Frequently Asked Questions

Easy answers.

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About Texas Longhorns Energy

What is Texas Longhorns Energy?

Texas Longhorns Energy, powered by Champion Energy Services, was created to provide loyal fans and alumni an opportunity to choose an energy solution that is good for the environment and good for their University. We offer both partial- and fully-renewable electricity options to consumers and business in deregulated regions of Texas. Our electricity plans are made up either 50% or 100% from renewable sources, and a portion of all proceeds go to the University and its Athletics department.

Is Texas Longhorns Energy more expensive than my current provider?

Texas Longhorns Energy is priced competitively in the marketplace for electricity services. Customers may receive a lower rate than their current retail electricity provider is charging. Additionally, by joining Texas Longhorns Energy you are receiving valuable membership benefits, benefitting the renewable energy movement in Texas and exceptional customer care.

What percentage of the profits goes back to the University?

Our revenue model is not based on energy consumption, rather it is based on the number of customers that sign up for Texas Longhorns Energy. In the end, our mission is to encourage Texas Longhorns Energy customers to be responsible consumers of electricity. Texas Longhorns Energy has established a relationship with the Athletics Department that is in line with other official sponsors. As Texas Longhorns Energy acquires more residential and commercial customers, the contribution to the University increases.

Green Energy and Deregulation

What environmentally friendly or green electricity do you provide?

Texas Longhorns Energy, powered by Champion Energy Services, makes it easy for consumers, like you, to make a positive difference for our environment. We currently offer four different plans with renewable energy. Two plans with 50% renewable energy: Longhorns Energy 50% Green-12 and Longhorns Energy 50% Green-24; and two plans with 100% renewable energy: Longhorns Energy Green Power-12 and Longhorns Energy Green Power-24.

The green energy that you as a customer will be supporting is all-natural, Texas wind. Your purchase will help the Texas economy.

Is the University responsible for providing the power?

No. Branded Retail Energy Company, in partnership with Champion Energy Services, a licensed retail electric provider in Texas, are the organizations behind Texas Longhorns Energy. The University and Athletics Department are the beneficiaries. The program is designed to provide alumni, fans, families, faculty, friends and businesses an opportunity to use their day-to-day energy consumption to contribute to their University’s success.

Houston-based Champion Energy Services is the fastest growing retail electricity provider in the nation and is the largest REP never to have been affiliated with a utility. The company also ranks “Highest in Residential Customer Satisfaction with Retail Electric Services,” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Texas Residential Retail Electric Provider Customer Satisfaction Study^SM released August 2011, as detailed at jdpower.com. Champion Energy currently serves residential, commercial and industrial customers in deregulated electric energy markets in Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Jersey and is slated to enter the Maryland market in the fourth quarter of 2011. Backed by the financial strength of Texas-based Crane Capital, the company serves 725,000 residential customer equivalents, with a peak load near 2,200 Megawatts.

What is deregulation and how does it benefit consumers?

Deregulation refers to the restructuring of the Texas electricity market that gives consumers the right to choose among different energy providers. In Texas, there used to be only one choice for electricity based on where you live. Deregulation began in 2002, when a new state law broke apart the old monopolies and separated the delivery of electricity from the electricity itself. Now, in much of the state, one company reads the meters and maintains the poles and wires that deliver the electricity. Because many companies now compete to sell the electricity that runs over the poles and wires, Texas' consumers benefit from competitive rates, more product options and greater service levels.

How do I know if I am in a deregulated part of the state and eligible to choose Texas Longhorns Energy?

Deregulation is based on your ZIP Code location. You are welcome to e-mail us at customercare@texaslonghornsenergyzone.com or type in your ZIP code here.

Signing Up

Who can join?

In deregulated parts of Texas, consumers can choose the electricity provider they use. Texas Longhorns alumni, fans, families, faculty, friends and businesses should all be using Texas Longhorns Energy because it helps the environment and the University. Texas Longhorns Energy is the logical choice for Longhorns alumni and fans.

Why should I switch?

Texas Longhorns Energy was created for consumers, both residential and commercial, who want to parlay their day-to-day energy use into much-needed funding for their University and its Athletics program, while also choosing a renewable electricity option. In addition to supporting UT Athletics and the University by knowing that your power is powering the Longhorns, with your initial sign-up you will receive a welcome kit and access to exclusive Longhorn content to truly keep you in the know.

Texas Longhorns Energy represents a unique opportunity that benefits both the school and its fans via a product that consumers need and use every day: electricity.

Is there a chance I will lose power when I switch to Texas Longhorns Energy?

No. There will be no interruption of service when you switch to Texas Longhorns Energy.

