Getting To Know Amigo Energy in Texas

Amigo Energy shares Texas Retail Electric Provider (REP) license number 10081 with Tara Energy and Fulcrum Retail Energy LLC. This is because in 2007, Amigo Energy acquired Fulcrum, which had previously acquired Tara Energy. In turn, Amigo Energy was acquired by Canada-based Just Energy Group Inc..

“Just Energy is a publicly traded company and serves 4.5 million customers] collectively under its affiliate companies Just Energy, Hudson Energy, Commerce Energy, Tara Energy, Amigo Energy, National Home Services, Momentis, Hudson Energy Solar, Green Star Energy, and Terra Grain Fuels. The company was listed and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on January 30, 2012 (NYSE:JE) and entered the European commercial energy market in July 2012 under its Hudson Energy UK brand.”[1]

“Amigo Energy works with Smart Stat, a smart meter which helps consumers to be more energy efficient and reduce their electricity usage. Connected to wireless internet, it measures usage factors, and takes into account square meters and home occupants, and weather conditions. Consumers get a smart meter web account where they can view and manage precise electricity use recommendations.

Established in 2003 as one of Texas's first retail choice companies, Amigo Energy ranked as the 17th biggest energy retail seller based on customers served in 2009, according to EIA.gov. In 2012 Amigo Energy had nearly 90,000 residential customers.”[2]

Amigo Energy offers varying plan options for its customers. It has time-of-use and fixed-rate plans, as well as green energy plans. For the contract plans, the cancellation fee is $175, except for the Smart Rate-60, for which you will be charged $100 per year remaining in the contract if you cancel before the end of the term.

Average rate per kWh for usage of 2000kWh are moderately expensive, ranging from 9.6 to 12.1 cents per kWh in the Houston area. Their Nights Free-12 plan is a 12month fixed-rate plan with free electricity from 9pm to 7am. Average rate is 10.6¢ per kWh for usage of 1000kWh and 10.1¢ per kWh for usage of 2000kWh. For this plan, the energy charge is 8.5¢ per kWh, while the TDU pass-through charges are $5.47 per billing cycle and 4.0328¢ per kWh. If you are unable to present a proof of move out, the cancellation fee is $175. Additional non-recurring charges include a $5 for any payments made over the phone, and $5 for additional copies of bills.

Amigo Energy has been getting recognition in the past for good service. In 2010, it was one of the top ranked retail electric providers in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking. In 2012, the company achieved a top 10 ranking in the Texas Electricity Ratings. Since then, however, Amigo Energy has been overtaken by other retail electric providers and has been getting mixed reviews.