Entrepreneurs and small-business operators often approach electricity contracting for their businesses the way they do for their homes. But doing so can be a costly mistake, particularly in competitive areas of the state.

Today, TXU Energy is sharing cost-saving advice to help business owners and operators in the community:

Take in the whole picture
Some providers offer stripped-down, per-kilowatt-hour energy rates without outlining add-on and pass-through charges. At times, those charges can double the monthly costs.

Read the fine print
Some retailers use contracts that give them unilateral options to change customers’ rates. Business owners may need to expect the unexpected. 

Keep an eye on the calendar
Busy business leaders sometimes put off renewing electricity plans or switching to a preferred provider before their contract is up. Delaying can lead to expensive month-to-month rates and hasty decision-making.

Suit your needs
Not all providers offer unique contract lengths to fit a business’s needs or align with a business’s lease, but there are many that can and do.

Keep control
Because electricity costs can make up a significant amount of business spending, owners need to be able to manage their facilities’ HVAC controls. With the smart TXU iThermostat, business owners can control their thermostat settings across their business, even remotely.

Explore your options
Unless their signed leases say otherwise, all business owners in the competitive areas of Texas have the right to choose their retail electricity provider. Be aware that some property owners may get a commission for steering business toward particular retail electricity providers.

Trust an expert
There are many brokers and consultants in the market claiming to be energy experts. Business owners need to know their credentials, as well as their fee structures.

Expect respect
Business owners know that customer service counts, and an electricity retailer that doesn’t value customer service probably won’t provide much service when a customer needs help – and might actually charge more for it.

“We provide business customers choice, convenience and control over their electricity spending,” said Gabe Castro, vice president of business markets for TXU Energy. “We have a wide range of solutions and services to help small businesses grow, as well as deep experience serving business customers in Texas.”