Question 1

Do all states use an electricity facts label?

Accepted Answer

No, the Electricity Facts Label is specific to deregulated energy markets, most notably Texas. The Public Utility Commission of Texas mandates this standardized document to protect consumers. However, other deregulated states have similar disclosure requirements, often called an Environmental Disclosure Label or a contract summary, which serve a comparable purpose in detailing your energy costs and renewable content.

Question 2

Are TDU charges included in the average price per kWh on the EFL?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the advertised average price per kWh featured prominently at the top of the document includes both the provider's energy charges and the utility company's TDU charges. The regulatory commission requires this combined calculation to give consumers a realistic, all-in estimate of what their total rate will be at those specific usage milestones.

Question 3

What is a base charge on an electricity bill?

Accepted Answer

A base charge is a flat monthly administrative fee applied to your account by the retail electric provider. This fee covers the cost of managing your account and sending your bill, and it is charged regardless of how much electricity your household actually consumes during the billing cycle.

Question 4

How do I know if a plan has an early termination fee?

Accepted Answer

You can find the early termination fee (ETF) detailed in the disclosure chart section located in the middle of your EFL. This section will explicitly state whether there is a penalty for canceling your contract before the term expires and exactly how much you will be charged.

Question 5

Do fixed-rate and variable-rate plans use the same type of label?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both plan types utilize the exact same standardized format, but there is a crucial difference in how you should read them. A fixed-rate label guarantees that the energy charge remains locked in for the entire length of your contract term. Conversely, a variable-rate label only provides a temporary snapshot of the pricing for the current month, meaning those numbers can change significantly on your next bill.

Question 6

Why is the price on my bill different from the average price on the EFL?

Accepted Answer

The document displays an average price based on exact benchmarks of 500, 1,000, or 2,000 kWh. Because your real-world usage rarely hits those numbers exactly, your actual average rate shifts. If your home uses 1,342 kWh, the fixed base fees and delivery charges are distributed across a different number of units, slightly altering the final math on your monthly statement.

Question 7

What happens if the rate on my EFL doesn't match my actual bill?

Accepted Answer

If you notice a discrepancy between your facts label and your monthly statement, first verify your exact household usage for that billing cycle. Because your effective rate fluctuates based on how much power you consume, using slightly more or less than the standard 1,000 kWh benchmark mathematically changes your overall average. If your usage matches the benchmark exactly but the rate still differs on a fixed-rate plan, contact your provider immediately to dispute the charge.

Question 8

Can my TDU delivery charges change during my contract?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your TDU delivery charges can and will change. These fees are regulated by the state and passed directly through to the local utility company that maintains the physical grid. Because the regulatory commission updates these mandatory maintenance rates bi-annually — typically in March and September — your final monthly bill will fluctuate slightly, even if you secured a fixed-rate contract for your retail energy supply.

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