Compare the offer, not the loyalty message
A renewal offer is a new decision. Neither staying with a familiar provider nor moving to a new one guarantees a lower bill. Put both written offers beside your usage history and compare the same period.
This worksheet is for evaluating quotes. For choosing the actual service date, use our renewal and switching timeline.
Fill in these details for each offer
| Item | Renewal offer | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Provider, plan and quote date | Record the written offer | Record the written offer |
| Service address and start date | Confirm eligibility and date | Confirm eligibility and date |
| Contract length and rate type | Read the Terms of Service | Read the Terms of Service |
| Price at your actual usage | Calculate from its EFL | Calculate from its EFL |
| Fees and conditional credits | List requirements and amounts | List requirements and amounts |
| Cash needed and cancellation costs | Separate deposit from fees | Separate deposit from fees |
The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) is the starting point for pricing; keep the Terms of Service too. Compare at several realistic usage levels. An attractive credit at one threshold may disappear in a milder month.
Worked example: lower advertised price, higher annual cost
These invented offers demonstrate a comparison, not current market rates. Assume an all-in 15¢/kWh renewal offer and an alternative at 14¢/kWh plus a $15 monthly charge. Neither has bill credits or other fees.
| Usage / months | Renewal | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| 600 kWh for 4 months | $90/month; $360 total | $99/month; $396 total |
| 1,000 kWh for 4 months | $150/month; $600 total | $155/month; $620 total |
| 1,800 kWh for 4 months | $270/month; $1,080 total | $267/month; $1,068 total |
| 12-month total | $2,040 | $2,084 |
The renewal costs $44 less in this example, even though its energy rate is higher. The alternative is cheaper only above 1,500 kWh per month under these assumptions. Use your actual history instead of this sample when comparing real offers.
Compare the same time horizon
A six-month quote and a twelve-month quote do not provide the same period of price certainty. Do not assume the six-month price continues for a year. Compare the known period, then describe the remaining months as an uncertainty.
If you leave the current contract early, add any applicable cancellation fee to the switching scenario. If a deposit is refundable, show it as a separate cash requirement instead of automatically treating it as a permanent annual expense.
Before accepting either offer
- Ask whether a promotion is available to existing or new customers.
- Check usage-credit thresholds, daily charges and any payment-method requirements.
- Save the documents and confirm the agreed start date in writing.
- Compare customer-support options that matter to you, alongside price.
For background, see the Texas contract and disclosure rule. For bill components, read understanding your electricity bill and minimum usage fees.
When does staying make sense?
When the total price, contract and service fit your needs. Use competing offers as evidence rather than assuming a loyalty discount is best. If the comparison is close, include practical differences such as payment options and contract flexibility.
Compare plans for your address
Use your ZIP code to start comparing. Confirm address eligibility, the current price and all terms with the provider before enrolling.
Compare electricity plans