When shopping for electricity you will likely run into several electric rate comparison sites.
Usually an electricity comparison site will show you multiple energy suppliers and their rate plans.
The trick to using these sites right is to filter through the short term plans and variable rates. Simply bypass these teaser rate plans that change after the first month and sometimes sooner.
Usually short term and variable electricity rate plans are teaser prices. You may compare these prices but what good is a comparison if all of those rates change in a month or two? A variable rate plan doesn’t just deviate a little but can take immediate reverse course upwards after your guaranteed price expires.
Rather than using a comparison electricity company site to only compare the cheapest offers, instead look at the fixed rates. Fixed electric rates are cheap also but since the rate is locked in long term they cannot make it appear super cheap like a variable rate.
Beyond just using an online tool utilize the links to the terms of service with each plan. Read what additional fees may be added to the advertised rate. If need be call each provider you are considering and ask specifically what additional charges you might expect to see on the bill beyond the advertised rate.
Sometimes the pole and wires charges will not be included as a part of the rate you see online because these are pass through charges that the retail provider has no control over. Go ahead and ask if the pole and wires charges are included in the price and if not if they could average those into the rate to give you an overall final price that includes all charges.
In the long run you will save substantially more by comparing only fixed electric rate offers from competing providers.
Next time you go shopping for energy look for the fixed rate comparisons. You will get a clearer apples to apples electricity comparison and will not be suckered in with the masses on those teaser prices.