How to actually compare energy companies in Texas (without getting tricked) 

The average Texas household will spend over $200 a month on electricity this summer. Most of them are on a plan they've never reviewed.

If you've been on Power to Choose and felt more confused than when you started, that's not a coincidence. Here's how to cut through it.

Look at one number: the energy rate per kWh

Every electricity bill in Texas has two charges. The delivery charge goes to the utility that maintains the wires -- Oncor, CenterPoint -- and it's the same no matter which provider you pick. The energy charge is where providers differ, and it's the only number worth comparing.

Most plans show an "all-in" rate that bundles both together, which makes it nearly impossible to see what you're actually paying for energy versus what's going to the utility regardless. If a provider won't break it out for you, that tells you something.

Base's energy rate is 8¢/kWh, fixed for 36 months.

Ignore "free nights" and usage thresholds

Some plans advertise free electricity at certain hours or bill credits that only kick in at specific usage levels. These aren't savings -- they're conditions. Miss the window, use too much or too little, and the math falls apart. Base has one rate. No conditions to meet.

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Check what happens after year one

The plan that looks cheapest today might not be cheapest in 12 months. Most Texas energy companies use introductory rates that expire and auto-renew at a higher price -- sometimes 20 to 40% higher. On top of that, early termination fees in the $150-200 range make it expensive to leave once you realize what happened.

Base guarantees a below-market-average rate at renewal, so there's no promo-to-penalty cycle. And if your current provider charges a termination fee, we cover up to $150 of it.

Ask one question about customer service: where is the team?

Texas energy companies consistently rank among the worst for customer satisfaction, and the reason is structural -- most outsource their support to cut costs. Base's team is in Austin. We're rated 4.9 stars on Google, and we answer the phone. That sounds like a low bar until you've tried calling your current provider.

The shortcut

If you're comparing plans right now, here's the fastest filter: find the energy rate (not the all-in rate), check the renewal terms, and call their support line once. If you can't get a clear answer on all three, move on. Or just check what you'd pay with Base -- it takes about three minutes.