Competitive Markets in Texas Stimulate Consumer Choice, Solar Energy

The benefits keep accruing for Texas as the state’s competitive electricity market continues to develop. Fast on the heels of a recent study that found Texas energy rates have fallen, news about the abundance of power suppliers and spread of solar energy underscore the fact that competition is having a positive impact on consumers.

Texas is known as America’s leading state for wind energy, but solar power is spreading as an affordable clean energy option because of innovative new programs by competitive power suppliers. TXU Energy has received acclaim for a new partnership program with solar developer SolarCity that will allow homeowners to lease or buy rooftop solar power systems. The TXU Energy Solar Program will let homeowners sign up to either lease a solar panel system at an affordable price, or purchase the system outright if they so choose.

Just as impressive as solar power’s spread is the continued development of competitive power suppliers. At a recent panel discussion on competitive electricity markets, state consumer advocates indicated that Texans have an unprecedented abundance of choice. This is a marked difference from claims they made just a few years ago that too few options existed, and echoes the recent ABACCUS report which found that Texas was providing “excellent” retail choice options to consumers, including comparative Web sites to transparently weigh shopping options.

Increased customer choice and innovation stand out as two of the biggest benefits of competitive markets – themes that will be explored in greater detail at the upcoming KEMA Executive Forum outside Dallas. Texas continues to shine as proof that competition works – for consumers, power market participants, and the environment.

Joel Malina | March 2, 2010