Choice of electricity

Regarding “Time to re-regulate electricity,” (June 10), why would anyone suggest eliminating the choice of competitive electricity suppliers and the benefits more than 7 million Texas homes and businesses have enjoyed for nearly 15 years? Electric competition is good for all Texas consumers.

The conclusion that Texans pay more for electricity today in competitive markets than in parts of the state which are still regulated was based on a report that has been widely discredited by policymakers in Austin for using data that isn’t reflective of the marketplace.

The Chronicle overlooks the value that competition delivers to consumers today. More than 30 companies compete for business in Houston by continually innovating to meet changing customer needs. Consumers choose the plan which best suits them, from plans which provide 100 percent renewable energy to plans which lock in prices for multiple years.

Nearly half of Direct Energy’s new customers in 2015 chose a bundled product that included a smart thermostat or “peace of mind” protection for people’s homes. And thanks to other innovations, many households and businesses save money by putting information in peoples’ hands that encourages them to make smart energy decisions.

Texas is the recognized No. 1 role model in competitive residential electricity markets in North America, and Houston is home to many of the companies that have made that possible. It’s all about choice, and the ultimate winner is the consumer. Let’s not return to the past. Ned Ross, director, Government & Regulatory Affairs for Houston-based Direct Energy