8 Things you Need to Know before signing up your business with another Utility Company in Texas

1) There is BIG difference in types of contract for you to consider, which they all have their benefits and drawbacks. Which there are fixed, fixed with a variable component, Variable, and swing contracts and whether the pricing, you get is really fixed or fixed RUC & Congestion are hedged all the way to the meter. (Normally RUC fixed pricing is not mentioned when receiving a quote. You NEED to ask!

2) Anyone can switch electric companies as long as you are not in a co-op. Furthermore, when shopping around for price call the utility company directly and ask price and then call an energy broker and ask for the same price from the same company, and you will find the pricing will be the same. The reason for this is the Utility co. has to pay a salesman or a broker the same commission so the fees are the same thus the pricing will be the same. The only different is the broker works for you and will be able to offer multiple companies, and consult with you on the different contracts that are offered on each company.

3) Rates vary by the start dates and the length of the term. When getting quotes make sure you give all the companies the same start date.

4) There always two companies involved in electric. One is the company you buy electric from and one is the one that delivers the electric. AEP Central is the company that owns all the wires and transformers down here in the Valley, and their rated of delivery is the same no matter what company you chose to buy electric. Most companies will show this as pass through charges on your bill.

5) There are two costs to considering when buying electric. One what is the rate the company is going to charge you per kWh, and if they charge a monthly charge, which they will either call it meter charge or service charge.
A)So if one company charges 6 cents per kWh and has no meter charge versus one that charges 6 cents per kWh with $7.00 charge. Then the last one will cost you $84.00 more a year for electric.

6) Check the cancellation clause in your contract. They are different and may be important if you are going to close down a location. Any questions call us at 956 381-4446

7) Most companies will NOT require a security deposit, unless there is a credit issue. Now if there is a credit issue not all companies have the some requirements. So if one asks for a security deposit, the next company may not because their credit requirements are less. Now if all companies are requesting a security deposit not all will require the same deposit. So shop around for the best deal.
8) Payment options. Some companies charge a fee if you pay online or use a credit card. Now if you normally bay by check, then there usually will be no issue. However, if you use other means of paying, then you need to check the company for their payment fees.

Real Corporation, 1703 W. Calle Cedro, Edinburg Texas78541

866 287-9484 http://www.realsmartbuyer.com

7 Things you Need to Know About Buying Electricity for your Home in Texas

1) Anyone can switch electric companies as long as you are not in a co-op. Now if you are not sure if you are in a co-op. Then just type your zip code with each company and if you are in co-op it will not provide pricing. However, if you do get pricing, then you can buy electric from that company.

2) There always two companies involved in electric. One is the company you choose to buy electric from and one is the other one that delivers the electric. AEP Central is the company that owns all the wires and transformers down here in the Valley, and their charge for delivering electricity to you is the same no matter which company you choose to buy your electricity from.

3) There are two costs to considering when buying electric. One is the rate they charge per kWh and the other is if they have a monthly meter or service charge. If it’s worth paying this charge depends on your usage and how much you save per kWh with this supplier.

A)So if one company charges 10 cents per kWh and has no meter charge versus one that charges 10 cents per kWh with $7.00 charge. The second one will cost you $84 more per year.

B) Another thing to look at some companies will charge a monthly fee if below a certain usage. For example, a company’s state there is a monthly fee $7.00 if 1000 kWh or less a month but over 1000 kWh no monthly fee. So in this case if you average 800 kWh a month you will experience a monthly fee of $7.00 Now if your monthly average is over 1000 kWh, then you will have no fee to worry about.

4) Most companies will NOT require a security deposit, unless there is a credit issue. Now if there is a credit issue not all companies have the some requirements. So if one asks for a security deposit, the next company may not because their credit requirements are less. Now if all companies are requesting a security deposit you will find not all will require the same deposit. So shop around for the best deal.

5) Rates vary by the length of the term. Now if you see a term, 6 months that has a good rate, but you will be moving in 4 months. You can still sign up for the 6 month and cancel the contract when leaving without experiencing a cancellation fee as long as you provide a forward address were you are moving. (Check the cancellation clause in your contract or look for the facts label with each company, and it will tell you) (Any Questions? Call us at 956 381-4446)

6) Prepay Options. We offer SMART Prepaid Electric – The Benefit prepaid plan you can buy as much as you want and no deposit required. Now with Prepay plan you just buy the amount you need for 1,2,3 months (No limit you Buy as much as you want) ! You buy energy by putting money into your account.( Like a savings account ) and then you draw from it and then buy more when needed and put it back into your account. Now if you move you can either get a refund for unused portion or leave it in your account when you return and finish it, then.

7) Payment options. Some companies charge a fee if you pay online or use a credit card. Now if you normally bay by check, then there usually will be no issue. However, if you use other means of paying, then you need to check the company for their payment fees

Real Corporation, 1703 W. Calle Cedro Edinburg TX 78541

866 287-9484 http://www.realsmartbuyer.com

Energy Consumption on an Average Home

It is difficult to imagine spending an entire day without using energy. We use electric to light our cities and homes, to power machinery in factories, cook our food, play music, and operate televisions. In a home where electricity supplies all of the energy requirements, the average energy consumption is shown below:

Air conditioner and heater = 50%
Water heater = 20%
Lighting and small appliances = 10%
Refrigerator = 8%
Other = 5%
Ovens and stoves = 4%
Clothes dryer = 3%

Real Corporation, 1703 W. Calle Cedro Edinburg TX 78541 866 287-9484  www.realsmartbuyer.com