If you live in Texas, you know that the state has some of the highest electricity rates in the country. And as the cost of living continues to rise, many Texans are struggling to keep up with their energy bills. We’ll take a look at why electricity rates are so high in Texas and what you can do to lower your bill. We’ll also provide some tips on how to conserve energy and make your home more efficient. So if you’re looking for ways to save on your energy bill, this blog post is for you.
Electricity Rates In Texas
There are a lot of factors that go into determining your electricity rate. Where you live, how much electricity you use, and what time of year it is all play a role in how much you’ll pay on your electricity bill.
In Texas, the average residential electricity rate is 11.88 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This means that for every 1,000 watts of power that you use, you’ll be charged just under 12 cents. Of course, this average rate doesn’t take into account the wide range of rates that different parts of the state charge.
For example, in Corpus Christi, the average residential electricity rate is 9.77 cents per kWh. But in Austin, the average rate is 13.27 cents per kWh. So if you’re looking to save on your electricity bill, it pays to shop around and compare rates in your area.
To help you out, we’ve gathered up some important things to keep in mind when shopping for an electric plan in Texas.
Compare Electricity Rates in Texas
The average electricity rate in Texas is 10.09 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This average rate is 31.47% higher than the national average of 7.67 cents/kWh.
Texas has a deregulated energy market, which means that consumers have the ability to choose their electricity provider from a variety of retail electric providers (REPs). This competition among REPs results in lower electricity rates for consumers.
To find the best electricity rate for your home or business in Texas, it is important to compare offers from multiple REPs. Use our Electricity Rate Comparison Tool to compare rates from different providers.
Different Types of Electricity Plans in Texas
The state of Texas has a deregulated electricity market, which means that consumers have the power to choose their electricity provider. There are many different types of electricity plans available in Texas, so it’s important to understand the differences before choosing one.
Here are some of the most common types of electricity plans available in Texas:
1. Fixed Rate Plans: A fixed rate plan offers a set price per kWh for the entire term length of the plan. This means that your price will not change, no matter how much electricity you use. This is a good option for people who use a lot of electricity and want to lock in a low rate.
2. Variable Rate Plans: A variable rate plan offers a variable price per kWh that can change monthly or even daily. This is a good option for people who want to take advantage of market prices and save money on their electric bill. However, it’s important to be aware that prices can go up as well as down, so you could end up paying more than you anticipated if you’re not careful.
3. Solar Plans: Solar plans are becoming increasingly popular in Texas as the cost of solar panels continues to drop. With a solar plan, you can offset some or all of your electricity usage with energy from the sun. This can help you save money on your electric bill and also do your part to help the environment.
4. Green Plans: Green plans are becoming increasingly popular as more people look for ways to be more environmentally-friendly. These plans often use renewable energy sources like solar and wind to power your home or business.
6. No Deposit Plans: No deposit plans are available for people who don’t have the money to put down a deposit on their electricity service. With a no deposit plan, you can start service without having to pay a deposit, which can make it easier to get started if you’re on a tight budget. However, no deposit plans often have higher rates than traditional plans, so you’ll want to compare the two carefully before choosing one.
7. Prepaid Plans: Prepaid plans allow you to pay for your electricity in advance, which can help you avoid late payment fees and disconnection fees. This is a good option for people who want to be sure they never run out of electricity or who want to avoid paying deposits. However, prepaid plans often have higher rates than traditional plans, so you’ll want to compare the two carefully before choosing one.
How to Choose the Best Electricity Plan for Your Home
In deregulated states like Texas, electricity providers offer a variety of rates and plans to fit your needs. It’s important to find the plan that’s right for your home and budget.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for an electricity plan:
1. Electricity Rates Can Change Daily
Electricity rates can change daily, so it’s important to always check the price before you sign up for a plan. Some providers offer fixed-rate plans, while others have variable rates that can increase or decrease depending on the market.
2. Contract Lengths Vary
Most electricity plans have a contract length of 12 or 24 months, but some providers offer shorter or longer terms. Be sure to check the contract length before signing up for a plan. You may be stuck with a higher rate if you choose a shorter term.
3. Some Plans Have Exit Fees
If you cancel your electricity plan before the end of your contract, you may be charged an exit fee by your provider. Be sure to check for exit fees before signing up for a plan. You don’t want to be stuck paying an early termination fee if you decide to switch providers or move somewhere else within the state.
How to Save Money on Your Electricity Bill
The cost of electricity is always a concern for homeowners and businesses alike. In Texas, the average cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) was 10.08 cents in 2016 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This average cost has risen over the last few years due to various factors, but there are still ways that you can save money on your electricity bill.
Here are some tips:
1) Use energy-efficient appliances – make sure your fridge, freezer, air conditioner, and other appliances are all energy-efficient. This will help you use less electricity and save money on your bill.
2) Take advantage of solar power – if you have the opportunity to install solar panels, do it! Solar power is a great way to generate electricity without raising your bills.
3) Use natural light whenever possible – during the daytime, open up your curtains and let natural light into your home or office instead of using electric lights. This will help you save on your electricity bill.
4) Unplug devices when they’re not in use – even if they’re turned off, devices that are plugged into an outlet still use a small amount of electricity. So unplug them when you’re not using them to save money on your bill.
5) Use fans instead of air conditioning – fans use much less electricity than air conditioners and can keep you just as cool in most cases. So use fans whenever possible to save money on your electricity bill.
6) Turn off lights when you leave a room – this one is pretty simple: turn off the lights when you’re not using them and you’ll save money on your electricity bill.
7) Educate yourself about energy-efficiency – the more you know about energy-efficiency, the easier it will be for you to make choices that save you money on your electricity bill. Check out our blog for more tips and information.
Texas Electricity Deregulation
In Texas, the electricity market was deregulated in 2002. This means that you have a choice of electricity providers. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) regulates the electric power industry as a whole.
The competitive electricity market in Texas has made it possible for consumers to choose their own electric provider. When deregulation happened in 2002, it allowed different retail electric providers to offer their plans and rates to consumers in Texas. Now, there are more than 70 different retail electric providers operating in the state. This number continues to grow as more companies see the opportunity to enter the market and provide Texans with more choices and options for their electricity needs.
The PUCT’s job is to make sure that all retail electric providers offering service to Texans are doing so in a safe and reliable manner. The PUCT also sets rules and regulations for how these electricity providers must operate, including customer service standards, marketing practices, billing procedures, and other important aspects of running an electricity business.
When you shop for an electricity plan, you’ll see a list of offers from different providers. These offers will include the price per kilowatt hour (kWh) that you’ll pay for your energy usage, as well as any additional charges or fees that may be part of the plan. It’s important to compare all of the features and benefits of each plan before choosing one that’s right for you.
