Texas is a state which has deregulated its electric market to enhance provider competition. At present, approximately 24 U.S. states have moved to deregulate the competitive electric market. Texas electricity plans now include no deposit electric plans for consumer sale. No Deposit Electricity in Texas is fairly new. Yet the volume of these plans has accelerated in recent years. Consumers have the option of prepaying for electric service with no down payment. Some plans vary from month-to-month plans to up to (2) year period coverage.
No deposit electric service may start same day. These plans are generally geared to consumers in flux: students, consultants, renters, visitors to Texas who move frequently for whatever reason. Several electric service providers offer 1-month plans, or month-to-month short lease term plans, 3- and 6-month short term plans and longer-term plans that lock into a low rate with no required deposit or credit check.
As with the no deposit electric service model, Texas has been moving to inexpensive energy options over the last few years. Georgetown, TX, at 67,000 population, made the commitment a few years ago to use 100% renewable solar and wind energy sources. What is interesting is that Georgetown is primarily Republican/conservative, and yet an early municipality to make this energy choice. Going green is cost-effective. Outside of renewable energy, no deposit energy services remain an inexpensive consumer option.
Texas allocates approximately $3 billion annual subsidies to the state energy market through:
- oil/gas tax code incentives
- renewable energy incentives
Currently, 20% of Texas electricity is wind- and solar-provided. And, communities such as Georgetown are proactive in increasing this ratio. The Texas engineering community estimates an 80% total green grid goal is attainable, can show cost-effectiveness, and increase environmental benefit from reduced emissions to help slow climate change.
No deposit electric services, and similar cost-effective energy options, have somewhat been impacted from recent national energy initiatives. For example, a current Republican tax proposal calls for elimination of the electric vehicle $7,500 personal income tax credit. Automobile manufacturers had created their strategic plans to add electric vehicles to inventory, and now have to reassess business plans impacted by federal tax policy. Prospective buyers are caught unaware while continuing to buy electric vehicles, finding value in electricity rather than consumable emissions (from gasoline/diesel product), and showing proactive consumer usage in slowing climate change. “Tax credits are an important customer benefit that can help accelerate the acceptance of electric vehicles,” stated General Motors, “Because General Motors believes in an all-electric future, we will work with Congress to explore ways to maintain this incentive.”
From the national level, to the state of Texas energy activities, the movement toward inexpensive service options has trended to benefit the consumer. Energy usage varies consistently between consumers. Personal usage varies on living situation, household or business needs, and current economic status. Texas has been instrumental in providing energy choices at all levels – electric and renewable grid sources.