Energy guides and electricity savings resources - ElectricRates.org blog
28 guides

Texas Energy

Your complete guide to the Texas deregulated electricity market. PUCT licenses 100+ REPs serving Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, and TNMP territories. Texas residential rate: 14.0¢/kWh (EIA 2026). Compare rates and switch instantly on ElectricRates.org.

Texas Electricity Choice Guide: ERCOT Deregulation Explained
Texas Energy

Texas Electricity Choice Guide: ERCOT Deregulation Explained

Texas deregulated electricity in 2002 under Senate Bill 7. Today, 140+ providers like TXU, Reliant, and Gexa compete in the ERCOT market. Compare rates on Power to Choose or ElectricRates.org to save 20-40% on your electric bill.

Dec 318 min
How to Read a Texas Electricity Facts Label (EFL): The Complete Guide
Texas Energy

How to Read a Texas Electricity Facts Label (EFL): The Complete Guide

The Electricity Facts Label looks like alphabet soup the first time you see it. But this one-page document holds everything you need to avoid overpaying for electricity in Texas. Here's how to read it like a pro.

Jan 2614 min
Texas Electricity: 500 vs 1000 vs 2000 kWh Rates Compared
Texas Energy

Texas Electricity: 500 vs 1000 vs 2000 kWh Rates Compared

Power to Choose shows three rates for every plan. Most Texans pick based on the 1,000 kWh rate. But if you use 600 kWh, you might pay 40% more than advertised. Here's how to find your number and stop overpaying.

Jan 2613 min
Why Is My Texas Electric Bill So High? Troubleshooting 2026
Texas Energy

Why Is My Texas Electric Bill So High? Troubleshooting 2026

Texas electric bills average $177/month but spike to $300+ in summer. The 8 most common causes: wrong rate plan, AC overuse, TDU charges (Oncor, CenterPoint), poor insulation, phantom loads, peak pricing, and billing errors. Compare rates on ElectricRates.org to fix the #1 cause.

Dec 317 min
Texas Switch Hold: How to Remove It & Get Power Connected
Texas Energy

Texas Switch Hold: How to Remove It & Get Power Connected

A switch hold blocks new Texas electric service due to unpaid bills with a previous provider. To remove it: pay the balance, get a release letter, then enroll with TXU, Reliant, or another REP. Prepaid plans from Payless Power or Griddy bypass switch holds entirely.

Dec 317 min
Cheapest Texas Electricity Rates 2026: An Honest Guide
Texas Energy

Cheapest Texas Electricity Rates 2026: An Honest Guide

The cheapest Texas electricity rates run 7-9¢/kWh for energy charges. Budget leaders like BKV Energy, Companion, and Frontier frequently top PowerToChoose. No comparison site has every provider—here's how to find your true cheapest rate.

Dec 317 min
Free Nights & Weekends Texas Plans: Are They Worth It 2026
Texas Energy

Free Nights & Weekends Texas Plans: Are They Worth It 2026

Free nights and weekends plans promise zero-cost electricity during off-peak hours, but the math often doesn't work. With 65% of usage happening during daytime, most households pay MORE on free nights plans. See real bill comparisons and find out who actually saves.

Dec 317 min
No Deposit Electricity in Texas: PUCT Rules & Options 2026
Texas Energy

No Deposit Electricity in Texas: PUCT Rules & Options 2026

Texas law (PUCT Rule 25.24) requires deposit waivers for seniors 65+, customers with good payment history, and family violence victims. Plus prepaid options for those who can't qualify. Learn the legal ways to avoid deposits.

Dec 317 min
Texas Electricity Facts Label: How to Read EFL Guide 2026
Texas Energy

Texas Electricity Facts Label: How to Read EFL Guide 2026

The Texas Electricity Facts Label (EFL) shows rates at 500, 1000, and 2000 kWh—required by PUC rules. Look for: energy charges, TDU delivery fees (Oncor, CenterPoint), usage credits, and contract terms. Plans advertising 9¢ may cost 14¢ at low usage. Always read the EFL before enrolling.

Dec 318 min
Power to Choose Texas: Why It Has the Lowest Rates
Texas Energy

Power to Choose Texas: Why It Has the Lowest Rates

PowerToChoose.org is state-run with no acquisition fees—providers pay nothing to list plans there. Other comparison sites charge $70-150 per enrollment, which gets built into your rate. Learn why PTC has the lowest base rates and how to use it effectively.

Dec 319 min
Understanding ERCOT: Texas Power Grid & Deregulation Guide
Texas Energy

Understanding ERCOT: Texas Power Grid & Deregulation Guide

ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) manages 90% of Texas power for 26 million customers on an independent grid separate from the US Eastern and Western grids. Energy mix: 52% natural gas, 30%+ wind/solar. ERCOT enables electricity choice—compare providers on ElectricRates.org.

Dec 3110 min
Smart Meter Texas: Access Your Usage Data & Save on Bills
Texas Energy

Smart Meter Texas: Access Your Usage Data & Save on Bills

SmartMeterTexas.com provides free 15-minute interval usage data from your Oncor, CenterPoint, or AEP smart meter. Register with your ESID and meter number to access 13-month history. Use this data to evaluate free nights plans and compare rates at your actual usage on ElectricRates.org.

