Stream Energy

• Competitive Rates
• Flexible Contract Terms
• Multiple Payment Options

Competitive Rates

Among all deregulated energy companies, Stream Energy boasts some of the most competitive and transparent rates in the industry. The company's full disclosure of its fixed and variable rates for electricity and gas is rare for this industry:

• Electricity (fixed rate): 7.8¢/kWh-below industry average
• Electricity (variable rate): 10.2¢/kWh-about industry average
• Natural gas (fixed rate): 4.42¢/kWh-below industry average
• Natural gas (variable rate): 4.23¢/kWh-about industry average

Something else we like about Stream Energy is that its rates don't fluctuate with the seasons, meaning what you see is what you get - regardless of the time of year. Stream Energy also does not appear to charge customers a monthly customer service fee (this is at least true in many of the company's service areas); rather, it seems that customers only pay for the energy they use.

Flexible Contract Terms

Stream Energy offers a number of different contract lengths that cater to the needs of individual customers. For example, for customers who are apprehensive toward long-term contracts, the company provides a month-to-month rate plan at a slightly higher rate, but with no early cancellation fee. Stream Energy also provides longer-term contracts between six and 30 months (all at reduced rates).

Multiple Payment Options

Stream Energy allows customers to pay their energy bill through multiple channels: customers can pay by mailed check, electronic check, credit or debit card, or by connecting their bank accounts directly to their customer account with Stream Energy.

• High Fees
• Deposit Not Disclosed

High Fees

While Stream Energy charges rates that are either around or below industry averages, it conversely charges fees that are well above what other companies charge. For example, some of its long-term plans come with an early termination fee, which ranges from $150 (in Maryland and New Jersey) to $250 (in Texas). Additionally, the company charges a minimum usage fee of $9.95 during billing months in which customers use 999 kWh or less. Other companies charge much less for minimum usage. Finally, Stream Energy charges a 5 percent late payment fee-one of the highest rates in the industry. Several deregulated energy companies will charge no more than 1.5 percent for late payments.

Some Fees Not Disclosed

While Stream Energy remains one of the most transparent deregulated energy companies in terms of its rates, the amount the company requires upfront as a deposit is undisclosed. Some companies have no deposit requirements, while others can charge over $300 for an initial deposit. Customers interested in buying electricity or natural gas through Stream Energy will need to inquire directly as to whether or not the company requires a deposit.