Learn / Renewal timing
Learn · 03
When to shop your renewal (and why waiting costs you)
Texas guide: The priciest day in a business electricity contract is often the day after it ends, when nobody's watching. Here's how to stay ahead of it.
What happens when your contract ends
If you don't sign a new agreement, your account usually doesn't shut off. It keeps running on your supplier's month-to-month rate. That's convenient, and it's usually more expensive than a contracted rate. It can go on for months before anyone looks closely at the bill.
Your supplier should send a notice before the end date, but notices get buried in email and mail. Don't rely on one. Know your date.
You can sign before you're free
Being under contract isn't a reason to wait. A new agreement can be signed months ahead and set to start the day your current one ends. No overlap, no termination fee, no gap. You lock in your next price on a day you choose, instead of on the last day available.
Why waiting costs you
- Prices move daily. Starting early gives you many days to choose from. Starting late gives you whatever the market is doing that week.
- Time is leverage. With months to spare, you can compare, ask questions and pass on a bad offer. With days to spare, you take what's there.
- Renewal offers aren't automatically your best option. Your current supplier's offer deserves a fair comparison, not a default yes.
- Missing the date has a monthly cost. Every month on a higher month-to-month rate is money you didn't have to spend.
A simple timeline
- Today
Find your contract end date. Check your bill or your contract, or send us the bill and we'll find it. Put it on your calendar.
- 9 to 12 months out
Nothing urgent. Note any changes coming: a new location, new equipment, longer hours, an expiring lease.
- 6 to 9 months out
A good window to start shopping. Get a quote, watch the market, and sign when the number and terms feel right.
- 3 to 6 months out
Still workable. Compare your renewal offer against the market and decide.
- Last 30 days
Don't let it lapse. Even a quick decision beats rolling onto month-to-month by accident.
What to have ready
- Your latest bill (PDF or a clear photo)
- The name and title of whoever signs for the business
- Anything that will change how you use power
- Every meter or location you want included
Don't know your end date?
Upload your bill. We'll find it, tell you when it makes sense to shop, and call you with a personalized quote when you're ready, with an emailed copy during the call.