The content of our monthly electricity bills includes several elements that I want to point out for a greater understanding by all. The PUC enacted some rule changes during 2010 standardizing this content. My inquiries have proven a high percentage of homeowners haven't become aware of these facts.
Bill content basics include your account number with that provider; your unique 22 digit ESI number; meter number; service address; period of service; kWh rate, total usage for the month; and customer service telephone number.
I have found that many are unaware of two new key items. First, is the contract expiration date if you are on a fixed term contract. The second, and most important, is the statement of your total average cost of electricity for the month. Computation of this figure by all REPs is now standardized and inclusive of all costs included in the bill, less taxes.
It is essential to understand this total average cost for the billing period. It is the only data element that affords "apples to apples" comparisons between the providers or bill senders.
I believe when we choose a retail electricity provider, we are basically choosing a bill sender considering the generation and distribution of our electricity remains regulated and unaffected. Deregulation only affected the retail market.
With the new rules and the not too old Oversight and Enforcement Division of the PUCT, some might consider all REPs the same in many respects. This statement will be explained in a following posting.
I believe when we choose a retail electricity provider, we are basically choosing a bill sender considering the generation and distribution of our electricity remains regulated and unaffected. Deregulation only affected the retail market.
With the new rules and the not too old Oversight and Enforcement Division of the PUCT, some might consider all REPs the same in many respects. This statement will be explained in a following posting.
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