Bundled Rate: A combined rate for electric generation, transmission, distribution and related support functions.
Co-op: An independent electric utility. In Texas, co-ops can choose whether or not to enter into competition (a.k.a. Rural Electric Cooperative).
Cramming: The illegal practice by some electric suppliers of adding charges to your bill for optional, unauthorized services.
Delivery: The process of distributing electricity (also called transmission) to customers along a network of power lines (the transmission and local distribution systems).
Deregulation: A term used to describe the restructuring of the electric industry that will allow competition among all investor-owned utilities in Texas.
Distribution: The transport or delivery of electricity through a network of lines to your home or business.
Electric Restructuring: The state-mandated restructuring of the electric utility industry that will allow competition among all investor-owned utilities. Also known as deregulation.
Electric Supplier: A company that sells electricity and other energy products and services to customers.
ERCOT: The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, a state organization that monitors electric energy supply in Texas.
Fuel Adjustment Factor: An adjustment to the fuel cost on your bill which reflects the changes, either increases or decreases, in the base cost of acquiring fuel to generate, supply and deliver electricity.
Incumbent Utility: The company that provides or provided your electricity in a regulated market. For most Garland residents, Garland Power & Light is the incumbent electric utility. For some of our close neighbors, TXU is the incumbent.
Integrated Utility: An integrated utility is able to provide all facets of energy, from electric supply to delivery.
Retail Electric Provider (REP): An electric supplier who sells electricity to customers in degregulated markets. (See Electric Supplier).
