Direct Energy Launches Postpay Free Saturdays Product in Texas (Expands from Prepay Only)

Direct Energy has expanded its previously launched Free Saturdays electricity plan in Texas (originally only offered in connection with prepaid service), and is now offering Free Saturdays as part of a 12-month or 24-month plan with a fixed charge in the non-free hours.

Under the plan, which is classified as an index plan, there are no volumetric charges (energy or TDU) incurred on Saturday.

For all other hours, a fixed energy charge applies, and a volumetric TDU charge may apply (depending on service area). There is also a monthly TDU charge. A $5 monthly base charge also applies if the customer does not elect e-billing and e-correspondence, and under the e-plans, a minimum usage fee of $9.95 applies if usage is less than 999 kWh.

In the Oncor service area, the average all-in rate for the 12-month Free Saturday e-plan is 9.0¢/kWh, at 1,000 kWh monthly usage. This reflects a 10.6¢/kWh fixed energy charge for non-free hours, and a TDU monthly charge of $3.42.

In the Oncor service area, the average all-in rate for the 24-month Free Saturday e-plan is 9.7¢/kWh, at 1,000 kWh monthly usage. This reflects an 11.4¢/kWh fixed energy charge for non-free hours, and a TDU monthly charge of $3.42.

In the CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric service area, the average all-in rate for the 12-month Free Saturday e-plan is 9.4¢/kWh, at 1,000 kWh monthly usage. This reflects a 10.6¢/kWh fixed energy charge for non-free hours, a TDU volumetric charge of 0.4¢/kWh for non-free hours, and a TDU monthly charge of $3.98.

In the CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric service area, the average all-in rate for the 24-month Free Saturday e-plan is 10.1¢/kWh, at 1,000 kWh monthly usage. This reflects an 11.4¢/kWh fixed energy charge for non-free hours, a TDU volumetric charge of 0.4¢/kWh for non-free hours, and a TDU monthly charge of $3.98.

The average price calculations are based on a total consumption profile over a 12 month period assuming 13% of consumption occurs on Saturdays.

An early termination fee of $200 applies for the 12-month plan, and a $300 early termination fee applies for the 24-month plan

Direct's brands CPL Retail, WTU Retail, and First Choice Power are also offering the plans.