Summer in Texas brings many different images and thoughts to people. Whether it’s hiking, bike riding, swimming pools or enjoying a Round Rock Express baseball game, two things remain in the back of our mind – the heat and high electric bills.

Energy usage in the summer months far outpaces our usage during the rest of the year because of exceptionally hot temperatures that lead many to constantly run their air conditioning in an attempt to stay cool.

Fortunately, there are two options Texans have that can help us to make better and more cost effective decisions regarding our energy use.

Many people have heard about the new smart meters that are being installed throughout Texas to ensure electric providers are managing our grid in the most effective manner and allowing consumers to be more efficient with the energy they use.

The smart meter is a digital box that will phase out the traditional meters we are all used to with the tiny dials that have to be read each month. Because a meter reader had to come out to each house, this occasionally proved to be an inconvenience to many homeowners who had to make accommodations for any outdoor pets or those who simply do not appreciate someone going into their yard. The new meters are digital, making them easier to read, but they also send information to a data center electronically, which saves time and resources.

In addition, this real-time reading can alert electric providers to any suspicious spikes in activity or power outages that need to be looked into.

In some cases when power goes out in the middle of the day in a neighborhood, it can be hours before electric providers are aware of the outage. With a smart meter, they will be notified within 15 minutes of the power going out and can begin working to restore power immediately.

This new technology will also let you monitor your energy usage right from your own home.

Each meter will be connected to a web portal that consumers can log into and track their energy usage in 15-minute intervals. This way you do not have to wait until the bill comes in to see your monthly usage. Instead, you can track it each day or even hour.

By allowing you, the customer, to see near real-time consumption, you can take immediate action to curb your usage and have a meaningful impact on your electric bill.

Oncor is currently working to install the new meters throughout Round Rock. Every home and business in Round Rock should have the meters installed by the end of May at no additional charge to the consumer.

When your smart meter is installed, it should come with an informational flyer on your door making you aware of the change and the new features.

The new smart meters will not only ensure our energy grid is more effective, but it also provides each consumer with a greater amount of control of their energy usage and bill. For more information on the smart meters and their deployment, visit smarttexas.com.

Texans also have another great way to help cut down on our energy bills. Since 2002, millions of Texans have taken advantage of their right to choose the retail electric provider.

By selecting your provider, you have the opportunity to shop for the plan – and the price – that best fits your need. Companies such as Oncor, AEP and Centerpoint are electric transmitters while TXU, Reliant and others serve as the retail electric provider.

It is the electric providers whom you contract with to purchase energy. The transmitters simply provide that energy which you use. Most Round Rock residents will have more than 30 options when choosing a retail electric provider.

By logging on to PowerToChoose.org, you can shop for your provider and see how much they are charging per kilowatt hour, rate type and contract length to help you make an informed decision.

As you weigh the options, important questions to consider and ask of providers are listed to help you determine the best option for you.

The website also allows consumers to select their provider based on what percentage of fuel sources are environmentally friendly.

The competitive retail electric market gives consumers both quality options and multiple choices based on their personal needs or demands.

The market has led to Texas offering some of the lowest electric prices among large states including New York, California and Florida. Next time you turn on your air conditioning or television, run the dishwasher or do a load of laundry, think about how much you are saving by having an efficient smart meter and how much you can save by shopping for a provider.

As the heat of another Texas summer begins to set in, think about ways in which you can save in your pocketbook, all while being energy efficient.