In an effort to keep things simple, transparent, and unsurprising Texpo Energy has compiled a Glossary of common deregulation terms.
Budget Billing
An agreement worked out between Texpo Energy and a customer, which allows you to pay approximately the same amount for your electricity each month, with the balance to be trued- up periodically to account for over- or under- payments. The total variance is reflected on our invoice as "Total Budget Variance to Date".
Electric Cooperative (Co-op)
A customer-owned electric utility that distributes electricity to its members. In Texas, co-ops can choose to opt into the competitive retail market.
Electricity Facts Label (EFL or Fact Sheet)
A fact sheet that provides customers with standardized information about an electric plan, including contract terms, pricing, fees, and the percentage of renewable energy offered. The PUC requires an EFL for every plan so that customers can make an "apples-to-apples" comparison of the different offers.
Electric Service Identifier (ESI ID)
In the state of Texas, an ESI ID is a 17 or 22-digit number used in the deregulated market to identify a unique point of electric service delivery to a premise (your home or business).
Fixed-Rate Plan
A fixed-rate plan has a set rate that doesn't change throughout the contract period, with minor exceptions. If you choose a plan with a fixed rate, your price per kWh will not change during your contract period except for changes in Transmission and Distribution fees, changes in ERCOT or Texas Regional Entity administrative fees, or changes resulting from federal, state or local laws that impose fees beyond your REP’s control.
Gross Receipts Reimb
The accepted abbreviation for “Miscellaneous Gross Receipts Tax Reimbursement”. This is the charge assessed to recover the miscellaneous gross receipts tax imposed on retail electric providers operating in an incorporated city or town. The Miscellaneous Gross Receipts Tax Reimbursement is imposed on both utility companies and retail energy providers located in a city or town having a population of more than 1,000 according to the last federal census.
Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)
A unit of energy equivalent to one kilowatt (kW) of power expended for one hour of time. The amount of electricity you use each billing period will be expressed on your bill in terms of kilowatt-hours.
Meter Charge
Flat fee applied each month. The fee may vary based on plan enrolled, usage, or size of customer.
Meter Multiplier
For some meters, the actual amount of energy displayed is too large to be registered and the meter shows a fraction of the actual use. A multiplier is then applied to the difference between your present and previous readings to determine your actual energy use.
Municipally Owned Utility ("Muni")
A non-profit utility owned and operated by the municipality it serves. In Texas, municipally owned utilities may opt into the competitive retail electric marketplace. See also "City-Owned Utility".
Payment Processing Fee
If you elect to pay your invoice by any method other than an approved Auto-Pay method, you will be subject to a payment processing fee of 0.005/kWh.
Provider of Last Resort
The Provider of Last Resort (POLR) serves as the "back-up" provider when an electric company leaves the market for any reason. If this happens, customers may opt for service from the POLR or switch to another retailer.
Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)
The state agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of electric and local telecommunication services in Texas. The PUCT regulates the delivery of electricity and enforces customer protections.
Regulatory Charges
A combination of TX PUC Assessment and Gross Receipts Tax.
Retail Electric Provider (Electric Company or Provider)
Commonly called electric companies, Retail Electric Providers (REPs) sell electricity to customers. They do not generate electricity, read meters, or operate or maintain transmission or distribution wires. All REPs must be certified to do business by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Terms of Service (TOS)
A contract between a Retail Electric Provider and a customer, which outlines fees, length of service, and other important information.
Transmission and Distribution
The actual delivery of electricity over poles and wires to your home or business. These services are provided by your local wires company (often called the Transmission and Distribution Service Provider "TDSP"), which is responsible for maintaining the poles and wires and responding to emergencies and power outages. The PUC regulates transmission and distribution to ensure the safety and reliability of your electric service.
TX PUC Assessment
This is the charge assessed by the Texas Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to recover the statutory fee for administering the Public Utility Regulatory Act. It is equal to 1/6 of 1 percent of the charges on your bill, excluding sales tax.
Usage
Usage is the amount of electricity used during the billing period. Usage is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and will be listed on your electric bill as "kWh Usage".
Utility Charges
The total amounts assessed by a TDSP (see Transmission and Distribution) for the delivery of electricity to a customer.
Variable Rate Plans
Variable rate plans have no monthly contract or cancellation fee, but the rate you pay per kWh can vary from month to month. Your rate can go up or down based on the market and the discretion of your electric company. Variable plans allow customers to benefit from falling market prices, but they also have an increased risk for higher rates if electricity prices spike due to natural disasters, cold winters, or adverse market conditions.
Your Rights As a Customer Disclosure
A document that informs you of your rights as mandated by the PUCT. Your electric provider must provide you with this disclosure.
Texpo Energy is offering its Electricity glossary solely for your reference. To see the PUC's glossary of similar terms, including defined terms above, click here.
