What is a 'Deregulated Energy Market'? Can I choose my electricity provider?

Understanding a Deregulated Energy Market: In a deregulated energy market, the government does not assign you to a specific electricity provider. Instead, you get to choose your provider. This setup encourages competition among providers, leading to better rates and innovations in the energy industry.

Your Power to Choose: If you're in Texas, like over 85% of its residents, you're in luck! You have the freedom to shop around for electricity providers. This means you can compare rates and plans to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Things to Consider in a Deregulated Market:

• Complexity: With so many options, it can be challenging to compare different plans and rates.
• Transparency Issues: Watch out for confusing or misleading terms in marketing materials.
• Consumer Protection: It's important to know your rights and protections in this kind of market.

We're Here to Help: Navigating a deregulated market can be tricky but don't worry. We're here to guide you through it. We'll help you compare rates and plans from all licensed electricity providers in Texas, ensuring you find a great deal while getting the power you need.

Do ratings matter for power providers?

The short answer: Not necessarily. In Texas, all power providers are licensed by the Texas Public Utility Commission. This means they all meet certain standards for quality, reliability, and maintenance. So, technically, every provider should offer a similar level of service.

But ratings can still be useful: We get that some customers feel more comfortable choosing a provider with good ratings. That's why we offer the Stress-Free plan. With this plan, we monitor your bills each month and if something's off, we'll reach out to the provider on your behalf. This ensures you receive top-notch service, regardless of the provider's ratings.

Our advice: While ratings can be helpful, they shouldn't be your only consideration. It's also important to compare rates and plans to find what works best for you. And remember, if any issues come up with your provider, we're on your side to assist.

How do you find the best power plan for me?

Our plan-finding process:

1. Use our best plan calculator: When you provide your details, our calculator estimates your potential savings. It compares your current plan with the average plan in Texas, using data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
2. Explore options: You can see the cheapest prices for various term lengths and estimate your average monthly bill by selecting a term.
3. Easy sign-up: Once you find a plan you like, just click to sign up. You'll be taken to our membership page where you can choose between our two plans: Take Charge and Stress Free.

Our membership plans:

• Take charge: This plan gives you access to our best deals and lets you manage your switch.
• Stress free: This plan also offers great deals, but we handle the provider switch for you.

Our guarantee: No matter which plan you pick, you're getting a great deal. Our algorithm is designed to save you money, and it's proven successful for thousands of our customers. Don't just take our word for it—check out the testimonials from your neighbors!

Why are my current rates different from those on the 'Find best plans' page?

1. Fluctuating electricity rates: Electricity prices can change often, even multiple times within a day. This happens because the cost of natural gas and oil, key sources for generating electricity, varies based on market conditions and availability.

2. Impact of weather: Weather extremes like intense heat or cold can drive up electricity demand, affecting prices.

3. Daily updates: Our 'Find Best Plans' page is refreshed daily to reflect the latest and lowest electricity plan rates in your area. However, since rates change frequently, your current rates might differ if there has been a recent market shift or supply change.

What you can do: If you think you're paying more than current rates, use our calculator to compare your plan with today's best plans. Consider our Stress free membership, which automatically switches you to the best available plan when your contract ends, ensuring you always get a good deal.

Where do we find the electricity plans we compare?

1. Independent and unbiased: We're an independent electricity comparison site, not tied to any energy providers. Our main focus is on finding you the best plan.

2. Comprehensive search: Every day, we go through thousands of plans from 'Power to Choose,' the Public Utility Commission of Texas' official site. While 'Power to Choose' is free, it can be tricky to navigate, especially if you're not familiar with energy terms.

3. Beyond one source: We don't just stop at 'Power to Choose.' We also check electricity provider websites, third-party comparison sites, and other sources to ensure we're covering all bases.

4. Criteria for comparison: We compare plans based on price, term length, contract type, and renewable energy offerings. Customer reviews and ratings also play a crucial role in our recommendations.

5. Tailored to your needs: Our website offers various filters to help you find the plan that suits your specific needs and budget best.

