Average Electric Bill in Texas 2026: Compare Your Costs

The average Texas residential electric bill is $177 per month based on 1,176 kWh monthly usage at an average rate of 15.05¢ per kWh. This is higher than the national average of $147 per month.

Texas bills are higher primarily due to air conditioning. Hot summers lasting from May through October mean AC runs heavily 6+ months per year. The average Texas home is also larger than the national average at 2,031 square feet.

These are statewide averages. Your bill depends on your specific rate, usage, and home characteristics. Many Texans pay significantly more or less than $177.

Texas electric bills swing dramatically by season.

Summer (June-August): Average bills hit $220-$280. Peak months like July and August can push bills to $300-$400 for larger homes. AC accounts for 50-70% of summer electricity use.

Fall (September-November): Bills drop to $130-$180 as cooling demand decreases. October and November are typically the lowest months of the year.

Winter (December-February): Bills run $120-$170 depending on heating type. Electric heating (heat pump or resistance) increases usage. Natural gas heating keeps electric bills lower.

Spring (March-May): Bills stay moderate at $110-$150 before summer cooling kicks in. Late May bills start climbing as temperatures rise.

Home size significantly impacts your electric bill.

Apartments (500-1,000 sq ft): $80-$120/month average. Usage typically 400-700 kWh. Smaller space, shared walls, and limited AC zones reduce consumption.

Small homes (1,000-1,500 sq ft): $120-$160/month average. Usage around 800-1,000 kWh. Common for starter homes and townhouses.

Medium homes (1,500-2,500 sq ft): $160-$220/month average. Usage 1,000-1,400 kWh. Typical Texas suburban home.

Large homes (2,500-4,000 sq ft): $220-$320/month average. Usage 1,400-2,200 kWh. More zones to cool, often higher ceilings.

Very large homes (4,000+ sq ft): $300-$500+/month. Usage 2,000-3,500 kWh. Pools, multiple AC units, and larger refrigeration increase consumption.

Electric bills vary by region due to TDU delivery charges and local rate competition.

Houston (CenterPoint): Average bill around $180/month. CenterPoint delivery charges run slightly higher than Oncor. Strong provider competition keeps supply rates competitive.

Dallas-Fort Worth (Oncor): Average bill around $170/month. Oncor has the lowest TDU delivery rates in Texas. More provider options than any other market.

San Antonio (CPS Energy): Average bill around $165/month. Municipal utility—no electricity choice. Rates set by city, not market competition.

Austin (Austin Energy): Average bill around $175/month. Municipal utility serving most of Austin. Higher rates than deregulated areas but includes more renewable energy.

Corpus Christi (AEP Texas): Average bill around $190/month. Smaller TDU with fewer provider options. Slightly higher delivery charges.

Beyond home size and location, several factors influence your electric bill.

Your electricity rate: The biggest variable. Rates range from 8¢ to 20¢+ per kWh depending on your plan. A 4¢ difference on 1,000 kWh usage means $40/month.

Home age and insulation: Older homes (pre-1980) often have poor insulation. Energy loss through walls, attic, and windows can double cooling costs.

Number of occupants: More people mean more hot water, more cooking, more lights, and more electronics. Each additional person adds roughly $20-$40/month.

Work-from-home status: Remote workers use 20-30% more electricity than households empty during business hours. AC runs all day instead of 5pm-10pm.

Pool: Pool pumps are energy hogs. Running a pool adds $80-$150/month to summer electric bills depending on pump efficiency and run time.

Compare your bill to these benchmarks.

Your bill is probably normal if: It falls within 20% of the average for your home size and region. Seasonal swings follow expected patterns. Your rate per kWh matches market rates (currently 9-13¢ for competitive plans).

Your bill might be too high if: It exceeds averages by 30%+ with similar usage. Your rate per kWh is above 14¢ on a fixed plan. Summer bills spike to $400+ for a standard-size home. Usage has increased without changes to household or habits.

Red flags requiring investigation: Sudden bill increases without usage changes. Rates higher than 16¢/kWh on a non-renewable fixed plan. Usage above 2,000 kWh for a standard 2,000 sq ft home with normal occupancy.

If your bill seems high, first check your rate. Many Texans stay on expired contracts or default rates costing 30-50% more than market rates.

Start with the easiest fix: your electricity rate.

Check your current rate on your electric bill. Look for the supply charge per kWh. Compare to current market rates at ElectricRates.org or Power to Choose.

If you can save 2+ cents per kWh, switching providers delivers immediate savings. On 1,000 kWh usage, 3¢ savings equals $30/month or $360/year.

If your rate is already competitive, focus on usage. Get your thermostat to 78°F when home. Seal air leaks. Change AC filters monthly. Schedule an AC tune-up before summer.

See our complete guide: How to Lower Your Electric Bill in Texas.