LOCAL Houston | The City Guide APRIL 2016 | Page 73

By Shannon McGriff

Making a choice does not have to be complicated. While there are
many different products you can choose from when purchasing electricity, most revolve around a fixed rate. Product differences fall into three
categories:
1) Fixed or Variable Rate.
2) Term, e.g., 3, 6, 12, 24 month (period of time the
rate applies).
3) Other services, e.g., includes a smart thermostat,
green energy sources.
Credible retailers avoid the use of complicated rate structures and can
provide simple analysis of your choices. Be aware that some plans
also include other features, like the inclusion of smart thermostats.
While these provide new tools, the kWh rate that accompanies these
plans may have you spending 2 or 3 times the cost of the thermostat
on Amazon.

of brokers is an effective strategy, and businesses should seek well-qualified brokers to represent them in the marketplace. While Texas does not
regulate brokers, many firms, including Prism Energy Solutions, have
joined organizations to establish standards for the industry, for example,
The Energy Professionals Association (www.tepausa.org),” says Shannon
McGriff, Director of Sales at Prism. Shannon also serves on the National
Board of TEPA as their Conference and Events Chair.
While most of today’s headlines are focused on the significant drop in
oil and natural gas prices and how that may stress the Houston economy, a silver lining exists for those of us who actively update our electricity plans. Prices being offered to Houston residents and businesses
are the lowest in over a decade!

www.prismenergysolutions.com

In the business domain, other complexities exist. A business must determine what other considerations apply, like budget certainty, energy efficiency promotions and changes in their business that may cause energy
usage to change. Over 70% of businesses in Texas utilize the service of
brokers or consultants to guide their procurement of electricity. “The use

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