CPL is "freezing" prices for most residential customers through August 31
July 3, 2009 - Summer in Texas traditionally means heat - and high electricity consumption. So far, this summer has certainly proven itself to be hot; but as Texans head in to the first official summer holiday weekend, CPL Retail Energy is announcing it will be "freezing" prices for residential customers on the Direct Electricity Plan through August 31st as part of the company's commitment to helping customers during the summer months.
Understanding the economic slow-down and the higher cost of energy during the summer months, this summer's price-stability guarantee follows CPL price-down activities in recent months for residential customers on the Direct Electricity Plan; all of those customers received at least a 20 percent price reduction, resulting in an average household savings of approximately $480 per year.
"Historically in our industry, prices have increased during the summer months," said Paul Keene, Senior Director at CPL Retail Energy. "While considering the economic down-turn and the high temperatures sweeping the state, we have decided to take a different approach."
In addition to the price "freeze," which will be emphasized at upcoming community events throughout South Texas during the summer months, CPL reminds customers that bill-payment assistance is available year-round through the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program. Neighbor-to-Neighbor provides CPL customers who demonstrate financial need with up to $600 in electricity bill-payment assistance in a calendar year, and is managed through local community action agencies. CPL customers can help their neighbors by contributing to Neighbor-to-Neighbor, which has received over $500,000 in support from CPL this year, with a simple check-mark on the remittance portion of their monthly bill. Information on the program and local agencies can be found in the "Community" section on the CPL web site.
"We are committed to keeping prices as stable and as competitive as possible and are always looking for ways to help our customers reduce their energy usage," said Keene. "This freeze, coupled with our strong community and customer programs such as Neighbor-to-Neighbor, are part of our commitment to easing the effects the heat and economy can have on consumers this summer. CPL is committed to being a long-term, customer-focused, energy partner to South Texans."
The price "freeze" applies to CPL customers who are currently on the Direct Electricity Plan; those customers who have signed on to a term product with CPL will continue to enjoy their price stability through their fixed-price plan. CPL will continue to offer its Direct Electricity Plan customers competitive rates and an opportunity to retain ultimate flexibility following the conclusion of the price "freeze."