Pay-as-you-go plans without contracts offer customers flexibility, allowing them to switch providers or cancel service at any time without penalties. The service works much like a prepaid phone: you fund your account upfront, use electricity as you go, and can stop adding money whenever you choose. Month-to-month prepaid plans typically use a variable rate, which means the price per kilowatt-hour can change with market conditions.
Prepaid plans with a fixed-rate lock in an electricity rate for a defined period—typically 6 or 12 months—allow customers to maintain stable pricing. Because these plans have a fixed term, they also include an early termination fee if you cancel before the contract ends. For customers who want predictable pricing, this is an excellent option.
Regardless of the plan you choose, prepaid with a fixed rate, or a true month-to-month plan, they all come with important documents to review.
- Electricity Facts Label (EFL): This document clearly lists the plan’s exact price per kWh, any daily service fees, and whether an ETF applies.
- Terms of Service (TOS): This outlines the rules for service, including the minimum balance required to avoid disconnection (the “disconnection balance”) and the balance needed for reconnection.
- Prepaid Disclosure Statement (PDS): This mandated document provides specific information relevant only to prepaid service, ensuring transparency.
The Bottom Line: To know for sure, always review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL). It is the legal document that will clearly disclose the exact price, all fees, and any applicable early termination fee for a fixed-term plan.