How long does the switch take?

Switching to Texas Longhorns Energy, powered by Champion Energy Services, is fast and easy. A standard switch is completed in 7 days or less. You can request a specific date for your switch to take place when you enroll through our website; the TDU does charge an administrative fee for specific date requests, although we do not. The specific charge is presented to you when you select the date. You can also request a same-day or next-day switch by contacting our customer care department at 1-877-99-UTENERGY, which also carries a fee from the TDU but without any additional fee from Texas Longhorns Energy.

Do I need to contact my current provider when switching?

No. When you switch to Texas Longhorns Energy, we send an electronic notice through ERCOT to your former electricity provider. However, we suggest that you refer back to your current provider's Terms of Service to see if anything specific is required from you, including whether you are subject to an early termination fee.

Will you check my credit when I sign up?

Yes. We will perform a credit check to determine if a deposit is required. If you apply on-line and a deposit is required, we will notify you at the e-mail address or mailing address you provide during the enrollment process.

Customers are required to demonstrate satisfactory credit in order to waive a deposit. Satisfactory credit can be demonstrated through a credit check or through proof of good payment history (no more than one late payment to your current electricity provider in the last 12 months). Certain individuals are eligible for deposit waivers based on protected status (such as victims of family violence, elderly with good payment history). Please contact our customer care department for more information.

Is there a contract involved?

Yes. Our two fixed-rate plans both have contracts. Longhorns Energy Green Power-12 is a contract for one year and Longhorns Energy Green Power-24 is a two-year contract.

Your Account

How can I change my account information?

Call our customer care department toll-free at 1-877-99-UTENERGY and we'll make sure to confidentially change any information you need.

What happens when my contract period expires?

When your contract expires, your service will not be terminated automatically. You have the choice to enter into another fixed-rate contract at current rates, or the account will go into month-to-month status with the current default rate, in accordance with your terms of service.

How do I get my deposit back?

Your deposit will be credited to your account when you have paid your bill for electric service for 12 consecutive residential billing months or for 24 consecutive non-residential billing months without having more than two (2) late payments. If you complete your contract in less than 12 months, your deposit plus interest will be credited to your account upon final billing and you will be refunded net of any balance due.

Is there a penalty if I break my contract with Texas Longhorns Energy?

If you close your account with Texas Longhorns Energy or switch to another electricity provider before your contract ends, you may be subject to an early termination fee, in accordance with your Electricity Facts Label (EFL). Please see your Terms of Service and EFL for additional details.

Can I change the date my meter is read?

The changing of meter read dates is typically reserved for larger commercial users and is not allowed by residential customers.

Billing

What are my payment options?

Pay By Credit Card, ATM/Debit Card or Electronic Check on-line or through our toll-free Direct Payment Line at 866.680.5502 for a service fee of $3.95.
Automatic Bill Payments are fast and easy to schedule so that monthly payments are deducted automatically from your checking or savings account through Champion Energy’s secure online account management tool.
Payments can be mailed to Champion Energy Services c/o Texas Longhorns Energy P.O. Box 263 Houston, TX 77001-0263.
Pay in person at ACE Cash Express across Texas, the locations of which are listed at www.acecashexpress.com. Please note that ACE will charge you a $2.00 fee for all cash payments and an additional $3.00 fee if you use a debit card.

Is my rate a fixed-rate offer or a variable-rate offer?

Texas Longhorns Energy currently only offers fixed service plans to our customers. New customers can choose from two different contract term lengths for fixed electricity plans. Under a fixed plan, the electricity rate does not change for the term of the contract, subject only to certain changes that could come from legal or regulatory changes. When your contract expires, your service continues on a month-to-month default service plan if you do not select a new contract plan.

What does the average cents per kWh rate include?

The average cents per kWh rate includes the energy charge, transmission and distribution charges, PUC assessment (a tax charged to all customers, regardless of where you live) and any base charge, if applicable. Monthly service fees, if any, will be noted on your Terms of Service or Electricity Facts Label (EFL). The average rate does not include taxes that are based on where you live, such as city tax or gross receipts tax. The calculation of the "average cents per kWh" is regulated by the PUCT.

What if I miss a payment or am late on a payment?

If your payment does not post by the due date, a disconnection notice will be sent to you, and you will have 10 days to process payment before your account is subject to disconnection for non-payment.

Late, delinquent or past due balances will result in a late payment penalty equal to 5% of the month's past due amount, less any charges for which you have already been assessed a late fee.

Can I change my payment due date?

We do not currently offer the ability to permanently change your payment due date. Please contact our customer care department toll-free at 1-877-99-UTENERGY if you need a payment extension.