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Best Electricity Company in Corpus Christi - How You Can Find It

Looking for great electricity rates in Corpus Christi?

On your own, it can be such a struggle to break through the industry noise and fine print. Then, even if you find a plan, how do you know if it’s any good? 

What if you had an ally?

Someone with the tools and services to help you to find the most affordable rates. 

Let Power Wizard Be Your Ally!

 

Are you lucky enough to call Corpus Christi home? The beautiful beaches. The tolerable year-round climate. The affordable electricity plans with the best electricity company…oh wait, that last one might not be a given.

Finding a great electricity plan with a dependable electricity company in Corpus Christi is a challenge.

There are so many choices. How do you know which one will be the smartest option for you?

Fear not. We’ve created this guide to give you the resources needed to:

• Understand the freedom you have to choose an electricity provider
• Learn about the types of electricity plans available in Corpus Christi
• Recognize the factors that affect your electricity usage
• Determine how to identify the provider and plan that makes the most sense for your household

Corpus Christi Electricity Rates

With a population of over 315,000, Corpus Christi is the 8th largest city in Texas. It is a coastal town with over 113 miles of Gulf Coast beaches.

These beaches make Corpus Christi a popular tourist destination – around 8 million people visit the greater metropolitan area of Corpus Christi every year.

Corpus Christi is known for…

• Beaches
• Bayfront gazebos
• The official state aquarium of Texas
• King Ranch
• …and many other popular attractions.

One thing Corpus Christi is NOT known for? Making it easy for residents to choose an electricity plan.

Deregulation in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is one of the cities included in legislation that deregulated Texas’ electricity market in 2002.

Prior to deregulation, the entire electricity market was managed by utility companies. These utility companies managed large service areas and had control over all electrical:

• Generation
• Transmission
• Distribution

Post deregulation, the distribution portion of the electricity market was opened to a retail market.

Now, Retail Electric Providers (REPs) can:

• Set rates based on a wholesale purchase price
• Design electricity plans for specific customer needs
• Provide sign-up incentives
• Compete with other REPs

Why Does This Matter to Me?

Are you asking, “Why should I care about this?” Noted. We’ll shed some light on the role deregulation plays in your monthly electricity bill.

Let us introduce you to Stacy.

Stacy lived in Corpus Christi prior to the deregulation of the market. Her local utility set her electricity rate, monitored her usage, and sent her a monthly bill which she dutifully paid.

Stacy had no control over what rate she paid. The types of plans she could choose from were limited. It was a one-size-fits-most relationship.

Then, in 2002, all that changed. Suddenly, REPs were popping up everywhere, and Stacy had choices:

• Company A offered a significantly lower rate
• Company B advertised free nights and weekends
• Company C used renewable energy to generate electricity

Now, Stacy has an element of control over her monthly electricity bill.

In the last 18 years, Stacy has been diligent about researching available plans and switching providers when necessary.

It’s not easy or hassle-free. It involves a decent amount of legwork, but she’s been able to save hundreds of dollars.

With the freedom to choose an REP, comes the responsibility to shop around and compare rates and plan types to find the best fit for your household.

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Types of Electricity Plans Available In Corpus Christi

REPs compete with one another beyond their advertised rate per kWh. They also have an assortment of usage plans to choose from.

This only makes choosing an REP and electricity plan more difficult.

Each type of plan has its pros and cons. There is a multitude of factors that affect your unique electricity usage. This, in turn, affects what type of plan will fit your needs.

Choosing and maintaining the “best” plan will require:

• In-depth research
• Significant rate and usage comparison
• Continual monitoring

Let’s dive in and explore the types of electricity plans available in Corpus Christi.

Prepaid Electricity Plans

Prepaid electricity service allows a customer to pay for their usage in advance. Your cost might be based on data from a Smart Meter or an estimate of your future electricity use.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Before choosing this type of plan in Corpus Christi, it is essential to thoroughly understand the advantages and disadvantages.

A quick highlight of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Avoid accumulating utility debt
• Always know your balance

Cons:

• Typically more expensive
• If your prepaid account balance is depleted, your electricity will be turned off.

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Fixed-Rate Electricity Plans

A fixed-rate plan sets a rate per kWh for the entire length of your contract. Your rate will not change until your contract is over.

What you need to know

Fixed-rate plans are essentially the opposite of variable-rate plans.

A quick highlight of the pros and cons of fixed-rate plans:

Pros:

• Provides stability – especially in budgeting
• Extreme temperatures will not affect your rate

Cons:

• If market prices fall, you cannot take advantage of lower rates
• You may pay a slightly higher rate to ensure a fixed rate

Month-to-Month Electricity Plans

Month-to-month electricity plans have no contracts. You pay for the electricity you use on a monthly basis, and you’re free to terminate service at any time.

Why do people like this option

This option may be beneficial for you if:

• You are unable or do not want to pay a deposit
• You do not want to complete a credit check
• Your living situation might change suddenly

Keep in mind that you will likely pay a significantly higher rate.

