The short answer is "Yes, you can!"
This myth about bad credit is widespread and impacts far too many people as they worry they will never be able to even light up their homes. Bad credit is not a blockage to getting electricity, though, even in Texas, and it might even be easier to get than you think.
If somebody once told you that your credit score will leave you in the dark, worry no longer. No-deposit electricity in Texas is a reality, and this article will delve into how and why.
How Credit Checks Impact Your Electricity Access
While you can get electricity with bad credit, it is important to understand that this situation will impact the options available to you. Allow us to elaborate:
Energy companies use your credit information, a history of your ability to pay off debt, to determine how eligible you are for some services. As such, they will offer you better deals if they believe you are going to be able to handle a large monthly payment.
They will use the information they gain from a credit check to decide on the terms and conditions of any contract they offer you. Thus, if your credit is bad, they may be hesitant to offer you a long-term contract that could put you in large amounts of debt.
Consequences of Poor Credit
If an energy company were to offer you a service as normal, they would need to do the following to give themselves certain assurances:
- Demand higher deposits
- Limit your access to more competitive rates
- Deny you specific contracts
This is why a no-contract service can often benefit you. You can get a good deal and handle a rolling contract you confirm and pay off each month instead.
Why a Contract Is Not Always the Best Choice
A contract can often be a commitment that will bind you more than you might want. A lot of the time, it can even hamper you by limiting your options when it comes to how you handle your finances.
Lack of Flexibility
Having a contract can reduce your ability to take your life into your own hands. Sometimes a better deal with appear, for example, and you will want to take up such an opportunity as soon as you can.
You may even want to make a large decision in your life, such as moving house. At that point, the last thing you want is for a long-running electrical contract to get in the way. In some cases, you may be able to get out of such a deal, but it might cost you a percentage of your remaining contract payments.
The Hidden Costs of Long-Term Contracts
If you have a long-running agreement, you need to be aware that you might end up paying more long-term. On top of the above cancellation fees, you need to be vigilant about renewal terms. Sometimes, unscrupulous companies like to up the money you pay if a contract auto-renews, which can end up being very costly.
You might also need to be aware of clauses that increase the price of a contract over time, or if the market changes. Not to mention that the cancellation process may be draconian and opaque enough that it is hard to even get the contract closed.
Busting Myths About No-Deposit Electricity Access
While no-deposit electrical deals exist, some people discourage others from picking them up. This is in part due to rumors about their quality. Allow us to dispel some of these falsehoods.
"Poor Credit, Poor Service" - Bogus
All good companies will do their best to give you high-quality service. In the age of instant and easy reviews, this is even more important as the reputation of an electrical provider is on the line.
On top of this, while Texas has far fewer regulations in place, some do still exist. These ensure every electrical company provides a minimum standard of service. Thus, the utility quality you receive will not always correlate to the amount you pay or the credit you have.
"You Can't Get No-Deposit Plans" - Baloney
This one is easy to disprove. Ambit Energy provides plenty of flexible no-deposit plans. Our Lone Star Flex options are for consumers who need flexibility. For example, if you are setting up a location for someone else to move in later or otherwise inhabit a home for a very short time.
"It's Not a Smart Financial Move" - Bull
How good a deal a no-deposit plan is depends on a lot of factors and your budget. In a no-deposit contract, for example, you will not put down any large up-front costs. You are also able to plan your budget a lot easier due to the clear rates you learn about when you call up.
What Month-to-Month Contracts Can Do For You
Month-to-month plans are very useful for specific people depending on their lifestyle. Texas electricity with no deposit empowers those who need more choice in their plan and do not intend to remain in one place for too long.
Flexibility in Your Electricity Usage
Electric companies in Texas with no deposit allow you to adjust your usage plan each month based on your needs. You are not locked into any specific rate if it does not fit your future circumstances, and so you can change up your plan if needed.
Freedom to Leave
You can also change providers much more easily on a no-deposit contract. This means you can shop around, getting the best rates you can find, though be aware you will need to do this every month to remain agile. You may also find your first choice remains the best deal for a while, especially if you choose Ambit Energy as your supplier.
Finding No-Deposit Electricity in Texas
There are a few options for no-deposit electric companies in Texas, so ensure you choose the right service. You will want to verify the company's claims of no deposit and the freedom you have, as well as ensure they are upholding your consumer rights.
Understanding Your Options
Try to familiarize yourself with the plan a company offers you. This allows you to speak to any customer service or sign-up representative from a position of knowledge.
Once you have identified providers that specialize in this type of service, check that you are not being conned into a pre-paid plan. Some companies pretend these are the same, but savvy consumers can detect this and avoid it.
You should also try to understand if you are eligible for such an offer. While they are available for more people, they still have limits on who can sign up for them.
Key Questions for Potential Providers
When you talk to the electric company, make sure to ask about things like:
You need to know you will not trip up over any contract terms and protect yourself from disappointment. Lucky for you, the best companies tend to be up-front and transparent about what they offer, their rates, and their limits. This helps both parties get the most out of a deal.
Another good idea is to check into a company's reputation. Investigate online reviews and see if a company is well-liked by its customers. If so, you are onto a winner.
What Ambit Energy Can Do For Texas Homeowners
Ambit Energy is invested in Texas and the people who live there. For that reason, we want to commit to a high-quality utility so that we can stand head and shoulders above the competition. These are some of the most ambitious ways we intend to do that:
Customizable Plans to Fit Your Lifestyle
We have scalable plans that can fit many different needs. This means that after a short consultation, we can give you a cost analysis for a property fast, allowing you to get electricity all the faster.
If you have an interest in renewable energy, we can discuss that. While it may involve a different contract, if such green energy is more important than a no-deposit contract, we can discuss your options.
Support and Customer Care
Our dedicated customer service teams are not only there to answer questions. They are our energy advisors and can help you optimize your deal to fit your needs.
Our people commit to both helping and educating customers. This allows you to make the best decisions possible while you still get your electricity from us.
The Best Option With No Deposit
Checking out electricity options might feel like a dead end if you know your credit is poor, but you shouldn't let your past hold you down. No-deposit electricity in Texas is available through options such as Ambit Energy's Lone Star Flex.
We can give you the freedom you need to pay off your bills as they come in and change up what you need every month. So, sign up and learn why Ambit Energy is a leader in Texas electricity companies today.
