The majority of the REPs operating in the Texas retail electricity market are following sales and marketing strategies, tactics and practices designed to confuse and abuse the residential consumer. There are insufficient protections in place to prevent this abuse. The evidence is clear. Just read this blog.
Most customers are fooled by the use of tiered rates, monthly service charges, confusing EFLs and Terms of Service, hidden charges and etc. The REPs can employ these tactics because they have the upper hand.
The homeowners in this state are not well represented with a completely independent and effective consumer advocacy organization. The people have no real voice or representation. This can and must change. Establishment of a new consumer friendly organization or reorganization of those already existing has become a new focus of this blog.
The mere number of REPs and the multitude of products they offer is overwhelming for average Joe Homeowner. Making a choice is not easy and too many consumers don't want to mess with the hassle. The REPs rely on that consumer attitude. At last count, for ZIP 77379, there were 45 providers offering 257 different rate plan products, all types. The number of fixed 12 month plans to choose from was 79.
The industry lobby and the PUC tout the number of REPs operating in the market as evidence that competition is working. We believe that the excessive number only confirms the structuring of the market is tuned for the benefit of business and profits and not for the people.
We're paying too much for our electricity. The profits built into the current market are too high. We, the people can do better.
Just more straight talk....
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