Here to assist: Got questions about our comparison process? Reach out to us. We're committed to helping you find the best electricity plan, free from any provider influence.

What If I'm not satisfied with the plan you choose for me?

Your satisfaction is our top priority. If you're not happy with the electricity plan we've selected, please inform us. We understand that each person's electricity needs are unique, which is why we focus on understanding your specific requirements. Our aim is to promptly find an alternative plan that better fits your needs. To facilitate this, our website offers a variety of filters, allowing you to specify your preferences and help us tailor our search to find the ideal plan for you.

We're dedicated to ensuring you're content with the plan you have. If the initial plan doesn't suit you, we're committed to continuing our search until we find the right fit. We highly value your feedback as it is integral to refining our services. By listening to you, we constantly improve to ensure we're effectively meeting the needs of all our customers.

How can I trust that you offer the cheapest power plans?

Our expertise in providing the cheapest power plans is grounded in over 20 years of experience in the energy industry. This long-standing involvement has given us in-depth knowledge and the capability to identify the most cost-effective deals for our customers.

Advanced algorithm for best deals: The cornerstone of our service is a powerful algorithm, developed and perfected over the years. This algorithm is key to our ability to find the best plans, a confidence that is reflected in our unique 'pay-what-you-want' option available in the Take Charge membership.

Customer testimonials and trust: Don’t just take our word for it. The testimonials from our customers across Texas are a testament to the savings and satisfaction they've experienced through our service. These stories underscore our commitment to delivering value and trust.

Flexible and customer-friendly policies: We understand the importance of flexibility, which is why we offer a straightforward, no-questions-asked cancellation policy. You have the freedom to cancel your membership at any time, ensuring you’re never locked into long-term contracts.

Competitive fees and commitment to affordability: Our Stress free plan is competitively priced, one of the lowest in the market, offering great value to our customers. We believe in making quality electricity plans accessible and affordable for everyone. Our range of membership plans, including budget-friendly options, is designed to cater to diverse needs.

We're dedicated to not just offering the cheapest plans but also to earning your trust through exceptional service and a commitment to reliability and affordability in electricity provision.

What's the main difference between the Take charge and Stress free plans?

The main difference between the Take charge and Stress free plans is the level of involvement required from the customer. 

• Take charge: This is a self-service plan. You're in control, choosing your plan and managing your account.
• Stress free: We handle everything for you in this full-service plan. From selecting the best plan, and switching providers, to addressing billing issues, we've got it covered.

Quick Comparison Table:

Which plan is right for you?

Choosing the Right Plan for You:

• Take charge: Ideal if you like managing your electricity account and prefer a more cost-effective membership.
• Stress free: Perfect for those who want hassle-free management of their electricity needs.

Our social commitment: As a public benefit company, we're dedicated to making a positive social impact. Whichever plan you choose, a portion of your payment goes to a charity you select.

We hope this information makes it easier for you to choose the plan that best suits your needs!

Do I have to sign a long, binding contract?

No long contracts: Absolutely not! We don't use binding contracts because we believe in winning your trust through excellent customer service, not through obligations.

Freedom to choose: Our philosophy is all about giving you freedom. You should feel free to make choices without any pressure, and we aim to earn your loyalty every single day.

Easy cancellation policy: We offer an easy, no-questions-asked cancellation policy. If you ever decide to leave us, you can cancel your membership anytime, without any penalties or hassle.

Dedicated to Your Satisfaction: Our goal is to provide you with the best service and help you find the most suitable electricity plan for your needs and budget. We're confident you'll love our service, but if not, you're free to cancel whenever you wish.

Appreciating Your Choice: We value your decision to choose us and are committed to helping you save on your electricity bills. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Why do you need my personal information?

This is needed for the power providers to check to see if you are who you say you are. The providers also run a soft credit check that requires your name, social security number, and date of birth. It’s important to note that as it is a soft credit check; it will not impact your credit score. In some rare instances, if they require an additional security deposit, we will inform you beforehand.

