Be aware of penalties for canceling your plan early.
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An early termination fee (ETF) is a penalty for ending a fixed-rate energy plan before its contract is up. There are a few exceptions to paying this fine, but typically, if you sign a contract for your energy plan, a cancellation fee will be included. Your Electricity Facts Label (EFL) includes the plan’s ETF amount, along with other important information.
Most energy plans have a contract with a set length — typically one to three years. Providers set their ETFs, and sometimes vary them by contract length. Explore ETF amounts from top electricity companies featured on Choose Energy.
| Provider | One-year contract | Two-year contract | Three-year contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| TXU Energy | $150 | $295 | $395 |
| TriEagle Energy | $20 per month remaining on the contract | $20 per month remaining on the contract | $20 per month remaining on the contract |
| Gexa Energy | $150 | $295 | $295 |
| 4Change Energy | $20 per month remaining on the contract | $20 per month remaining on the contract | N/A |
| Frontier Utilities | $150 | $200 | $200 |
There are some exceptions to paying an ETF:
If you’re unsure if your situation will require an ETF, give your provider a call to discuss your options.
Any plan that requires a contract typically includes an early termination fee. These are usually fixed-rate plans lasting between one and three years. Month-to-month variable-rate plans are generally the only type of energy plan that does not include an ETF.
Your ETF amount is listed in your Electricity Facts Label (EFL). Review your plan’s EFL on our marketplace before signing up to ensure you understand your plan’s details.
If you’re moving outside your provider’s service area, your ETF will usually be waived. If you’re moving within your provider’s service area, you should be able to transfer your service to your new address with no fee. Give your provider a call and let them know you’re moving a few weeks in advance to discuss your options.