How to Shop for Your Energy Company Without Scratching Your Head

The internet puts all kinds of useful things at our fingertips these days, not the least of which is shopping.

And we’re not just referring to online shopping for shoes (although we certainly wouldn’t dissuade you from those sneakers you’ve had your eye on).

The ability to comparison shop when it comes to home and business amenities gives consumers more power than ever before to make a decision that benefits them.

However, the information overload that can come with doing this sort of research often makes you shut down, put it off, and just accept what you already have.

But if you take your time, give yourself breaks, and put aside the idea that it all has to be done right. now., you have the potential to make decisions that could save thousands of dollars!

The Paraco Difference

As an energy company, we believe that propane is one of the best fuel sources you can use. Propane is energy-efficient, low-emission, and low cost.

You can use it to heat your home and appliances like stoves and clothes dryers indoors and use it for grill fuel and pool heater outdoors.

We also believe that certain things set us apart from the other companies offering propane. As Bo Malpass, owner of Warrington Homes, says,

“You know, a propane tank is a propane tank. But I always use [Paraco] for all of our new builds because they’re always on time and happy to help.

I’ve just always used them because they’re easy to deal with, prompt, courteous, and all of the above. They’ve always been good guys.”

It’s our belief that you want to make sure that any company you deal with operates the same way. It’s important to feel confident that your energy company does what they say they do, that they’re dependable, and make sure that every step of your relationship is clear.

One of the best ways to get a feel for a company that will be a fit for you is to ask your friends and family who they use and what they like about them.

You can also look at prospective companies’ customer reviews on sites like Google, Facebook, and Yelp to get an idea of their reputation and see how they respond to folks who reach out on their social media pages. Doing this will help you get an idea of the company’s culture as it relates to its customers.

Of course, take what you see with a grain of salt — we know how extreme reviews can be, and studies have shown that people are far more likely to leave a negative review than a positive review, unfortunately. But looking at companies’ online presence can give you a window into what working with them may possibly be like.

Of course, there are other logistics to consider when looking at energy companies and plans.

Rates

An obvious factor when choosing an energy supplier is how much they charge.

Finding out actual rate prices will take a little more leg work than online shopping, since the price of fuel and electricity varies day-to-day, leading most companies to refrain from having the info readily available on their sites. The reason for this is that it could become outdated as soon as it’s posted. Making phone calls to price-check will get you accurate information for your area.

You’ll also want to consider whether you’re interested in fixed-rate options or a variable-rate plan.

Fixed-rate plans guarantee that over a designated time period that you are your provider agree on, your rate will not change. This allows you to pay the same rate throughout the duration of your plan, with the only variable being how much energy you actually use.

This is a popular option because even if there are market changes, your rates won’t change with them — and more often than not, those market changes are upswings that make fuel more expensive. A fixed-rate plan protects you from feelings those swings.

A variable-rate plan moves with the market, so your rate will go up and down depending on the market. This is a gamble that can pay off sometimes, but not terribly often, as prices going down is, unfortunately, a rare occurrence.

Plan Length Options

Find out what plan lengths each company that you’re investigating offers, and think about what would work best for your needs.

Common fixed-rate energy plan lengths are 6-month, 12-month, 24-month, and 36-months. In general, the longer you commit to a plan, you can expect a slightly less expensive rate than shorter plans.

How long a plan you choose comes down to how often you anticipate shopping around. Is your energy use and company an expense you plan to regularly re-evaluate? Are you looking for something long-term that you can think about a bit less? There’s no wrong answer, but it’s important to ask yourself.

It’s worth mentioning that if you agree to a longer plan and decide to leave it, termination fees will likely apply. Make sure you choose wisely.

We understand that making the right choice for your energy can be daunting, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have about propane and Paraco! Feel free to contact one of our friendly customer support specialists for help choosing what’s right for you.