Terms of Service

Last Updated: February 1, 2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE: THESE TERMS CONTAIN A BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION AND WAIVER OF JURY TRIALS AND CLASS ACTIONS GOVERNING DISPUTES ARISING FROM USE OF THE GETCOSTWISE SERVICES. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AS DETAILED IN SECTION 8.
Quick Summary
  • Risk-Based Ranking: We rank plans based on "Total Exposure" (Annual Cost + Potential Liability). We may recommend a slightly more expensive plan if it has significantly safer contract terms.
  • Automated Software Tool: This is a self-service software platform. Reports are generated instantly by algorithms. We do not offer manual bill auditing, personalized consulting, or human review of your energy account.
  • Estimates Only: Our reports are simulations based on the Usage Profile you select. We cannot guarantee your future actual usage will match our simulations exactly.
  • Credits are Consumable: Every time you run a report, 1 credit is deducted immediately. Running a second report 5 minutes later costs a second credit.

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using the GetCostWise website and its services (collectively, the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Service.

2. Description of Service & Scope

GetCostWise provides a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that analyzes available electricity plans and compares them against a user's selected usage profile.

  • Automated Nature of Service: You acknowledge that the Service is an automated data processing tool. It is not a professional consulting service. We do not review your specific past bills for errors, negotiate with providers on your behalf, or provide personalized financial advice beyond the algorithmic recommendations contained in the Report.
  • Ranking Methodology: Unlike standard comparison sites, GetCostWise ranks plans based on a proprietary "Total Exposure" score. This score combines estimated annual energy costs with potential contract liabilities (e.g., Cancellation Fees). You acknowledge that our "Top Recommendation" may not always be the plan with the absolute lowest kilowatt-hour rate, but rather the plan we calculate to have the lowest overall financial risk.
  • Data Source: Plan pricing and details are primarily sourced from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). GetCostWise is a private analysis service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Public Utility Commission of Texas or any energy provider.
  • Scope & Coverage Limitations: The Service is designed for fixed-rate residential electricity plans in the major deregulated Texas service areas (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP North/Central, and TNMP).
    • Database Completeness: While we strive for 100% coverage, specific zip codes (including new construction subdivisions or zip codes recently re-zoned by USPS) may not be immediately available in our database.
    • Transitioning Markets: Areas currently transitioning to deregulation (such as Lubbock Power & Light) are integrated on a rolling basis. Coverage in these specific zones is not guaranteed.

3. User Responsibilities & Eligibility

You acknowledge and agree that you are solely responsible for the following:

  • Service Area Verification: GetCostWise operates strictly in deregulated service areas. We are not responsible if you purchase a report for an address located in a regulated zone (e.g., Garland Power & Light, Austin Energy, CPS Energy) or a zip code not yet supported by our system. If the system rejects your zip code during the entry process, services are currently unavailable for that location.
  • Input Accuracy: You are solely responsible for the accuracy of your Email Address and Usage Inputs. Because the Service delivers your report digitally, a typographical error in your email address will result in non-delivery. We are not responsible for poor recommendations resulting from incorrect data entry or profile selection on your part.
  • Search Filters: If you apply optional filters (e.g., "Short Term Only" or "I might move"), you acknowledge that this limits the pool of available plans. We are not responsible if your selected filters result in higher rates due to market availability (e.g., short-term plans are typically more expensive than long-term plans).
  • Average Billing / True-Up Liability: If you are currently enrolled in an "Average Billing" or "Budget Billing" program, switching providers may trigger an immediate "True-Up" charge for any deferred balance. GetCostWise is not responsible for final balances or early termination fees imposed by your previous provider.
  • Verification Requirement: You agree to independently verify all rates and Electricity Facts Labels (EFLs) directly with the provider before signing a contract.

4. Payments, Credits, and Refund Policy

  • Service Credits: The Service is purchased in the form of "Analysis Credits" (where 1 Credit = 1 Report). Credits may be purchased individually or in bundles.
  • One-Time Transaction: All purchases are billed as a one-time transaction. You authorize our third-party processor (Stripe) to charge the specified amount. This is not a recurring subscription.
  • Credit Consumption & Timing: A credit is deducted the moment you initiate a report. Because Texas electricity rates change in near real-time, every report generation is a new, separate transaction. If you choose to run a second report immediately after the first (e.g., 5 minutes later) to test different filters, a second credit will be deducted.
  • No Refunds: Due to the nature of digital goods, all sales are final. Unused credits in a bundle are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash. We do not offer refunds for buyer's remorse, incorrect data entry, or changes in market rates.

5. Intellectual Property

The Service, including its analysis logic, "Total Exposure" algorithms, report layout, and branding, is the exclusive property of Stewart Datawright Labs. You are granted a limited license to use your generated report for personal, non-commercial purposes.

6. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS. STEWART DATAWRIGHT LABS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT ELECTRICITY PLANS RECOMMENDED WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE OR THAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE SPECIFIC FINANCIAL SAVINGS. OUR "RISK SCORES" ARE OPINIONS BASED ON MATHEMATICAL MODELS, NOT GUARANTEES OF FUTURE OUTCOMES.

7. Limitation of Liability

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE SERVICE IS LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US (E.G., THE COST OF YOUR SELECTED PACKAGE).

8. Dispute Resolution (Arbitration & Class Action Waiver)

  • Binding Arbitration: Any dispute arising from these Terms shall be resolved exclusively through final and binding arbitration.
  • Class Action Waiver: YOU AGREE THAT YOU MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST GETCOSTWISE ONLY IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS PROCEEDING.

9. Contact Us

For technical issues regarding your account, billing, or site functionality, or for questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at: support@getcostwise.com

Note: As an automated service, we do not provide manual reviews of electricity bills or personalized energy advice via email.