Abilene is one of the many cities in Texas located in a deregulated service area. This means Abilene electricity rates are offered by competing energy suppliers that are licensed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to provide energy services within the state of Texas. Abilene residents can lower their electric bills by shopping and comparing energy suppliers. Thanks to Texas Senate Bill 7 (SB7), the electricity market in most areas of Texas became unbundled, opening the door for commercial companies and residential homes in Abilene to cheaper generation rates. 

The city of Abilene is located 150 miles west of Fort Worth and has a population of just over 120,000. The economy was originally based around agriculture and livestock but has changed over time. The government is playing a larger role, with major sectors of the economy now based around education, healthcare, and manufacturing. True to its Texas roots, energy also plays a vital role in the economy with the petroleum industry operating in the surrounding areas.

AEP North Utility Serves Abilene

AEP Texas

If you are new to the city of Abilene, then may have heard of AEP North. AEP North is the Local Utility Company (LDC) responsible for maintaining the power lines to safely deliver the energy to your home or business. The delivery charge represents the regulated portion of the electric bill, and in Texas, is known as the Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) charge. Given the logistics involved, the customer will not be able to switch to another utility company. The TDU charge is overseen by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

Contact AEP North for Power Outages

If you experience a power outage or any disruption of service, then AEP North will be the company responsible for resolving the issue. Bad weather is most often the culprit for power outages in Texas. Thanks to advancements in technology, these power outages can be quickly detected and resolved. However, if you find yourself a victim to an outage you can report it to AEP North.

  • AEP North Contact Information: 1-877-373-4858

Choosing an Electric Supplier

There are many advantages to living in a deregulated service area. The best advantage is the lower electric bill! If you’re new to energy choice, then having to choose an electric supplier may seem like a daunting task. After all, in regulated electricity markets, you never had to worry about the rate on the bill. However, living in a deregulated service area means free-market competition. Energy suppliers competing for your business has the effect of pushing down prices. When suppliers compete, you win.

Before shopping for an electric supplier there are a few questions you need to ask. Although you are likely to save money by switching to a lower rate, if you’re not careful, you might select an energy plan that has additional fees resulting in a higher energy bill.

What is the Electricity Facts Label (EFL)?

The PUCT requires all energy suppliers to provide service in the state of Texas to provide customers with an Electricity Facts Label (EFL). The EFL can be considered the terms and conditions for the energy plan. This will list the type of rate (fixed or variable), cancellation fees, term length, additional fees, and other important information. The customer needs to read and understand the EFL before signing up for any plan.

Is there a Disruption of Power when Switching Suppliers?

When you switch energy suppliers there will be no disruption of power during the switch. The Local Utility Company (AEP North for Abilene residents) is responsible for overseeing the switch. The customer will not even notice when the new supplier takes over.

Do I Have to Cancel with my Old Supplier?

When you sign up for a new electric supplier, you do not have to notify your old provider. The switch will be automatic and is overseen by the utility company. The new energy supplier will notify the utility company, who then will notify your old supplier. For Abilene residents, this will be the job of AEP North.

Can I be Billed Twice for the same Billing Period?

It will be impossible to receive two separate electric bills for the same billing period. After you change energy companies, you will not have to worry about receiving an electric bill from your old energy company for the same billing period. AEP North can only deliver power from one electric supplier at a time.

What Happens at the End of my Term?

At the end of the energy plan, most electric suppliers will switch the customer to a variable rate. Once this happens, it’s common for the energy supplier to sharply increase the rate. Don’t be surprised if the rate doubles or even triples in a single billing period! It is important to stay on top of the expiration date and sign up for a new rate plan to avoid being hit with a high bill.

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