Cheapest energy provider in AEP Central?

[Horitexan]

We're trying to find the cheapest electricity provider for our new property - it's located in the "AEP Central area." So far, "Stream Energy" has the best rate I can find, at $00.074 per KWh - for 24 months. Figured I'd look to the GS to see if there's anyone cheaper/better?

My nearest neighbor informed me that he is charged, every month, for use of the poles AEP put in to reach his house. I had to get our poles run by AEP too - and I PAYED FOR THEM. So, what's the deal with paying a monthly fee for using the poles I paid for?!? If I chose to go with CPL (owned by AEP) would those fees not be charged? I can't get a straight answer from the idiots who answer CS for CPL.

Any advice would sure be appreciated!

[philcam]

https://www.powertochoose.org

It will list all the retail providers in your area and the rates. Once caution though, many of the rates will be for a 2000kw per month minimum usage. Use below 2000kw and youre hit with a 9.95 service fee.

[kch73]

KWh will be from the entity u buy the power from...the transmission charge is separate in all cases...hope that helps...

[Horitexan]

OK, I've got some questions:

1. Are Transmission charges the same as "TDU?"

2.How do I find out how much this transmission charge is and will it be the same regardless of which provider I choose? I know that CPL was bought out by AEP, years ago, and I'm curious whether the transmission charge (from AEP) would be less if I were to pick a provider owned by them?

3. I found a company called Stream Energy that's offering a 24 month plan for $00.074/KWh but the powertochoose.org site has a higher price listed; and when I talked to Stream, they said that the standard rate currently is 12 cents per KWh, for those whose introductory plan had expired. Would y'all recommend going with them and, in 23 months, just switching to another company?

4. Would you shop more by price or more by the "complaint rating" listed on that powertochoose.org site? I've got to pick a provider today, to get the order started for the meter install.

[TxMedic]

I've got a good friend in the industry that may be able to help. PM me if you want his info.

[kch73]

Answers...

OK, I've got some questions:

1. Are Transmission charges the same as "TDU?" yes...cost to use the toll road so to speak

2.How do I find out how much this transmission charge is and will it be the same regardless of which provider I choose? I know that CPL was bought out by AEP, years ago, and I'm curious whether the transmission charge (from AEP) would be less if I were to pick a provider owned by them? This charge is regulated by the PUC...the transmission side of the business is still regulated, rates set with/buy the PUC...charge is uniform regardless of whom u choose

3. I found a company called Stream Energy that's offering a 24 month plan for $00.074/KWh but the powertochoose.org site has a higher price listed; and when I talked to Stream, they said that the standard rate currently is 12 cents per KWh, for those whose introductory plan had expired. Would y'all recommend going with them and, in 23 months, just switching to another company? Power prices have risen off of multi year lows due to several factors...natural gas prices are up, summer around the corner, Obama assault on coal generators, etc...I would find the best rate for the longest time period personally

4. Would you shop more by price or more by the "complaint rating" listed on that powertochoose.org site? I've got to pick a provider today, to get the order started for the meter install.

. Don't put too much stock in that...all electricity is the same product and most likely who you buy it from will be different then from who will service the lines...T&D...

Hope that helps...pm me for more if needed...I work in the wholesale electrical business...

[kch73]

Also...CPL were good guys...AEP, well let's just say they aren't CPL?...

[Horitexan]

Thanks for all the input! We decided to go with Stream Energy.

I've got a good friend in the industry that may be able to help. PM me if you want his info.

I sure appreciate the offer! We had to make a quick decision in order to get our meter installed next week. If they end up sucking, I will get with you for that contact info.