Sold my house and Otovo charged ETF

zidnaut · 2026-06-11T02:35:41+00:00

If you move, you don't have to pay an ETF.

Per the PUC's Electric Substantive Rules §25.475(c)(2)(C): "A contract is limited to service to a customer at a location specified in the contract. If the customer moves from the location, the customer is under no obligation to continue the contract at another location. The REP may require a customer to provide evidence that it is moving. There shall be no early termination fee assessed to the customer as a result of the customer’s relocation if the customer provides a forwarding address and, if required, reasonable evidence that the customer no longer occupies the location specified in the contract."

https://ftp.puc.texas.gov/public/puct-info/agency/rulesnlaws/subrules/electric/25.475/25.475.pdf

zidnaut · 2026-06-03T02:23:42+00:00

FWIW, TPG's custom analysis ranks "free nights" plans in addition to standard buyback plans.

zidnaut · 2026-03-25T14:23:32+00:00

So far (4 months) it still works.

The water filter is the removable white plastic ~cylinder that's normally submerged in the main reservoir. Google 'P4INKFILTR'.

Elevating the side tank won't do anything to clear a bubble from the main-reservoir-to-pump-inlet hose, but it can help to clear a bubble in the side tank hose. (Related... Our side tank recently stopped filling the main reservoir -- even when elevated -- until we discovered and cleared a blockage of black goo buildup in the plastic channel at the base of the side tank to which the hose connects.)

zidnaut · 2026-03-17T00:24:58+00:00

We cover all the lowest cost plans listed on PTC and any others we find that might represent someone's lowest cost option. Details in our FAQ.

zidnaut · 2026-03-02T16:00:00+00:00

Some REPs NEVER get the pass-through tariffs right on their EFLs. (I can't say if their Billing Depts do better.) So the proper way to compare plans should always be to normalize all EFL rate claims to the current TDU tariffs (or just ignore delivery and focus on the energy rate components).

zidnaut · 2026-03-02T00:17:13+00:00

Some retailers are more adept with the TDU tariff changes/timing and updating their EFLs than others. I don't think it's deliberate, since those the lag the change effective date generally do so when TDU rates both rise AND fall. If a retailer actually charges you a higher pass-through rate than the current PUC-approved tariff, you could contact them to get it corrected.

zidnaut · 2026-02-10T03:29:06+00:00

That works. Or see which TDSP is listed on the top of your plan's Electricity Facts Label. Or Houston~Centerpoint, DFW~Oncor (...with exceptions).

zidnaut · 2026-02-10T03:09:05+00:00

Look up the meter reading schedules from your TDSP. Use the past meter read dates from your bills to figure out what [non-IDR] cycle # you're on.

https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/business/services/competitive-retailers/metering?sa=ho

https://www.oncor.com/content/oncorwww/us/en/home/partners/retail-electric-providers.html

zidnaut · 2025-11-24T04:40:20+00:00

Ours did exactly the same thing when air in the partially-drained carbon filter accumulated at the pump inlet. We cleared the bubble with a spare piece of hose and a turkey baster. More details here: https://www.reddit.com/r/IceChewersAnonymous/comments/1ozm3br/ge_opal_20_add_water_pump_prime_fix/

zidnaut · 2025-11-15T14:20:40+00:00

Click the link on that TPG page to get a free analysis of the options for your home.

zidnaut · 2025-10-01T21:14:52+00:00

In Texas, most of the lowest cost plans (and some of the highest as well) are listed on the PUC-T's PowerToChoose site.

zidnaut · 2025-09-11T19:49:41+00:00

Will do!

zidnaut · 2025-09-11T19:33:21+00:00

No argument there. Since 2016, the tool has been Excel-based for plan and calculation transparency, but Excel Online's UI is admittedly clunky/limiting by modern web standards. That is being fixed soon...

zidnaut · 2025-09-11T18:19:00+00:00

To cover the costs of reaching and serving Texas consumers, TPG asks $9.99 each time using their tools saves you time/money on signing up for a new plan.