The “Best” Electricity Company and Plan in Corpus Christi Will be Different for Each Family

Remember Stacy and her pre-deregulation, one-size-fits-most electricity plan? Those days are long gone.

Retail Electric Providers have designed hundreds of different types of plans with associated rate variations.

The power to find the company and plan that truly fits your needs is in YOUR hands.

There is a gamut of factors that affect your electricity usage. We’ll review a few of these factors in the following sections.

Factor 1: What is the Size and Age of Your Home?

The size and age of your home can drastically affect your electricity usage in Corpus Christi.

Is your home:

• Single or multi-story?
• A modern, well-insulated home?
• A drafty mid-century ranch house?
• A sky-rise condo?

Older homes may be less efficient. Modern homes with new appliances might be more efficient. You’ll need to look at all aspects of your home when determining your anticipated monthly usage.

Factor 2: Lifestyle

Your lifestyle can also dictate your energy usage:

• Are you a homebody or someone who likes to get out of the house?
• Do you live alone, or do you have a large family living under the same roof?
• How often are you streaming the latest Netflix comedy special or playing video games?

If you are gone all weekend (out with friends or maybe you’re a travel junkie), what good are a “free weekends” plan?

If your whole family are bookworms and you rarely turn on the TV, maybe you don’t need that 2,000 kWh plan.

When you start looking for the “best” electricity provider in Corpus Christi, make sure you find a company that offers a plan to match your lifestyle.

Factor 3: Location

The location of your home in Corpus Christi should also play a role in which REP and plan you ultimately decide to move forward with.

REPs may only offer services in certain zip codes. You’ll need to refine your search by zip code and not simply search for plans available in the greater Corpus Christi area.

How frustrating would it be to find the perfect type of plan with a great rate only to find out it’s not available in your particular zip code?

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Which Company Has the Lowest Electricity Rates in Corpus Christi?

Price is likely your top concern when choosing an electricity company in Corpus Christi. While everyone loves a deal, it is important not to be misled by the advertised price per kWh.

Oftentimes, the “lowest” rate can come with “hidden” costs:

• Unadvertised fees
• Lengthy contract commitments
• Cancellation costs

It might be tempting to search for a company that provides the lowest rate. Be thorough. Ask questions. Be sure that you’re not committing to a plan that will cost you more in the long run.

A great way to avoid falling into a “low cost” trap? Explore your options with Power Wizard.

Take these factors into consideration when picking an electricity plan in Corpus Christi:

Are you wondering what to consider when choosing an electricity plan in Corpus Christi? Let’s take a look at a few factors that might affect your decision:

Factor 1: Hidden Fees

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has given REPs the ability to charge several types of fees, including:

• Minimum usage fees
• Surcharges
• Base charges/fixed fees
• Energy efficiency cost recovery fees

Be sure to question customer service departments about the additional fees that might show up on your monthly bill.

Factor 2: Length of Commitment

A great low rate might come with the requirement of a long contract.

If you might not be in your home for an extended amount of time, don’t get yourself locked into a 12+ month contract.

Factor 3: Cancellation Costs

If you want the flexibility to terminate your service without breaking the bank, find a plan with a small early termination fee.

How Do Business Rates Compare to Residential Rates in Corpus Christi?

Electricity rates in Corpus Christi will vary for residential and commercial usage.

As with the majority of Texas, commercial rates are lower than residential rates in Corpus Christi.

The current average commercial electricity rate is 8.16¢/kWh.

The current average residential electricity rate is 10.98¢/kWh.

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Moving to Corpus Christi: How to Set Up Your Electricity

Are you planning a move to Corpus Christi? Knowing your new home’s historical electricity usage is key to finding the best rate for you. Armed with this information, you can attempt to find a plan that will best accommodate future electricity use.

Obtaining historical usage can be exceptionally difficult if you aren’t in communication with the home’s previous residents.

Even if you do manage to track down historical usage, all the other factors that can affect electricity usage come into play.

What if the previous occupants were gone a lot? Or, on the other hand, what if they worked from home?

You can save yourself valuable time and energy with Power Wizard’s Shopping Tool. In just a few minutes’ time, you can get a snapshot of what your monthly or annual electricity expenses might look like.

I Have an Electricity Plan in Corpus Christi I am Unhappy With. How Do I Switch?

There are many reasons you might be unhappy with your current Corpus Christi electricity plan:

• High rate per kWh
• Unexpected monthly fees
• Long contract terms
• Poor customer service

With a myriad of choices in your area, you don’t have to stick with a plan that isn’t meeting your needs or expectations.

