Frequently Asked Questions
Easy answers.
If you can't find what you're looking for here, please call our Contacts, and we will help you get the answer you need.
- What does "deregulation" mean? And what does it mean for me?
- How does deregulation benefit consumers?
- How do I know if I live in a deregulated part of Texas?
- How do I report a power outage or electricity emergency?
- What is Baylor Bear Energy?
- What markets does Baylor Bear Energy serve?
- Who is Champion Energy?
- What are the benefits of switching to Baylor Bear Energy?
- Is Baylor Bear Energy more expensive than my current provider?
- What percentage of the profits is given to the University?
- What kind of plans can I sign up for?
- Do you provide green energy options?
- Is my rate a fixed-rate offer or a variable-rate offer? What's the difference?
- What does the average cents per kilowatt (kWh) rate include?
- Is Baylor University actually responsible for providing the power customers use?
- How is the electricity from Baylor Bear Energy different from my current utility?
- What's the big deal if it's the exact same commodity?
- Why should I switch?
- Who can join?
- How soon can my service be switched?
- If I choose Baylor Bear Energy, powered by Champion Energy, can I switch to a different electric supplier or choose to go back to the utility's bundled service?
- Will I lose power when I switch to Baylor Bear Energy?
- Do I need to tell my current provider that I'm switching?
- Is there a contract involved?
- Will you check my credit when I sign up?
- Will I get my deposit back?
- Do I need to use more electricity to make my contribution to Baylor Athletics bigger?
- How can I change my account information?
- What happens if I move before my contract expires?
- What happens when my contract expires?
- Is there a penalty if I break my contract with Baylor Bear Energy?
- Can I change the date my meter is read?
- If I have a complaint, what should I do?
- What are my payment options?
- What if I miss a payment or I am late on a payment?
- Can I change my payment due date?
- Whom do I call if I have questions about my bill?
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What does "deregulation" mean? And what does it mean for me?
Deregulation refers to the restructuring of the Texas electricity market that gives consumers the right to choose among different energy providers. In Texas, there used to be only one choice for electricity based on where you live. Deregulation began in 2002, when a new state law broke apart the old monopolies and separated the delivery of electricity from the electricity itself. Now, in much of the state, one company reads the meters and maintains the poles and wires that deliver the electricity. Deregulated areas allow many companies to compete to sell the electricity that runs over the poles and wires.
How does deregulation benefit consumers?
Deregulation allows companies to compete to sell the electricity that runs over the poles and wires. By opening up the electricity market, and with more companies to choose from, consumers can explore more products, get better prices and contracts.
How do I know if I live in a deregulated part of Texas?
Deregulation is based on your ZIP Code location. You can check to see if your ZIP Code is deregulated by emailing us at customercare@BaylorBearEnergy.com.
How do I report a power outage or electricity emergency?
Even after switching to Baylor Bear Energy, you will need to call your local poles and company. This is the company that is responsible for actually maintaining the poles and wires that transmit electricity to your home or business.
- Oncor (North and West Texas, including DFW): 1.888.313.4747 or 1.888313.6862
- CenterPoint Energy (Houston and surrounding areas): 1.800.332.7143
- AEP (Central, South, and West Texas): 1.866.223.8508 or 1.877.373.4858
- Texas New Mexico Power (South central coast, far West and North Texas): 1.888.866.7456
Baylor Bear Energy, powered by Champion Energy Services, is the official electricity sponsor of Baylor Athletics. This program was created to provide loyal fans, alumni and students an opportunity to choose an energy solution that is also good for the University.
We offer both partial- and fully-renewable electricity options to residences and businesses in deregulated regions of Texas. We believe in Baylor University: that's why we make it easy for consumers and businesses in deregulated regions of Texas to show their support, too. A contribution is made to Baylor Athletics, in honor of you as a Baylor Bear Energy customer for as long as you remain a customer.
What markets does Baylor Bear Energy serve?
Baylor Bear Energy, powered by Champion Energy Services, currently serves all people in deregulated areas all across Texas.
Champion Energy Services ranks among the top electric providers in the United States. Champion Energy Services currently serves residential, commercial and industrial customers in deregulated electric markets in Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Jersey. Backed by the financial strength of Texas-based Crane Capital, the company serves 700,000 residential customer equivalents, with a peak load near 2,000 Megawatts.
