The Ultimate Guide to First Choice Power

Comparing deregulated energy plans can be confusing and overwhelming for many people. There is a multitude of plans to review, all with different pricing for varying circumstances. Add to that a large number of energy providers, and you can see how difficult it can become. 

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, you might consider First Choice Power. They have long service history and a reputation for quality customer service. We’ve compiled this overview of First Choice Power and provided a detailed look into their plans and service offerings to help you.

Who Is First Choice Power?

First Choice Power has been providing retail electricity to Texas for over 70 years. They serve both residential and commercial customers and offer various plans to get you the best choice at the best possible price.

This Texas-based energy company puts its customer’s needs first, making the right plan affordable and simple. First Choice Power offers online tools, flexible billing plans, and practical tips to lower their customer’s bills every month. 

Direct Energy is one of the largest energy providers in the United States, and in 2011, they acquired First Choice Power. First Choice Power remains committed to giving back to the community. With the influence of Direct Energy behind them, they continue to participate in initiatives like Food First, Reduce Your Grants, and Classroom Energy Innovation Grants.

What Is Deregulation?

Before the early 2000s, both businesses and homeowners in the United States had no control over their electricity bills. You were stuck with the local electricity providers that sold and delivered your electricity simply because they serviced your area. At the state level, the government would set the price you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and your energy bill was what it was.

In 1992, The US started to deregulate the electricity market allowing retail electricity competition. Now, 15 states allow the competitive resale of electricity, giving the consumer the choice of energy providers to get cheap electricity.

Without their monopoly on an area’s energy business, electricity providers don’t have full power over the entire value chain. The result is competitive rates from multiple companies that the consumer can choose from while still receiving the same reliable service. 

Electricity Plans Through First Choice Power

First Choice Power offers various electricity plans designed to deliver quality electricity to your home or business at the lowest possible price. First Choice Power can provide variable-rate plans, fixed-rate plans, or prepaid plans, depending on your needs.

Fixed-Rate, Fixed Term Plans

These are the most popular plans for First Choice Power customers. With them, you get a fixed price for worry-free billing. Your price doesn’t fluctuate based on market volatility, regional seasonality, or environmental factors.

You can choose between four-term lengths. A 6-month term is a good bet when energy prices are high, and projections point toward lower prices soon. 

The 12-month term is typically what most customers prefer. It’s long enough to warrant locking it, but not so long that you can’t change and take advantage of new lower pricing. If prices have recently dropped, you might consider the 24-month plan. 

When prices are at or near historic lows, you could opt for the 36-month option. Locking in a low rate for two or three years is a smart move and will save you money for a more extended period. If you act on this opportunity, your price per kWh could be lower than the market average the longer your plan term is. In other words, you would save money by signing a longer-term contract where pricing remains constant for an extended period. 

Prepaid Plans

Prepaid plans allow anyone to access electricity. Poor credit or no credit customers have the option to prepay for their electricity and avoid cumbersome credit checks or having to pay a high deposit.

First Choice Power offers prepaid plans on a month to month basis. There are no hidden costs or extra charges involved. There’s no cancellation fee either; just prepay and use your electricity.

No Contract, Month-To-Month Plans

Month-to-month plans are ideal for customers who will be moving soon since there is no need to sign a contract and pay an early termination fee. Sign up and receive service without commitment. You’ll pay a little bit more per kWh, but that will be far less than your cancellation fee.

Usage Time Plus Free Weekends

If you spend most of your time away from home during the week, this plan is for you. Maybe you travel a lot for business, or perhaps you are a busy entrepreneur working 16-hour days. Either way, you aren’t home during the week, so why pay more money on the weekend when you can enjoy yourself.

The free weekends are just that, absolutely free. If you use most of your electricity during the week, your bills will be higher, but you won’t pay much if most of your total electricity usage occurs during the weekend.

First Choice Power offers this plan without a contract and bills month-to-month. There’s no deposit required and no credit check necessary.

First Choice Power Green Plans

If you’re serious about lowering your carbon footprint, then you should consider a Green plan from First Choice Power. You’ll use 100% renewable energy generated from the wind and sun. 

Deposit Plans

First Choice Power works to require the lowest possible deposits in your service area.   

Now it’s time to look at the most frequently asked questions. 

What Is the Difference Between Fixed and Variable Rate Plans?

A fixed-rate never changes for the term of the contract. A variable rate will fluctuate based on market conditions. The fixed-rate will protect you from spikes in energy costs, while the variable-rate will save you money on market lows.

Do You Require Deposits and Credit Checks?

Most energy companies require both. At First Choice Power, that depends on the type of plan that you choose.

What Happens if I Move?

Early termination fees don’t apply to consumers that move. You will have the option to transfer your service or switch to another provider without penalty.

What if I Want To Switch Providers?

You can switch to a new provider up to 14 days before your contract ends without receiving any penalties if you are under a contract. Changing providers earlier might take you on an early termination fee. However, if the savings to switch to a better plan are more significant than any potential penalties, it might be worth making a move. To be sure, use a smart electricity shopping tool like EnerWisely’s Energy Matchmaker, which will look into all of these details for you to estimate your real net savings. 

Find the Right Plan Now

Many people become confused and overwhelmed, trying to understand complicated pricing programs based on day, weekday, and weekend rates. Let’s EnerWisely do the math for you and find the right plan in your area. Take advantage of Energy Matchmaker smart electricity plan shopping tool and feel confident knowing you’re getting the best plan at the best price.

First Choice Power Company Rating

As of January 10, 2021 First Choice Power has a company rating of 4 starts out of 5 according to Power to Choose. The company rating is based on the ratio of customer complaints a company has received in the last six months compared to other companies. The more starts a company has, the lower the complaint ratio.

This link takes you to the official customer complaint statistics for First Choice Power as reported by Power to Choose, the official website of the Public Utility Commission of Texas

Disclosure

Any product, company, or organization names, marks or logos shown on this page are the property of their respective owners. EnerWisely is an unaffiliated, independent marketplace.

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