A couple of interesting notes that have crossed my desk in the past week in regards to TXU and how they relate to their Texas electricity customers. It looks like TXU Energy is making a robust push into the online space with several different initiatives for customers.
First is the addition of their budget alerts system, where TXU customers can go online and set up a monthly budget they want to spend on their electricity bill. Customers will then receive email notices when a forecast indicates they will equal or exceed their budget based on their usage. It’s important to note that the emails are based on a forecast, not actual usage, AND that customers must have a Smart Meter installed at their home to take part in this program.
Second is the announcement that TXU is launching a new series of Online Learning Activities designed specifically for kids. The activities are geared around teaching kids how to conserve electricity and save money through various puzzles, quizzes, and riddles they can play when it is just too hot to play outside this summer.
Finally, although of a slightly different note, Energy Future Holdings (the parent company of TXU Energy, Oncor, and Luminent), has launched a new brand (which will operate as a new retail electricity provider) called 4Change Energy (formally named TXU SESCO Energy). 4Change Energy will market specifically to customers interested in charity and philanthropic interests, where a percentage of their monthly bills will be applied to one of a list of charities from which a customer can choose. It’s an interesting move, creating an entire brand from scratch centered around charitable pursuits. Other REPs have long been very active in charitable work and offering regular contributions, notably Bounce Energy, but as part of their own brand, not as an REP with an independent PUC Certification entirely.