What are the benefits of switching to Baylor Bear Energy?
We offer you fixed-rate pricing, which gives you budget certainty for your home or business over the length of your contract, regardless of changes in market pricing. Once you switch, you also become an automatic philanthropist of Baylor Athletics, without having to change a thing about your day-to-day.
Is Baylor Bear Energy more expensive than my current provider?
Not necessarily. It will depend on what your current provider is charging. By joining Baylor Bear Energy, you will receive award-winning customer service and other valuable membership benefits you won't be able to find with any other electricity provider.
What percentage of the profits is given to the University?
Actually, the contribution model is not a percentage calculated from your energy consumption. Rather, it is based on the number of customers that sign up for Baylor Bear Energy. As Baylor Bear Energy acquires more residential and commercial customers, the contribution to Baylor Athletics increases. We don't want you to use more energy; we'd actually like you to use less!
What kind of plans can I sign up for?
We offer a variety of plans so that you can find one that best fits your needs. No matter which one you sign up for, so long as it's a Baylor Bear Energy plan, it will help create a contribution to the University. Check out the different plans and prices for your area here.
Do you provide green energy options?
Yes. Baylor Bear Energy, powered by Champion Energy Services, offers a variety of renewable wind energy products.
Is my rate a fixed-rate offer or a variable-rate offer? What's the difference?
Baylor Bear Energy, a program offered exclusively through Champion Energy Services, only offers fixed service plans to our customers. New customers can choose from two different contract lengths—12 or 24 month plans. Under a fixed plan, the electricity rate does not change for the term of the contract. Your cost per kWh won't go up or down based on the season or time of day, and it won't vary with the volume of electricity you consume.
What does the average cents per kilowatt (kWh) rate include?
The average cents per kWh rate includes the energy charge, transmission and distribution charges, PUC assessment (a tax charged to all customers, regardless of where you live) and any base charge, if applicable. Monthly service fees, if any, will be noted on your Terms of Service or Electricity Facts Label (EFL). The average rate does not include taxes that are based on where you live, such as city tax or gross receipts tax. The calculation of the "average cents per kWh" is regulated by the PUCT.
Is Baylor University actually responsible for providing the power customers use?
No. Champion Energy Services, a licensed retail electric provider in Texas, in partnership with Branded Retail Energy Company are the organizations behind Baylor Bear Energy. Baylor Bear Energy is designed to provide students, alumni, fans, families, faculty, friends and businesses an opportunity to use their day-to-day energy consumption to contribute to the University's success.
How is the electricity from Baylor Bear Energy different from my current utility?
When you switch to Baylor Bear Energy, you'll actually still be using the exact same electricity you would have been using before. Instead of padding your bill with extra fees, we'll give you competitive rates to try and help you save money each month.
What's the big deal if it's the exact same commodity?
The biggest difference is what happens to your money after you pay your bill. Rather than spending it on big advertising budgets, we send a monthly contribution, in honor of you, to Baylor Athletics. This is one of the few programs in Texas that can say that.
Baylor Bear Energy presents a unique opportunity that benefits both the University and its fans through a product that you need and use every day: your electricity.
Baylor Bear Energy was created for electricity consumers, both residential and commercial, who want to parlay their day-to-day energy use into funding for Baylor University's Athletics programs. You mean more to us than becoming just another account, so to thank you for switching, not only will we make a donation in honor of you for as long as you remain a customer, we'll also give you tons of special Baylor Athletics gear to help you show your pride.
In deregulated parts of Texas, consumers can choose the electricity provider they use. Baylor alumni, fans, families, faculty, friends and businesses should all use Baylor Bear Energy because it supports Baylor Athletics. Baylor Bear Energy is the logical choice for anyone looking to support the University.
How soon can my service be switched?
Switching to Baylor Bear Energy, powered by Champion Energy Services, is fast and easy. A standard switch is completed in 7 days or less. You can request a specific date for your switch to take place when you enroll through our website; the TDU does charge an administrative fee for specific date requests, although we do not. The specific charge is presented to you when you select the date. You can also request a same-day or next-day switch by contacting our Customer Care Department at 1.855.BAYLOR.ENERGY, which also carries a fee from the TDU but without any additional fee from Baylor Bear Energy.
