Compare Power Is Out to “Unscrew Texas"

Energy exchange Compare Power has a warning for Texans: You’re likely overpaying for energy due to confusing plans and pricing. Commercials breaking on the Olympics Opening Ceremony telecast, created by Greatest Common Factory, challenge provider claims of pricing specials and “free nights and weekends” with the stark fact that all electricity is the same. 

“I pledge allegiance to no energy company,” begins “Power Pledge,” which features a variety of people pledging to compare energy plans. “Every year I will compare power. I won’t get lost in their confusing promotions. ‘Free nights and weekends? Give me a break.’”

“Compare Power is here to unscrew Texas from overpriced energy plans,” opens “Unscrew Texas Anthem,” which closes with characters proclaiming, “I’m unscrewed.”

Compare Power has already taken to radio and roadways to get consumers to compare energy prices.

“There is no designer electricity, no artisanal energy, hand-crafted electrons, zap juice or anything special about big brand energy,” says one radio ad.

Billboards and digital ads make the point even bolder. A slow pan over blenders on a store display says in text, “The price is more important than the provider. All electricity is the same. Don’t overpay.” Other ads show people comparing products like coffee machines and microwaves, asking why they don’t compare power, too. One billboard proclaims, “Get unscrewed from your overpriced energy plan.” Another states, “All electricity is the same. Don’t overpay.”

“Power companies aren’t telling people the truth, so we are,” said Brad Gregory, CEO of Compare Power. “Anyone can compare power and change deals at any time. They need to because the rates keep changing and most have no idea they’re overpaying for a basic commodity.”

Compare Power posts real-time rates for providers – often special deals for the platform – and gives consumers the ability to click, buy, and be done. The company also helps consumers understand how much they’ll pay based on their actual usage. The service is free, as providers pay commission on all sales through the exchange. More than 3 million people have used the service.

“We’re challenging the tricks providers play and the set-and-forget attitude that costs consumers,” said John Trahar, creative and strategy lead at Greatest Common Factory. “People can unscrew themselves by comparing providers’ plans. With Compare Power, the power is yours.”

“The Power is Yours” campaign is running throughout Texas. After a heavy schedule throughout the Olympics broadcast, the TV ads will air locally through the fall.