Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Spark Energy?
Spark Energy is a Retail Electric Supplier that currently provides commercial and residential natural gas and electric service in multiple states.
- Why should I sign up for Spark Energy?
As a Retail Electric Supplier, Spark Energy is dedicated to providing the best possible price and superior customer service. We understand you have a choice in Retail Electric Suppliers and hope for the opportunity to serve you.
- With competition, will the reliability of my electric service change?
No, regardless which Retail Electric Supplier you choose, your electricity will continue to be delivered safely and reliably by the local wires company.
- How does Spark Energy reduce my electric bills?
Deregulation allows suppliers, like Spark Energy, to buy electricity from competitive Providers and pass the savings along to customers.
- Will Spark Energy check my credit?
Yes, during the online enrollment process Spark Energy completes a credit analysis to determine if the account will require a deposit or rejected.
- What charges/fees will I see on my invoice/bill?
You will see a monthly customer charge (if applicable), energy usage charge and any applicable taxes if applicable.
- Can I call in and enroll over the phone?
Spark Energy is able to offer the lowest possible price by reducing costs associated with the enrollment process. Therefore, the process is easy. Enrollment should be completed online at www.sparkenergy.com
- I want to sign up for your program but don't have a credit card or checking account to be drafted. Can I still sign up?
The product that Spark Energy is currently offering does require this form of payment. Feel free to visit our Web site in the future for other programs that may have additional payment options.
- While enrolling online, I received a response that I was going to have to pay a deposit. What does this mean?
A credit inquiry made by Spark Energy has determined that, in order to continue with your enrollment, a deposit would be required. You can continue and your deposit will be deducted from the ACH/credit card information you provide as part of the auto payment process. If you choose not to pay this deposit, you can exit the application at this time.
- I have questions and do not agree that my credit score would require me to pay a deposit or my order rejected. Who can help me with this?
During the enrollment process, you will receive information about the credit bureau that was used for this inquiry. You can contact the agency listed in this communication for any questions you have related to your credit profile.
- I understand there is a cancellation fee. How is it calculated?
If you choose to cancel service prior to the end of your contract term, Spark Energy will charge a flat fee of $300 for 12 month contracts, $200 for 6 month contracts and $150 for 1 month contracts. *Note ETF can vary depending on the product.
- When can I expect my first Spark Energy invoice?
If you currently have power with another supplier and are switching to Spark Energy, your account will become effective with Spark Energy after your next scheduled meter read. The initial invoice will be e-mailed to you approximately 3 days after the following month’s meter read. If you are connecting power for the first time, your scheduled meter read could occur anytime after your initial connection date. The first invoice will be e-mailed to you approximately 3 days after your first meter reading as a Spark Energy customer.
- What is the difference between a switch and a move-in?
The term “switch” is used when a customer has power at their service address in their name and wants to “switch” their current Retail Electric Supplier (RES). The electric term “move-in” applies when a customer needs power turned on at their residence for the first time. Although there may be power at the place of residence, if it is in the name of the property owner or previous resident, requesting service in your name for the first time is considered a “move-in”.
- How soon can I have my power turned on if I am completing a move-in?
If you currently do not have service in your name with another supplier, the earliest will be three business days, excluding holidays and weekends, from the day you enroll.
- When will my residential power become effective with Spark Energy?
If you are with another Retail Electric Supplier at your residence, your account will become effective with Spark Energy within 7 business days.
- What is a kilowatt-hour (kWh)?
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of measurement for electric energy (usually expressed in kilowatts or kW) over a time period. Most electric rates are priced by kWh. By knowing your kWh usage and your cost per kWh, you can calculate the cost of operating electric equipment.
- What is an ESI ID?
Your Electric Service Identifier (ESI ID) is a unique number created by your local electric utility for your place of residence. Spark Energy uses this number to ensure that your local electric utility company places the correct service address in your name. The meter number and ESI ID number are two different things. You may have more than one ESI ID if you have several different service addresses.
- Who do I call if my power goes out?
You will need to contact your local utility. They are the company responsible for maintaining and repairing the wires, poles and equipment in your service area.
New York (ConEd) AREA:
Consolidated Edison (ConEd)
800-752-6633 (800 – 75 - CONED)
HOUSTON AND SURROUNDING AREAS:
CenterPoint Energy
Local (713) 207-2222
Toll Free (800) 332-7143
Texas New Mexico Power
Toll Free (888) 332-7143
DALLAS/FT WORTH AND SURROUNDING AREAS:
TXU Electric Delivery (formerly Oncor)
Toll Free (800) 313-4747
Texas New Mexico Power
Toll Free (888) 332-7143
SOUTH TEXAS:
AEP
Toll Free (866) 223-8508
WEST TEXAS:
AEP
Toll Free (866) 223-8508
TXU Electric Delivery (formerly Oncor)
Toll Free (888) 313-4747
- Whom should I call with billing inquiries?
If you should have any questions regarding your monthly bill, please contact us at 1-888-SPARKON (772-7566). A customer service representative will be available to assist you from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Will I be able to access my account online?
Yes, you will be required to setup an account id and password upon enrollment.
- Will my service be interrupted when I switch service suppliers?
If you are switching RES’s and the location is currently energized, you should not experience an interruption in service.
- Can I add someone, such as my spouse or roommate, to my account?
Our customer accounts are typically under one primary account holder. You may add an additional contact person to the account. The designated person will have the same capability as the account holder to request information.
- Is there a cost to switch service to Spark Energy?
Since a “switch” of suppliers is processed at the time of your next meter read, there are not any associated fees.
- Will I be charged a deposit?
At the time of enrollment, it will be determined if a deposit is required.
- Do I have to notify my current electricity supplier of the switch?
No, it is not necessary to contact your current Retail Electric Supplier. Once the request is made and completed, the process should seem “invisible” to you.
- Will I be locked into a contract?
To guarantee the fixed rate with Spark Energy, the terms you agree to at the time of enrollment will be under contract for the duration of the time you enroll for. For example, if you enroll for a three-month fixed rate- you are locked into it for the full three months.
- What forms of identification are acceptable?
At the time of enrollment, you will be asked to provide your social security number and a valid form of Texas identification (example: State Identification Card or Valid Driver’s License).
- Can I add an additional service to my existing account?
Yes, you can have multiple accounts with Spark Energy. If this is the case, it will be necessary to have multiple contract numbers.
- What happens once I complete the enrollment process online?
Once you complete the enrollment process online, you will receive a confirmation via e-mail containing your contract number, fixed price and other information detailing your service with Spark Energy.
- How will I know when my switch will occur?
You will receive an enrollment e-mail containing your estimated switch date.
- How do I sign up with Spark Energy?
It's easy to get started with Spark! Simply click here
- What software do I need to view invoices and other documents?
In order to view certain documents on the Spark Energy website, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. This program will allow your browser to open PDF documents. A free copy of Acrobat Reader can be downloaded from Adobe's website. If you already have Adobe Acrobat installed, please verify that you have version 8.0 or higher. Older versions may prevent you from opening PDF documents on this site. Just click the "Get Acrobat Reader" button below and follow the instructions on Adobe's website to download Acrobat Reader's installation program to your computer. Next, double-click on the installation program icon to install Acrobat Reader onto your computer.
Click to download the free Adobe Reader
- What Web browsers are supported for www.sparkenergy.com?
The following Web browsers are officially supported for this site:
Microsoft Windows, XP and Vista
Internet Explorer version 6.0 and higher
Firefox 3 and higher
Macintosh
Safari 3.0 and higher
Firefox 3 and higher
If you would like to download the latest version of one of these browsers please click on one of the links below.