Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Champion Energy Services?
A: Champion Energy Services is a Texas licensed Retail Electric Provider and Benefit Electric’s power partner in our fundraising efforts. They have wide access to wholesale power supply sources and tremendous experience in commodity marketplaces. Wholly owned by Lehman Brothers, they have financial assets of almost one billion dollars. They are a major player in the large commercial segment of the electricity business in Texas, and are committed to developing their residential business through Benefit Electric.

Q: Does Benefit Electric Offer Competitive Prices?
A: The answer is an emphatic YES!

Q: Will the reliability of my electric service change when I switch?
A: No. No matter which Retail Electric Provider (REP) you choose, your electricity will continue to be delivered safely and reliably by the local wires company, a company still regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC).

Q: Will my new electricity be as reliable as before when I switch?
A: Yes. Since the transmission and distribution of your power is still provided by your current regulated utility, you get the same level of reliability. They will continue to maintain the poles and wires, regardless of what provider you select. The only thing that changes is your savings, Benefit Electric's charitable contribution, and customer service.

Q: How do I switch to Benefit Electric from another Retail Electric Provider?
A: Please provide information about the location where you want service and Benefit Electric will determine the price plans that are available at your service address. Once you select a plan and complete the enrollment process, you will be switched from your current provider to Benefit Electric.

The switching process is controlled by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Currently, it takes approximately 15 to 45 days to perform the final meter reading for your previous provider and initiate your service with Benefit Electric. After your account is switched to Benefit Electric, your usage from that point forward will be billed at the Benefit Electric rate, and you will receive your first bill approximately 30 days later. Register Today!

Q: How long does it take to get electric service with Benefit Electric?
A: Service will begin approximately 5 business days after your application is approved. The application process can typically take up to 2 business days for processing.

Q: How much does it cost to switch to Benefit Electric?
A: There is no sign up fee to switch to Benefit Electric; however, the local distribution utility, or Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP) may charge a one-time switching fee, which will be passed along to you on your bill from Benefit Electric.

Q: Where will my electricity come from when I switch?
A: Your current electric utility will continue to deliver your electricity. As such, your power will come from a regional power pool – a mixture of energy from traditional power plants and other sources like wind, water, sun and natural gas.

Q: Do you offer flexible billing options?
A: Yes, (see plans)

Q: How can I pay my bill?
A: You can pay by mail, credit card, automatic bank draft or pay in person. You can also pay online using a credit card or direct debit from your checking account.

Q: Is a live representative available to assist me?
A: You can call (877) 653-5090 Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 8 pm CST and Saturday from 7:30 am to 4 pm to speak with a customer service representative.

Q: What do I do if my power goes out?
A: Because your local regulated utility, Oncore, is currently obligated by law to maintain your service, your call goes to them now, and nothing changes when you change your retail electric provider (REP).

Q: Do all Texans have the power to choose their electric provider?
A: No. City-owned utilities and member-owned electric cooperatives have the option of giving their customers a choice of providers, or keeping things the way they are today.

Q: What does Texas electric choice mean to me?
A: It means you have the power to choose your electricity service provider. It's referred to as deregulation. And it’s a result of Texas Senate Bill 7, which enables the State of Texas to restructure its electric utility industry.

Q: What is deregulation?
A: Until 2002, one company (either Texas Utilities (TXU), Reliant Energy, Central Power & Light (CP&L), Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP), or West Texas Utilities (WTU)) provided all parts of your electric service (generation, transmission and distribution, and retail sales) soley based on the location of your residence or business. Senate Bill 7 opened the door for electric competition and these entities are now separate. This allows you to select your electricity provider from various competing Retail Electric Providers (REPs).

Retail Electric Providers purchase energy from competing power plants; and in turn sells electricity generation to you. They are responsible for providing customer service, pricing plans and billing functions. Because of this competition, you have the power to choose a Retail Electric Provider that best fits your needs.

The means by which you receive electricity will not change. Electricity is delivered to your home or business through the poles and wires of your local wires company. The Public Utility Commission regulates the system, and oversees the delivery of electricity to make sure that it is delivered safely and reliably by the local wires company, no matter which REP supplies your service.

Q: What is a Retail Electric Provider?
A: A Retail Electric Provider (or REP) is a company that has been approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to sell electric services. If you presently receive an electric bill from Benefit Electric, then Benefit Electric is your REP.

Q: What is an electric delivery company (the company that maintains the electric lines and poles)?
A: Electric delivery companies are also known as "TDSPs," or Transmission & Distribution Service Providers. An electric delivery company is responsible for delivering electricity to home and businesses in Texas. They own and operate the transmission and distribution lines.

Q: How does electric choice affect my electric rates?
A: On January 1, 2002, rates for most customers were lowered. This rate is known as the "price to beat.” The "price to beat" is in effect from January 1, 2002, until December 31, 2006. The Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) has mandated that the affiliated Retail Electric Providers (REP) provide this rate to residential and small commercial customers with a peak demand of less than 1 megawatt (Usage over 1 MW typifies large commercial or industrial customers).

Q: How do I transfer my Benefit Electric service to another location?
A: It's easy for current customers to transfer a Benefit Electric account to a new address, without any interruption in service. Contact us at (877) 653-5090 to switch your service to your new address.