Value Choice - 12
TARA ENERGY
12 mo term Fixed 31% renewable New customers only
The honest cost
All-in monthly cost (energy, delivery, and fees together) at the three standard usage levels, per delivery area. Advertised rates only tell you the price at exactly 1,000 kWh.
| Delivery area | 500 kWh | 1,000 kWh | 2,000 kWh | Advertised |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEP TEXAS CENTRAL | $112 | $97 | $314 | 9.7¢/kWh |
| AEP TEXAS NORTH | $121 | $114 | $350 | 11.4¢/kWh |
| CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC LLC | $108 | $85 | $290 | 8.5¢/kWh |
| LUBBOCK POWER & LIGHT SYSTEM | $122 | $119 | $364 | 11.9¢/kWh |
| ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY | $120 | $111 | $344 | 11.1¢/kWh |
| TEXAS-NEW MEXICO POWER COMPANY | $120 | $109 | $334 | 10.9¢/kWh |
The catch
Bullseye pricing: the advertised rate needs about 1,000 kWh to trigger a bill credit. Use less and the credit drops off, so the cost jumps sharply.
Minimum-usage fee: adds $4.99 below 400 kWh.
At the end of the term, this plan renews itself onto a month-to-month variable rate, and the final expiration notice can arrive as little as 14 days before the switch. Holdover rates usually run well above the contract rate, so mark the end date and shop again.
Cancellation fee: $175
Fees in the fine print
Pulled from this plan's Terms of Service. None of these apply if every bill is paid on time, but when one does hit, the amount depends on the provider, not the rate you signed.
- Late payment: 5% of the past-due balance
- Returned payment: $25
- Disconnection for nonpayment: $25
Plan documents
Plans that beat it
No plan from a 3★+ provider without pricing gimmicks beats this price at 1,000 kWh in every delivery area this plan is sold in. Price isn't the whole story, though. Check the rating and the catch above.