Dec 318 min
Shop Texas Electricity by Your Actual kWh Usage: Save More
Texas Energy

Shop Texas Electricity by Your Actual kWh Usage: Save More

Get your 12-month kWh history from SmartMeterTexas.com, then compare rates at your actual usage tier (500, 1000, or 2000 kWh). Power to Choose shows rates at 1000 kWh, but your real costs depend on your usage. ElectricRates.org calculates total costs including TDU delivery charges.

Dec 318 min
Fixed vs Variable Texas Electricity Rates: Which Saves More
Texas Energy

Fixed vs Variable Texas Electricity Rates: Which Saves More

Fixed-rate plans (12-36 months) lock your rate at 8-12¢/kWh from providers like TXU, Reliant, and Constellation. Variable rates follow ERCOT wholesale prices—cheaper in spring/fall but risky in summer. For most Texas homes, fixed rates provide budget certainty. Compare both on ElectricRates.org.

Dec 318 min
Start Electricity Service in Texas: New Customer Setup Guide
Texas Energy

Start Electricity Service in Texas: New Customer Setup Guide

Starting electricity in Texas differs from other states. Learn the deregulated market process, choose from 100+ providers, and get power activated at your new address.

Dec 319 min
How to Switch Texas Electricity Without Getting Screwed 2026
Texas Energy

How to Switch Texas Electricity Without Getting Screwed 2026

Texas shoppers learn switching lessons the hard way. Don't cancel old service before new starts (Vacant Service Fee). Let your NEW provider handle the switch. Watch for final bill surprises. Switch at the right time of year.

Dec 318 min
Same-Day Electricity in Texas: Get Power Connected Today
Texas Energy

Same-Day Electricity in Texas: Get Power Connected Today

Smart meters make same-day electricity possible in Texas. Learn provider cutoff times, requirements, and backup options if you need power immediately.

Dec 317 min
New to Texas Electricity? Deregulation Guide for Newcomers
Texas Energy

New to Texas Electricity? Deregulation Guide for Newcomers

Texas electricity works differently than other states. Learn why you have to choose a provider, what ERCOT means, and how to navigate your first electricity decision.

Dec 319 min
Texas Electricity FAQs: Top 10 Questions for New Customers
Texas Energy

Texas Electricity FAQs: Top 10 Questions for New Customers

Starting electricity in Texas raises many questions. Here are expert answers to the 10 most common questions from new Texas electricity customers.

Dec 318 min
Texas Electricity Documents: What You Need to Start Service
Texas Energy

Texas Electricity Documents: What You Need to Start Service

Know exactly what documents you need before enrolling in Texas electricity. From ID requirements to deposit alternatives, here is your complete checklist.

Dec 317 min
Best Texas Electricity Plans 2026: Top Rates at Every Usage
Texas Energy

Best Texas Electricity Plans 2026: Top Rates at Every Usage

The plan advertising 8.9 cents costs 21.8 cents if you use 500 kWh. Here is how to find plans that save money at your real usage level.

Dec 3112 min
Cheapest Electricity in Texas 2026: True Low-Cost Providers
Texas Energy

Cheapest Electricity in Texas 2026: True Low-Cost Providers

The plan advertising 8.7 cents per kWh costs 21.5 cents at 500 kWh usage. Here is how to find truly cheap electricity in Texas.

Dec 319 min
Best Fixed Rate Texas Electricity Plans: Flat Pricing 2026
Texas Energy

Best Fixed Rate Texas Electricity Plans: Flat Pricing 2026

Fixed-rate plans lock your price per kWh for the entire contract. Here are the best options with rates from 13.9 to 14.8 cents.

Dec 318 min
Best 12-Month Texas Electricity Plans: One-Year Contracts
Texas Energy

Best 12-Month Texas Electricity Plans: One-Year Contracts

Twelve-month plans hit the sweet spot between rate protection and flexibility. Here are the best options from 14.4 to 14.8 cents per kWh.

Dec 317 min
Best Texas Plans for Low Usage: Apartments & Small Homes
Texas Energy

Best Texas Plans for Low Usage: Apartments & Small Homes

Using 500 kWh monthly? The plan advertising 8.9 cents costs you 21.8 cents. Here is how apartment dwellers and efficient homes can stop overpaying.

Dec 318 min
The 2000 kWh Trap: Why Texas EFL Rates Are Misleading 2026
Texas Energy

The 2000 kWh Trap: Why Texas EFL Rates Are Misleading 2026

Comparison sites show rates at fixed benchmarks, but your home does not use a benchmark. Here is how that mismatch costs you money and what to do about it.

Dec 3110 min
How to Lower Your Texas Electric Bill: Proven Savings Tips
Texas Energy

How to Lower Your Texas Electric Bill: Proven Savings Tips

Lower your Texas electric bill with 15 proven strategies. Switching providers saves $200-$400/year (average 15-25% reduction). Energy efficiency saves $100-$200 more. Check your rate at ElectricRates.org—most savings come from being on the wrong plan.

Dec 3112 min
Average Electric Bill in Texas 2026: Compare Your Costs
Texas Energy

Average Electric Bill in Texas 2026: Compare Your Costs

Texas average electric bill is $177/month (1,176 kWh at 15.05¢/kWh per EIA data). Summer bills average $220-$280. Apartments run $80-$120/month. Compare your bill at ElectricRates.org—if you pay above average, you might be on the wrong plan.

Dec 318 min

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