Consumers are not happy when their electric bill goes up. If they live in a deregulated energy market they can simple shop for a new provider, for those who don’t, they most consult the Public Utility Commission of Texas which is exactly what Caleb Spear and Linda Smith did.
Both Linda and Caleb wrote the PUCT to express their concerns with Xcel Energy raising rates.
Linda appealed to the Commission saying she protest the increase because of the already high prices low income consumers already are paying Xcel.
Caleb’s concern was for the small business owner. Raising the rates to increase Xcel’s base revenues by $89 million does not make sense to Caleb.
The current rate of return, according to his letter, is 6.25% and would go to 10.65%. He argues his profit margins are not 10.65%, why should Xcel be that high?
If Linda and Caleb lived in a deregulated area in Texas they would just switch providers. Since they don’t, writing letters is the only way they can fight the higher prices.
Deregulation has made it easy for consumers to save money just by shopping and comparing rates. Electricrates.com makes even easier by putting them in a chart.
Consumers can use Electricrates.com’s chart by visiting the compare page and typing in their zip code into the compare box. They can also call 1-903-245-4989 to speak with an energy consultant.
Donny Eisenbach
Donny has been writing about the deregulated energy markets since early 2007. His knowledge has helped consumers lower their electricity cost.
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