Stream Energy - A Deregulator's Dream
Stream Energy was created in 2004 in response to the Texas legislature's 2004 deregulation of the state's electricity market. Deregulation cleared the way for competition among energy providers, and Stream Energy emerged as a retail provider of residential and commercial electricity.
Remnants Of Regulation
Although Stream Energy provides retail electric energy services under a deregulation model, all the electricity that Stream sells is delivered via a company called Local Wires, which is still regulated by the Public Utilities Commission. This remnant of regulation ensures that electricity will be delivered safely and reliably, regardless of the retail provider.
Local Wires Company responds to service interruption and maintains the poles and wires that transmit electricity across the state of Texas and into energy consumers' homes and businesses. However, due to deregulation, some Texas consumers have a choice of which electricity provider to purchase their electricity from. Stream Energy is only available in certain locations, as some cities and co-ops have elected not to allow competition for energy in their local communities.
Stream Energy Plans
Stream Energy offers energy plans for homes, small businesses, and large businesses. One of the most popular residential energy plans is Stream's "Green & Clean Plan." Under this plan, residential consumers can receive electricity produced only through renewable resources, like wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, and low-impact hydro-electricity. Green & Clean customers receive renewable electricity at competitive rates through Stream Energy, helping to reduce the effects of energy consumption and make a difference in the environment.
Small business owners who enroll with Stream Energy can opt for a fixed rate plan, paying the same amount every month for their electricity during the term of their Stream Energy agreement. Stream manages the energy risk instead of the small business owner, enabling business owners to forecast their energy expenditures accurately and avoid unpleasant surprises when the price of publicly regulated electricity spikes. Stream also offers an Energy Savings Amplifier plan for small businesses, where small and mid-sized business combine their buying power to receive even greater savings.
Large businesses' electricity needs are different: large businesses need reliable service and cost management. Stream Energy analyzes these companies' energy needs and electricity usage patterns to determine the best service option for each business. Large businesses have greater flexibility because of their increased cash flow. They may choose from several cost models, including fixed rates, market-based rates, or market monitoring services.
Stream Energy also works with its customers by providing consulting services, a variety of billing and reporting alternatives, and special account administration features that are not offered by traditional regulated energy providers.
