Have you ever shopped for electricity rates for your home or business and found yourself obsessed with getting a lower and lower rate? You set out to simply lock in a rate and the next thing you know, you are checking the internet daily for electricity rates, just as you would check stock prices. It can make you want to pull your hair out!

There is a better way to shop for electricity products that will allow you to lock in a very good rate and lower your stress level. The secret is to buy at the right time. An analysis of the Market Clearing Price for Electricity (“MCPE”) Index from January 2005 – December 2008 reveals that there are certain months that have historically reflected lower electricity rates.

The bold line on the inserted graph indicates the average MCPE rate for the Houston/CenterPoint Area from January 2005 – December 2008. The months with points above this line are indicative of times of the year when electricity rates are historically higher. The months that fall below the line are months when electricity rates are typically lower than average. According to an analysis of the Houston/CenterPoint and North/Oncor zones, the best time to buy electricity are the late fall and winter months.

Instead of stressing over $0.0035/kWh that you may save if you go with a different electricity provider, you can simply choose the company you trust and purchase electricity when rates are typically lower. If you have a good payment history with your current electricity provider, they may work with you to accomplish this goal.

When selecting an electricity company, consider SCWA’s endorsed vendor for electricity, Tara Energy. Through the month of February, you will receive $50 off your first month’s residential bill. For more information or to sign up online, visit TaraEnergy.com using promo code: SCWA0206.