LEGACY PROVIDERS VS NEW REPS....

As of mid-2010, legacy providers' standard rates were 12 to 57% higher than January 2002 prices, while the average, lowest competitive offers were slightly above $0.08 per kWh, which almost mirrored the rates in early 2002.

Savings of up to 35% relative to the legacy providers' standard rate were available for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month.  Competitive rates were even lower later in 2010.  

The most competitive offers in the Texas power market have decreased an average of 13.1% for fixed rates and 17.5% for variable rates, not adjusted for inflation, since the state opened its market to retail competition in 2002. 

Source of all above numbers is the 2011 Report to the 82nd Texas Legislature, Scope of Competition in Electric Markets in Texas.

What is highlighted is the benefit of choosing a non-legacy retail provider. What is not so impressive is the lack of more overall improvement in rates after eight years of deregulation.

LEGACY PROVIDERS, WHO ARE THEY

If you have never chosen an electric provider since the start of deregulation, your electricity account is most likely still with the legacy, sometimes referred to as the incumbent or affiliated, retail provider.  In this case, you are paying more for your electricity than is necessary.  It's a good idea to shop around for a lower rate and save money.  This aggregation project has done that shopping for you.  Here is a list of the legacy providers:

• Reliant Energy
• TXU Energy
• First Choice Power
• CPL Retail Energy
• WTU Retail Energy