Why are there three sign-up methods in the Stress free plan? Why do you need my personal information?

• Three methods for flexibility and control: We offer three sign-up methods with our Stress-Free plan to give you more choices based on your comfort level.
  • Method 1: We guide you through the sign-up process via a video call.
  • Method 2: We initiate the sign-up for you, but you'll need to enter your social security number and date of birth later.
  • Method 3: For complete convenience, we handle everything, including submitting your personal information.
• Why personal information is needed:
  • Identity verification and credit check: Electricity providers need your personal information to verify your identity and conduct a soft credit check, which doesn't impact your credit score.
  • Potential security deposit: In rare cases, providers may ask for a security deposit. We'll let you know if this applies to you.

We understand concerns about sharing personal information. That's why the first two methods don't require your social security number or date of birth right away. But if you choose Method 3, we'll need this information to complete your sign-up.

Your confidence in us is important. We're dedicated to safeguarding your personal information and only use it to assist you in finding savings on your electricity bill.

Is my personal information secure with you?

• Absolutely. Your data is secure! We prioritize the safety of your personal information and use multiple security measures to protect it:
  • End-to-end encryption: All communication between your browser and our server is fully encrypted with the latest security protocols. This ensures that your data remains private and unreadable by outsiders.
  • Bank-level security: Our security practices are on par with those used by banks. We employ firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and various advanced security technologies.
• Our privacy commitment: In line with our stringent privacy policy, we promise never to share your personal information without your consent.

Commitment to data protection: We understand the importance of your personal information and are dedicated to using the latest and best security practices to keep it safe.

How can you guarantee savings on my electricity bill?

• Proven proprietary algorithm: Our confidence in saving you money comes from our proprietary computer algorithm. It's been thoroughly tested and has consistently helped our customers save an average of 30% on their monthly bills.
• How our algorithm works: The algorithm evaluates every available electricity plan, considering factors like price, term length, contract type, and renewable energy options. It also takes into account your specific needs and budget to find the most suitable plan for you.
• Flexible membership option: We offer a 'Pay-what-you-want' membership, reflecting our confidence in our service. If you're not satisfied with your new plan, you can cancel your membership at any time and get a refund.
• Customer testimonials: Don't just take our word for it. We invite you to read testimonials from our customers. Their experiences speak to the effectiveness of our service and our commitment to saving you money.

We're proud of our ability to help reduce electricity bills and are excited to do the same for you.

What does a 'Best deal' mean for electric plans?

• Beyond just the cheapest price: When we talk about the 'best deal' for an electric plan, it's not just about finding the cheapest option. It's about finding a plan that fits your unique needs and usage patterns.
• Consider your lifestyle: For instance, if you're rarely home during weekends, a plan with cheap weekend rates might not be advantageous for you. Similarly, if a plan offers low off-peak prices but high daytime rates, and you use most of your electricity during the day, it may not be the most cost-effective choice.
• Customization is key: The 'best deal' for you would be a plan that is tailored to your specific needs. This includes a clear contract without hidden fees and a pricing structure that aligns with your typical electricity usage, ensuring you pay the lowest possible price.

We focus on personalizing plans to ensure you get the best value based on your requirements and habits.

Why Is there a convenience fee for Method# 3 of the Stress free membership?

We charge a 3% fee for Method# 3 in the Stress free plan to cover the costs from card or bank payments. This is the only extra fee we ask for, as there are no hidden contract or termination charges. We also offer two other ways to sign up without this fee, ensuring you have options that suit your budget while we work hard to save you money on your electric bills.

We're committed to transparency and providing you with choices to best meet your needs and budget.

If my power goes out, can we reach out to you?

For power outages, you will need to call the utility company responsible for maintaining power lines, poles, and meters in your area. This is provided by a local Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP). If you are not sure who this is for your area, this information can be found on your power bill.

TEXAS TDSP contact numbers:

Oncor: (888) 313-4747

Centerpoint Energy: (800) 332-7413

AEP Texas Central & North: (866) 223 8508

TNMP: (888) 866-7456

Sharyland Utilities: (956) 668-9551

What if my question wasn’t answered on this page?

