The city of Lubbock in conjunction with Lubbock Power & Light continue to get the word out about the upcoming transition to the competitive electricity market. A series of town hall meetings have begun and the first was a couple weeks back. The goal is to provide details to the public and residents while answering questions or concerns about the changes on the horizon.
Meetings have brought to light anticipation and anxiety about the switchover and how it will affect prices as well as service reliability for Lubbock customers. For almost everyone in the area, the process of shopping for an electricity provider is totally new. There were a ton of questions and concerns about the transition, grid reliability, and ERCOT (Texas) engaging with new service providers.
In addition to this website, Lubbock Power & Light officials have also tried to educate Lubbock residents and businesses on how to shop for a new provider, new regulations, and consumer protections in the competitive market.
Timeline Update
Following a move of the final 30% of LP&L’s meters from the Southwest Power Pool to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid in late spring, LP&L will open a shopping window where customers can begin to peruse and purchase electricity plans from retail providers. That window is expected to begin on Aug. 2 and last for a few weeks.
Then, in October, electric customers can expect to receive their last bill from Lubbock Power & Light for electric utilities. Water, sewer, solid waste and storm water will still be billed from City of Lubbock Utilities.
One of the main takeaways from the meeting
LP&L will not be an option for electricity after the switch happens. All of the utility’s more than 100,000 customers will have to choose a new retail electric provider. Residents will have a choice between dozens of companies with more than 100 plans collectively, with varying rates, contract lengths, termination fees and other features… similar to shopping for a mobile phone plan.
Lingering questions include concerns about senior citizens and others without access to a computer. How will they be able to navigate the change? At this time there is no help being readied from public sector. If you can believe it, Lubbock Power & Lighting, the city’s longtime municipal power provider, and the City of Lubbock are legally prohibited from helping consumers choose a retail electric provider.
Several shopping fairs are planned and information is being printed/posted in public libraries where computers can be accessed.
GET THE LOWEST ELECTRICITY PRICE FOR YOUR HOME
FIND THE BEST ELECTRIC PLAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Force electricity companies to compete! Electricity providers will offer a lower price because they know they are competing for the business. This drives your price down…
Those who do not choose a new electric provider will not be lost.
In February, the Lubbock City Council designated Reliant Energy, TXU Energy and Octopus Energy as the area’s “safety-net providers”. These particular electricity providers will serve customers in a default capacity if customers miss the initial shopping window.
The City Council is also planning several future informational meetings meetings:
Districts 3 and 6 community meeting — Monday, May 1, 5:30 – 7 p.m. — Lubbock Christian University’s Cardwell Welcome Center, 5601 19th St.
District 1 community meeting — Monday, May 8, 5:30 – 7 p.m. — Maggie Trejo Supercenter, 3200 Amherst St.
Districts 4 and 5 community meeting — Monday, May 15, 5:30 – 7 p.m. — Lubbock-Cooper West Elementary, 10101 Fulton Ave.