While you can get price quotes from most electricity providers on their websites, several states have provided electricity shopping sites to help you learn more about your choices and compare rates. For example, here are three shopping sites from Texas, Illinois and Pennsylvania respectively.
Texas – http://www.powertochoose.org/
Illinois – http://www.pluginillinois.org/
Pennsylvania – http://www.papowerswitch.com/

Beyond shopping for price, there are two questions you should ask yourself before making a decision. First, you need to evaluate how invested you are in switching providers or shopping for special offers on a regular basis. For instance, some providers offer variable rate plans that have very cheap introductory rates, but you have to constantly watch your bills for price changes and be prepared to switch away after the introductory period or else at the end of a year you may discover that you actually ended up spending more on energy as the price for electricity went up and up during the summer and winter.

With fixed rate electricity plans you sign a contract for a specific rate over a specific term (usually between 6 and 24 months). You can save a lot of money and avoid the hassle of keeping an eye on your rate, because you know it’s locked in for the length of your contract. Spring is a great time to shop for a fixed rate electricity plan because the overall demand for power is lower (less AC or heating), so electricity providers are able to offer lower fixed-rates.

The second question you need to ask is how important customer service is for you. Do you have questions about your bill? Curious about wind energy or green energy credits? Need help coordinating accounts or payments for an elderly relative? Do you want reminders when your contract is about to expire?

If helpful, friendly service matters to you, then look for companies with 24/7 toll-free support, positive BBB ratings, low complaint rates and positive online reviews.

Anyway, thanks again for the article.

–
Martin Pepper

Champion Energy Services
http://www.championenergyservices.com
http://www.facebook.com/ChampionEnergyServices

I too recently switch car insurers every year or two. It always saves at least $500 for us. Actually getting multiple estimates on every expenditure always saves money – much more than I could earn in the same amount of time.

Here are some things I’ve done to help change my spending habits:

- Cooking more at home  Eating out is very expensive especially if you do it a couple times a week
- Shopping online  You can find better deals than in the store and you save on gas (I recommend http://www.shoptivity.com)
- Paying the full balance on credit cards each month  Interest charge is like giving away free money
- Don’t forget to pay yourself  Set up an online savings account (they pay higher interest than a normal savings account)
- Setting a budget and goals  It’s good to have your goals written down so you see them everyday and don’t lose focus on your ultimate objectives

Again, saving money requires a lot of patience and hard work. However, you’ll thank yourself later on in life. Good luck everyone!! =)