Don’t let the thought of choosing a new provider or plan make you feel apprehensive about switching. Follow a few steps, and the process can be seamless:

1. Find out if you are in a contract with your current provider. If the answer is yes:
   i. What is the penalty for early termination
   ii. Sometimes fees can be as little as $25, making the decision easy. If the answer is no:
   i. Sometimes providers switch customers to a month-to-month plan after their initial contract terms are met, and you’re free to move on without penalty
   ii. Move on to step 2
2. Start the process of shopping around. You’ll need to research: a. REPs
   b. Plan types
   c. Available rates

There are two ways to conduct your research:

• One can take days or even weeks
• The other can be completed in a quick five minutes

We’ll review these options later in this guide.

Once you decide on a new plan, you can often schedule your new service up to 60 days in advance. This means you can plan ahead if you’re still in a long-term contract.

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Corpus Christi Utilities

Utility needs in Corpus Christi are similar to the utility needs of the rest of Texas.

You’ll generally need services for:

• Electricity
• Water
• Sewer
• Gas
• Garbage and recycling

We’ll quickly review each utility and how to set service up with each:

Electricity

Your Corpus Christi home might be equipped with a smart meter. This device connects your home to the electrical grid in a more efficient and reliable way than previous meters. It allows you to closely monitor your energy use.

Why is this important?

With a greater understanding of how and when you use electricity, you have the ability to find an electricity plan that meets your unique needs.

Remember – you have lots of options for electricity providers in Corpus Christi.

If you experience a power outage in Corpus Christi, you’ll call AEP Texas – the utility company that powers electrical generation and transmission in Corpus Christi. They can be reached at 877-373-4858.

Water

Water service is provided and managed by the Water Department of the City of Corpus Christi. All questions regarding service can be directed to 361.826.2489.

Gas

Gas service is provided and managed by the Gas Department of the City of Corpus Christi. All questions regarding service can be directed to 361.826.2489.

Garbage and Recycling Pickup

Garbage and Recycling are provided and managed by the Solid Waste Services Department of the City of Corpus Christi. All questions regarding service can be directed to 361.826.2489.

How Do I Compare Electricity Rates in Corpus Christi

Comparing electricity rates in Corpus Christi can take you down one of two paths:

1. The path of frustration – manual research and comparison
2. The path of ease – Power Wizard

Keep reading to explore these options and decide which path you’d like to follow.

Plan NamePlan LengthPlan Rate

SOUTHERN_FEDERAL – SoFed Better Rate –	3 months	9.9 ¢ / kWh
JUST – Sustainable Living Bundle –	3 months	9.6 ¢ / kWh
AMIGO – Sustainable Lifestyle –	4 months	9.7 ¢ / kWh
RANCHERO – Ranchero Smart & Fixed –	3 months	10.0 ¢ / kWh
FRONTIER – Frontier Power	5 months	9.2 ¢ / kWh
CONSTELLATION – MONTH RESIDENTIAL FIXED RATE	6 months	11.6 ¢ / kWh
INFUSE – Essential Infusion Plan	6 months	12.0 ¢ / kWh
FIRST_CHOICE – You Got This™ – Fixed	12 months	12.7 ¢ / kWh
ENERGY_TEXAS – Come & Take It	12 months	12.7 ¢ / kWh
SUMMER – Months Texas Summer Savings Product	3 months	12.7 ¢ / kWh

Option 1: Painstakingly Price it By Hand by Going to Each Company’s Website

When you look at the chart above, is your initial instinct to go with the plan that offers the cheapest rate?

You’re not alone. We all want to save money wherever we can.

But, when it comes to choosing a Corpus Christi electricity plan, you need to look beyond the advertised rate per kWh.

A TON of additional factors can affect your bill. Here are just a few:

• Hidden or unadvertised fees
• Minimum usage requirements
• Length of contract
• Type of plan
• Required deposit
• Promotional incentives

Don’t identify the “cheapest” rate plan and commit to it without extensive research. Otherwise, you may end up paying way more than you anticipate.

You’ll need to commit solid time to:

• Researching all available REPs in your area
• Identifying the plans and rates offered by each REP
• Comparing the plans and rates to the unique factors that affect YOUR electricity usage
  • A heads-up: it takes some SERIOUS math skills to objectively compare rate plans
• Continually monitor your usage to ensure the plan you choose today is still working for you next week or in six months.

Does this sound like more than you bargained for? Don’t worry. There’s another option – Power Wizard.

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Option 2: Save Tons of Hours of Research

Don’t waste days and weeks of your life that you’ll never get back. Spend your time doing everything you love and want to do. Go for that hike. Get to the gym. Get lost in a good book.

Let Power Wizard find and enroll you in an electricity plan that meets your unique needs.

Look at the difference Power Wizard can make:

• Research and comparison
  • You: hours, days, weeks – time lost and frustration gained
  • Power Wizard: five minutes – No wasted time, no hassle
• Enrollment process
  • You: phone calls, emails, customer service issues
  • Power Wizard: transitions providers, enrolls, sets up payment – all on your behalf with very limited action required on your part
• Continual rate monitoring
  • You: repeat the manual research process over and over again
  • Power Wizard: routinely scours the market, alerts you if they find an even better plan

Power Wizard makes your life easier. Get started with a Shopping Tool.