Just got my 2nd bill from Cirro, and since it looked high, I went back and compared it to my TXU bill. For this past month, my TXU bill would've been about $20 less. Cirro has a lower kwh rate, but their pass through charges make it more expensive.

I discussed this with a Cirro energy rep, and she explained to me twice that I was actually paying a lower kwh rate, at which point I told her (twice) that the bottom line was lower with TXU. She said there was nothing they could do about that. I asked her what she would do if she were in my position and she stated "I don't know about that..." (thought that was funny...)

Just want to forewarn people who may consider a deviation from TXU. I imagine it's a matter of timing with what ever rate you may lock in sometimes, but the grass isn't always greener....

Can you explain a little further what you mean by passthrough charges? Is it like a monthly fee that wasn't disclosed when you signed up?

I have had my own problems with deregulation but I'm curious to know more for next time I'm shopping around. The most recent time (went with Direct Energy...no problems so far), I noticed that some companies charge a monthly fee but didn't see any that were more than $5.

they tacked on $75 to my bill for a transmission/distribution charge (based on 3000kwh last month)

That's the problem. No matter who you use, TXU still owns the transmission lines, and they are going to get reimbursed for their use no matter who your "provider" is.

What worm said. Although, if you look into the contracts before you sign some of the rates include TDSP charges and others do not. My Cirro plan does not, but it was still cheaper than all others when I signed, including TXU.