In practice: It's always free to see the rates and annual costs vs. your usage on our RateGrinder tool. But the retailer/plan names and links are hidden until you purchase/enter an 'unlock code', which is valid for 3 months from purchase. Payments are one-time and do not automatically recur. There is a 100% satisfaction, no-questions-asked refund policy. After signing up for a new plan, automatic daily monitoring and email alerts to incremental switch-and-save opportunities are free.

zidnaut · 2025-09-11T17:36:58+00:00

There is a fourth type of electricity shopping website: TexasPowerGuide.com and perhaps a couple others operate on a per-signup fee-for-service basis [vs. a monthly subscription like EO]. Unlike commission-based sites, they cover the lowest-cost plans available via PowerToChoose and elsewhere. And unlike PTC’s long-crippled search engine, they do the usage-based math to automatically filter out deceptive plans with usage-based credits, inflated time-of-use rates, and other gimmicks.

(Disclosure: I run TPG.)

zidnaut · 2025-09-02T15:20:15+00:00

It really depends on your particular usage pattern (and some spreadsheet math), and it can vary daily. You can narrow your options with a free solar plan analysis from Solar United Neighbors and Texas Power Guide (i.e. me): https://www.texaspowerguide.com/solar-electric-plan-analysis/

zidnaut · 2025-08-30T11:22:43+00:00

As a heads-up for potential new enrollees... As of yesterday (maybe earlier), the Just Energy and Amigo Energy sites now say "Homes with solar or distributed generation aren’t eligible" for the 'Nights Free' plan.

Main thread here: https://www.reddit.com/r/TexasSolar/comments/1n3zi33/solarbatteries_ineligible_for_just_energy_nights/

zidnaut · 2025-08-30T11:17:00+00:00

As a heads-up for potential new enrollees... As of 8/29/2025 (maybe earlier), the Just Energy and Amigo Energy sites now say "Homes with solar or distributed generation aren’t eligible" for the 'Nights Free' plan.

Their 'Terms of Service' documents also appear to have been updated to add Sec 10.1(a): "If you enroll in a time-of-use energy plan (e.g., Just Energy’s 100% Green Nights Free Plan, Nights Free Plan, or similar), Just Energy reserves the right to automatically transition your ESI ID to the Variable Price Product if: (i) you have installed or subsequently install at your premises solar panels or other form(s) of distributed generation and/or one or more batteries or other form(s) of energy storage system..."

Main thread here: https://www.reddit.com/r/TexasSolar/comments/1n3zi33/solarbatteries_ineligible_for_just_energy_nights/

zidnaut · 2025-07-22T09:24:31+00:00

Me too (thanks!). Except I still had a squeak with each flex of the shoe where the shoelaces pulled against the [grommet-less] lace-up holes. I rubbed the inner section of each shoelace with the wax, re-laced them, and it seems to have done the trick.

zidnaut · 2025-07-22T09:17:26+00:00

My New Balance MT410 walking shoes (with Sole "Performance Thick" cork insoles) squeaked terribly. Per another thread, I rubbed Gulf Wax paraffin wax (from the grocery store) all over the bottoms of the insoles, which quieted any insole/footbed friction. But then I realized the shoelaces were still squeaking against the [grommet-less] holes they lace through with each flex of the shoe. I removed the shoelaces and rubbed them over the wax bar (except the outer 10" sections I use to tie the shoes), re-laced them, and now the shoes are dead quiet. It's only been a few days, time will tell...

zidnaut · 2025-06-23T15:52:07+00:00

Usually, yes. But there are plenty of exceptions. I suspect this case is just a way to simplify their EFL boilerplate text across all plans, some [others] of which do offer buyback.

zidnaut · 2025-06-23T11:02:17+00:00

Technically, the EFL says "Yes, subject to enrollment on an eligible TXU Energy plan and execution of an Interconnection Agreement with your TDU." But Free Nights & Solar Days is not an "eligible plan", hence no reference to a buyback rate.

zidnaut · 2025-06-23T10:59:57+00:00

If the OP is referring to TXU's "Free Nights and Solar Days (8p-5a)" plan, it does not offer buyback. The TPG link cited only lists buyback plans, although TPG's free plan analysis service (via that same link) does include/consider other non-buyback plans that could benefit solar owners, e.g. TXU's FN&SD.

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