• Find out what you're paying per kilowatt hour. It's usually on your bill; rates range from about 11 cents to as much as 23 cents. TXU, the largest retail provider in North Texas, has more than 1 million of its customers locked into a rate plan charging 12.4 cents, which is better than virtually any offer available in Dallas today. That 12.4 kwh rate is good through December and is a product of its buyout in 2007, when the new owners lowered rates 15 percent as a goodwill gesture. TXU will have the option to raise its rate for those customers to as much as 14.6 cents after that, but it hasn't announced its plans. TXU offers a variety of rate plans for consumers.

• Are you in a contract with an electric provider? Breaking out of a contract with a residential power provider can create fees, and signing up with a new one often requires some sort of deposit, but not always. If you're not in a contract, you're free to pick whomever.

• If you're on a fixed-rate plan, make sure you know when it expires. When it does, your rate will almost certainly rise, and you'll want to start shopping for a new plan before your rate adjusts.

• Shop at www.powertochoose.org. That's the Web site created by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to help consumers pick their own power plan. Each ZIP code usually has a dozen or more electric providers to choose from – each with different rates and terms. Signing up for a new plan is easy, and could save you a considerable amount of money.

• Don't have computer access or prefer not to shop on a computer? The PUC has a toll-free number: 866-PWR-4TEX (866-797-4839). Customers can have rate plans and choices mailed to their homes, and they can initiate the transaction through the mail.

Some retail energy providers have gone out of business this summer. Those customers are put into the "provider of last resort" with the highest rates, and they'll definitely see higher bills. If your power company has failed, move as quickly as possible to sign on with a new power company by either visiting www.powertochoose.org or by calling the toll-free number for the PUC above. To find out what the PUC says about "providers of last resort", visit http://www.puc.state.tx.us/files/POLR_052908.pdf

If you're a TXU customer, the utility urges customers who don't think they'll be able to pay their bill to call the company at 800-242-9113 to discuss payment options. TXU won't disconnect seniors over 62 or those who are ill or disabled. If you're a customer of any utility, call the customer service department. The company may be able to help you with payments.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has links for low income assistance programs: http://www.puc.state.tx.us/ocp/assist/lowincasst.cfm. And the Lite-Up Texas program, which provides discounts on power bills for those who are income-eligible, can be reached toll-free at 866-454-8387.