sold electricity in your area. That company has been split into the AREP and the Local Wires Company. Now the AREP only sells electricity and provides customer service. The Competitive Retail Electric Provider (CREP) sells electricity to homes and businesses, and provides functions like customer service and billing. Simple Power is a CREP licensed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Switching electric service without a customer's approval. This practice is illegal and penalties are enforced by the PUC.
Contract between a Retail Electric Provider and a customer that outlines fees, length of service and other important information.
The public education program managed by the Public Utility Commission to inform Texans about their options in a competitive retail electric market.
The company that actually delivers electricity to a customer's home or business and also owns the poles and wires used in delivery. This company is still responsible for the maintenance and repair of these poles and wires and responding to emergencies and power outages. The PUC continues to regulate the local wires companies to ensure the safety and reliability of your electric service.
These fees cover delivery of electricity to a customer's home or business; the maintenance and repair of poles and wires; and response for emergencies and power outages. The PUC continues to regulate the local wires companies to ensure the safety and reliability of your electric service.
The actual delivery of electricity over poles and wires to your home or business. These services are provided to you by your local wires company, which is responsible for maintaining the poles and wires, and responding to emergencies and power outages. The PUC still regulates transmission and distribution to ensure the safety and reliability of your electric service.
Interconnected electric lines that move high voltage electricity from a generation facility to the distribution lines of an electric distribution company.
A rate that fluctuates with the market, typically monthly.
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