If I choose Baylor Bear Energy, powered by Champion Energy Services, can I switch to a different electric provider?
Yes. However, you should check the terms of your agreement for any termination penalties that apply. If you close your account with Baylor Bear Energy or switch to another electricity provider before your contract ends, you may be subject to an early termination fee, in accordance with your Electricity Facts Label (EFL). Please see your Terms of Service and EFL for additional details.
Will I lose power when I switch to Baylor Bear Energy?
No. There will be no interruption of service when you switch to Baylor Bear Energy.
Do I need to tell my current provider that I'm switching?
No. When you switch to Baylor Bear Energy, we will notify your current provider that you have chosen to switch your electricity. We do suggest that you refer back to your current provider's Terms of Service to see if anything specific is required from you, including whether or not you are subject to an early termination fee.
Yes. All of Baylor Bear Energy plans are fixed-rate plans, and they all have contracts. This will keep the price you pay for electricity the same for the duration of your contract, protecting you from the ups and downs in the energy market.
Will you check my credit when I sign up?
A credit check will be performed to determine if a deposit is required. If you apply online and a deposit is required, we will notify you at the last step of enrollment by e-mail or mail.
Your deposit will be credited to your account when you have paid your bill for electric service for 12 consecutive residential billing months or for 24 consecutive non-residential billing months without having more than two (2) late payments. If you complete your contract in less than 12 months, your deposit plus interest will be credited to your account upon final billing and you will be refunded net of any balance due.
Do I need to use more electricity to make my contribution to Baylor Athletics bigger?
Absolutely not. A flat contribution amount is made, in honor of you, every single month for as long as you remain a customer. Using more electricity won't contribute more the University, but encouraging more of your family and friends to sign up will.
How can I change my account information?
You can change your account information by calling the Customer Care center toll-free at 1.855.229.5673 and we'll make sure to confidentially change any information you need.
What happens if I move before my contract expires?
If you move, your agreement with Baylor Bear Energy, powered by Champion Energy Services, is cancelled without an early cancellation fee. If you move within a territory serviced by Champion Energy Services, then you can transfer your service to your new address.
What happens when my contract expires?
When your contract expires, your service will not be terminated automatically. You'll be given the choice to enter into another fixed-rate contract at current rates, in accordance with your terms of service. If you do not choose a new contract, your account will go into a month-to-month status with the current default rate.
Is there a penalty if I break my contract with Baylor Bear Energy?
If you close your account with Baylor Bear Energy or switch to another electricity provider before your contract ends, you may be subject to an early termination fee, in accordance with your Electricity Facts Label (EFL). Please see your Terms of Service and EFL for additional details.
Can I change the date my meter is read?
No, this is typically reserved for larger commercial users and is not allowed for residential customers.
If I have a complaint, what should I do?
You may file a complaint with Champion Energy Services by calling 1.855.229.5673 or emailing customercare@BaylorBearEnergy.com.
You can:
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- Pay By Credit Card, ATM/Debit Card or Electronic Check on-line or through our toll-free Direct Payment Line at 866.680.5502 for a service fee of $3.95.
- Automatic Bill Payments are fast and easy to schedule so that monthly payments are deducted automatically from your checking or savings account through Champion Energy’s secure online account management tool.
- Payments can be mailed to Champion Energy Services c/o Baylor Bear Energy P.O. Box 263 Houston, TX 77001-0263.
- Pay in person at ACE Cash Express across Texas, the locations of which are listed at www.acecashexpress.com. Please note that ACE will charge you a $2.00 fee for all cash payments and an additional $3.00 fee if you use a debit card.
What if I miss a payment or I am late on a payment?
If your payment does not post by the due date, a disconnection notice will be sent to you, and you will have 10 days to process payment before your account is subject to disconnection for non-payment.
Late, delinquent or past due balances will result in a late payment penalty equal to 5% of the month's past due amount, less any charges for which you have already been assessed a late fee.
Can I change my payment due date?
We do not currently offer the ability to permanently change your payment due date. Please contact the Customer Care center toll-free at 1.855.229.5673 if you need a payment extension.
Whom do I call if I have questions about my bill?
If you have a question about your bill, call the Champion Energy Services Customer Care center at 1.855.229.5673.