1.    With competition, will the reliability of my electric service change?
A.    No. No matter which Retail Electric Provider (REP) you choose, your electricity will continue to be delivered safely and reliably by the local wires company, a company still regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. (PUCT).

2.    What happens if my Retail Electric Provider (REP) goes out of business?
A.    You will not be without power. You should receive a notice from your REP giving you time to select a new provider. However, if that does not happen, your service  will be provided by the Provider of Last Resort (POLR) until you select a new provider.

3.    Do all Texans have the power to choose their electric provider?
       No. Unless they choose to "opt in" municipalities and electric cooperatives are not eligible.

4.    What does Texas electric choice mean to me?
     It means you have the power to choose your electricity service provider. It's referred to as deregulation. And it’s a result of Texas Senate Bill 7, which enables the State of Texas to restructure its electric utility industry.

5.    Will the situation in California happen in Texas?
    Since 1995, 47 new power plants have been built or are being built in Texas, representing one-fourth of all power plants being built in the nation. California has built only two power plants since 1995. 

 Texas also imports less than one percent of its power during peak demand, while California imports at least 20 percent. 

 In addition, Texas power generators and R.E.P.s are able to negotiate long-term wholesale power purchases for the lowest price, while in California spot purchases have left utilities and customers vulnerable to price spikes. 

Texas has enacted strong customer protection measures during the transition to a competitive retail electric market. These measures will keep electric rates stable so you won't see your electric bill double or triple, like in California.

6.   If I switch, will my new electricity be as reliable as before?
 Yes. Since the transmission and distribution of your power is still provided by your current regulated utility, you get the same level of reliability. They will continue  to maintain the poles and wires, regardless of what provider you select. The only thing that changes is your savings and customer service.

7.    Do I have to switch?
     No. But on January 1, 2002, you were switched to an REP that is affiliated with your current utility.

8.    What do I do if my power goes out?
     Because your local regulated utility is still obligated by law to maintain your service, you can call them in the event of an outage.

9.    If I switch, where will my electricity come from?
    Your current electric utility will continue to deliver your electricity. As such, your power will come from a regional power pool – a mixture of energy from traditional power plants and other sources like wind, water, sun and natural gas.

10.    Should I switch to a R.E.P. right away?
       No, shop around! Ask the R.E.P. if they are the cheapest. If he/she says “yes” have them prove it.  As your consultant, we provide you with the answers, and help you make the CHOICE.

11.    I keep hearing the word Aggregator! What is an Aggregator?
         An "Aggregator" is one who brings two or more customers together in order to secure a lower price.  An Aggregator must be registered with the PUCT.

  
12.    I am told that if I go with an alternative fuel source, such as wind, I would be helping the environment. Is this true?
    Some what true. All sources of electricity are put on the Grid. The Grid is the backbone of all the Power in the Nation and Wind is only 7%. The rest is made up of  all other sources. Majority is still Fossil Fuel.

15.    If I loose my power what do I do?
A.    As always you call your Wire Company in your area. Those names have changed. In the area that TXU serves is OnCor. If you don’t know who is the Wire Company in your area call your Provider. The company you now send your payment.