If you can't find the answer to your question on this page, don't worry. Just email us at hello@wattily.com. We value your time and questions and will respond within 24 to 48 hours.

How can I contact you?

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to us at hello@wattily.com. We're here to help and are committed to responding within 24 to 48 hours.
We value your time and look forward to assisting you.

What if I don’t find my favorite charity to donate?

We're continually working to include more charities in our list. Our goal is to spread support as widely as possible. 

If you don’t see your preferred charity, we’d love to hear about it. Please email us at hello@wattily.com with the charity's name.

Once we receive your suggestion, we'll conduct our due diligence. After ensuring the charity meets our criteria, we'll inform them of their new supporters and add them to our list.

How do I switch from my current power provider?

Changing your power provider is a breeze with our help. We will handle all the paperwork and deal with the bureaucratic steps for you.

Our process:

1. Monitor for the best deals: We're always on the lookout for great plans. We usually start looking for a new plan for you 15 days before your current contract ends.

2. Notification and approval: We'll let you know when we find a better plan. If you agree, we'll initiate the switch.

3. Fast switching: If you want to switch sooner, tell us! If we find a plan that saves you more than any termination fees, we can make the change right away.

Here's what you do:

1. Sign up with us and share your current plan details.

2. We search for a plan that offers you savings.

3. With your approval, we switch you to the new plan.

4. We manage all the paperwork between your old and new providers.

5. You relax and enjoy the savings!

Switching providers is simple and stress-free. Start saving on your electricity bills by switching with us today!

What makes your company different from Its competitors?

• Simplified and effective membership plans: Our two membership plans are designed to eliminate the stress of finding and switching to the best energy plan.
  • Take charge Plan: This plan offers you the flexibility to 'pay what you want' for our services. We still ensure you get access to the cheapest plans available, which you can sign up for independently.
  • Stress free Plan: With a monthly fee that's lower than the market average, this full-service plan handles everything for you. We select the best plan, enroll you with your new provider, and continuously monitor the market to ensure you're always on the most cost-effective plan. If a better plan comes up, we'll notify you and manage the switch upon your approval.
• Charitable giving: For both plans, we donate 20% of our fee to a charity of your choice, aligning our business with a commitment to social responsibility.

Our approach combines affordability, convenience, and a commitment to community impact, distinguishing us in the energy services market.

Are you an electricity provider or a comparison site?

1. Our mission: Our goal is to shield you from overpriced plans and unfair practices by electricity providers. We're here to ensure you're not being taken advantage of.

2. Expert advisory service, not a provider or just a comparison site: We are neither an electricity provider nor a simple comparison site. Instead, we're a team of dedicated experts focused on finding the most suitable electricity plan for your needs.

3. Independent and unbiased: We don't receive any compensation from electricity providers. This independence ensures that our recommendations are always in your best interests.

4. Join Wattily: By signing up for a Wattily membership, you'll start saving on your electricity bills. We're committed to helping you navigate the complexities of electricity plans to find the best option for you.

Discover how Wattily can be your ally in securing the ideal electricity plan tailored to your requirements.

What is Wattily?

Wattily is your independent electricity advisor, standing apart from electricity providers. Our independence ensures that we offer unbiased advice, solely focused on your needs without any hidden agendas. We dedicate ourselves to helping you save money on your electricity bills by tirelessly searching for the perfect plan that suits you best. When you sign up for a Wattily membership, you're not just reducing your electricity costs; you're also gaining peace of mind, knowing that you're receiving trustworthy guidance from an expert source committed to your interests.

Why is Wattily a Public Benefit Company?

Public benefit companies are for-profit businesses legally bound to consider both profit and positive social/environmental impact. We're Wattily, and we believe business can be a force for good.

Here's why we're different:

• Save money while empowering your community as we'll donate a fifth of your payment directly to your favorite charity

• We offer a pay-what-you-want plan so you can control your energy costs

We became a public benefit company because we're committed to more than just profits.