Average Electric Bill in Texas (2026)
Texas electricity bills by city, home size, and season. Plus how to find better rates in the deregulated market.
Texas Average Electric Bill (2026)
Texas has lower rates than the national average (13.2¢ vs. 15.5¢) but higher usage (1,144 kWh vs. 886 kWh) due to hot summers. Result: higher total bills despite lower rates.
Texas vs. National Average
How Texas stacks up against the rest of the country
Texas
Deregulated market
U.S. Average
All states
Why Texas Uses More Electricity
Texans use 29% more electricity than the national average primarily due to hot summers requiring 6+ months of air conditioning. Larger average home sizes and fewer homes with natural gas heating also contribute to higher usage.
Average Electric Bill by Texas City
Regional differences based on climate and utility territory
| City | Avg. Bill | Avg. kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Houston CenterPoint | $172 | 1,344 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth Oncor | $158 | 1,264 |
| San Antonio CPS Energy* | $145 | 1,218 |
| Austin Austin Energy* | $142 | 1,174 |
| Corpus Christi AEP Texas | $155 | 1,183 |
| El Paso El Paso Electric* | $125 | 1,008 |
| Lubbock Xcel/LP&L* | $118 | 1,000 |
| Texas Average Various | $151 | 1,144 |
* San Antonio (CPS Energy), Austin (Austin Energy), El Paso (El Paso Electric), and Lubbock (LP&L) are regulated utilities—you cannot choose your provider. All other areas are deregulated.
Texas Electric Bills by Month
How your bill changes throughout the year
Summer Bills Can Double or Triple
July and August bills are often 2-3x higher than spring months. A household paying $100 in March might see $250-300 in August. Lock in a good fixed rate before summer to avoid price spikes.
Texas Electric Bill by Home Size
What to expect based on your home type
| Home Type | Sq. Ft. | Summer | Winter | Annual Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1BR) | 600-800 | $100-140 | $50-70 | $75-95 |
| Apartment (2BR) | 900-1,200 | $130-180 | $70-95 | $95-125 |
| Small House | 1,200-1,600 | $180-250 | $90-120 | $130-160 |
| Medium House | 1,800-2,400 | $250-350 | $110-150 | $160-210 |
| Large House | 2,500-3,500 | $350-500 | $140-200 | $210-300 |
| Very Large House | 3,500+ | $450-700+ | $180-280 | $280-400+ |
* Estimates based on typical Texas rates of 11-14¢/kWh. Actual bills vary by efficiency, thermostat settings, and provider.
Compare Texas Electricity Rates
See what plans are available at your address
Real-time rates from our partner network • Updated daily
How to Lower Your Texas Electric Bill
Practical strategies that work in Texas's hot climate
Shop for a Better Rate
Most of Texas is deregulated—you can choose your provider. If you're on a default rate or expired contract, you're likely overpaying. Compare plans and lock in a fixed rate before summer. Savings: $20-100/month
Set A/C to 78°F (Not 72°F)
Each degree below 78°F increases cooling costs by 3-5%. In Texas summer heat, setting your thermostat from 72°F to 78°F can cut A/C costs by 15-25%. Use ceiling fans to feel cooler. Savings: $30-60/month in summer
Consider a Free Nights or Weekends Plan
If you can shift usage to off-peak hours (running dishwasher/laundry at night), free nights plans can significantly reduce bills. Best for night owls and those with flexible schedules. Savings: Varies by usage pattern
Seal Air Leaks & Add Insulation
Texas homes often have gaps around doors, windows, and in attics. Weatherstripping and adding attic insulation keeps cool air in and hot air out. Savings: $20-50/month
Use a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your schedule and auto-adjust temperature when you're away. Pre-cooling your home before peak rate hours (if on TOU plan) also saves money. Savings: $10-30/month
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Texas electric bills
What is the average electric bill in Texas?
The average electric bill in Texas is approximately $151 per month, based on average residential consumption of 1,144 kWh at 13.2¢/kWh. However, this varies significantly by city—Houston averages $165/month due to humidity, while El Paso averages $125/month with its drier climate. Summer bills often exceed $200-250 due to heavy air conditioning use.
Why are Texas electric bills higher than the national average?
While Texas has lower electricity rates (13.2¢ vs. 15.5¢ national average), Texans use significantly more electricity—1,144 kWh/month vs. 886 kWh nationally. This high usage is driven by hot summers requiring heavy A/C, larger homes, and many households running A/C 6+ months per year. The combination of high usage and moderate rates results in above-average total bills.
What is the average electric bill in Houston?
Houston's average electric bill is approximately $165-180/month due to high humidity requiring more A/C runtime. Summer bills in Houston often reach $250-350 for average-sized homes. CenterPoint Energy delivers power throughout the Houston metro, but you can choose from 100+ retail electricity providers to get competitive rates.
What is the average electric bill in Dallas?
Dallas-Fort Worth averages $155-170/month for electricity. The DFW area experiences hot summers but lower humidity than Houston, resulting in slightly lower bills. Oncor delivers power to the Dallas metro. With Texas's deregulated market, Dallas residents can shop for better rates to reduce their bills.
What is the average summer electric bill in Texas?
Summer electric bills in Texas typically range from $200-350 for average homes, representing a 30-50% increase over spring/fall baseline. In particularly hot summers, bills can exceed $400 for larger homes. July and August are consistently the highest bill months due to sustained 100°F+ temperatures.
How much does electricity cost per month in a Texas apartment?
A Texas apartment typically costs $80-130/month for electricity. One-bedroom apartments average $60-90, while two-bedroom units average $90-130. Apartments benefit from shared walls providing insulation, but older buildings without updated A/C can run higher. Summer months add 30-50% to these averages.
Can I lower my Texas electric bill by switching providers?
Yes—Texas is deregulated, meaning you can shop for electricity rates. Many Texans overpay simply because they're on a default or expired plan. Switching to a competitive fixed-rate plan can save $20-100/month depending on your current rate. The best time to switch is before summer when usage peaks.
What electricity rate should I look for in Texas?
In 2026, competitive fixed rates in Texas range from 9-14¢/kWh depending on contract length and provider. Rates under 11¢/kWh are considered good for fixed-rate plans. Watch out for plans with high base charges or TDU fees that inflate the effective rate. Always check the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for the true all-in rate.
Paying More Than Average?
If you're paying more than $151/month and haven't shopped for rates recently, you could be overpaying. Enter your ZIP to see available plans in your area.
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