Electricity complaints decline in 2012

The Texas Coalition for Affordable Power (TCAP) recently announced that the number of electric industry complaints that are filed against electricity providers dropped in 2012, although more work needs to be done to keep improving Texas’ competitive energy environment.

The new analysis covers all electricity-related complaints that were made against electric companies and filed with the Public Utilities Commission’s Office of Consumer Protection. In total, the PUC received 8,558 electric complaints during fiscal 2012, marking a 10 percent decline compared with fiscal 2011.

“Complaints are down this year, which suggests Texans are becoming more comfortable with their electric service – but this doesn’t suggest that there’s not more to be done,” said Randy Moravec, TCAP executive director.

The most common complaints were related to the installation of advanced smart meters, as well as over certain new policies that keep certain households from switching energy providers.

The lower number of complaints is in line with recent reports that show in the last 10 years, customers of retail energy providers are growing increasingly content with their chosen provider. Texas’ energy market was first deregulated in 2002.