New Law Gives Customers The Power To Choose The CompanyThat ProvidesTheir Electricity (NAPSA)—Thanks to a new state law, Texans now have the powerto choose the companythat provides their electricity, just as they do other products and services. The law was created to give people more control over their purchase of electricity. While the law applies to most customers of Texas’ investor-ownedelectric utilities; lawmakers gave cities that own their electric systems, as well as electric cooperatives, the option of allowing competition, or keeping things the way they are today. Simply put, most residential and business customers in Texas can now choose from a list of Retail Electric Providers (REPs) serving their area. Customers can shop for electricity based on what matters most to them, whetherit’s price, renewable energy, or a name they know. Customers’ cur- rent electric utilities will continue to be responsible for maintaining the poles and wires, and for responding to power outages, just as they do today. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) has created the Texas Electric Choice campaign to provide Texans with neutral, unbiased information about their new power to choose, and to make the transition to a competitive marketplace as easy as possible. Whenshopping for a REP, customers should follow the three C’s: 1. Call/Click: Call the Texas Electric Choice Answer Center at 1-866-PWR-4-TEX (1-866-797- 4839), or click on www.powertochoose.org for a list of REPsoffer- ing service in their area. The Web site also includes background information on electric choice and additional shoppingtips. 2. Compare: Contact one or more REPsto obtain information on electric rates and services offered. Customers should have their latest electric bill available, and ask each REP for an Electricity Facts Label. The Electricity Facts Label allows customers to make an apples-to-apples com- parison of REPs based uponelectricity price, contract terms, Shopping for a Retail Electric Provider (REP) should be easy. To help make a decision thatfits your needs andis right for you, have your recentelectric bill handy. Contact individual REPs to obtain the following information: Comparing REPs Nameof REP Whatis the total price per kilowatt hour? Is the price fixed, or does it change? Is the price per kilowatt-hour affected by how much electricity I use or whenI useit? Will I be required to sign a contract?If so, for how long? Will there be a switching or meter reading fee? Is there a membership fee or any other fee? Is there a cancellation fee if I change my mind? Is there a customerincentive for signing up? Are any other services offered in addition to electrical service? What happens when my contract expires? Is there an average paymentplan? @Q sources of power generation, and emissions. 3. Choose: After comparing offers, customers can sign up with the REP they have selected. Customers should contact the REP directly for a service con- tract. They do not need to contact their current utility to inform them of their choice. Once customers have signed a contract with their new REP, they will receive a verification card in the mail notifying them of their selection. Beginning January 1, 2002, customers who have not selected a new REP will be provided elec- tric service by the REP affiliated with their current electric utility. Texas Electric Choice encour- ages customers to learn about their electric choices now, so they can make an informed decision that is right for their family or business.
