On August 30, 1836, the city of Houston was established. Brothers Augustus C. and John K. Allen paid around $1.40 per acre for 6,642 acres near Buffalo Bayou. In honor of this great city’s 186^th birthday, we’re shining the spotlight on electricity companies in Houston. 

When did electricity come to Houston?

In 1882, the Houston Electric Light Co. was created. That’s 140 years ago! And did you know that Houston and New York were the first two cities to build electric power plants?

Flash forward to nearly a decade later. In 1891, Houston became the first Texas city with electric streetcars. As you can see, Houston has been on the head of energy innovation from the start. 

The Energy Capital of the World

A lot has changed since those early days of energy. Houston has grown to become a leader in the industry. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, the city is home to the 4^th largest concentration of engineers as well as:

• 600 exploration and production firms
• 1,100 oilfield service companies
• Many energy startups (which make up 15% of Houston’s digital tech startups)
• 44 of the country’s publicly traded oil and gas companies (out of 128)
• Solar, wind and other renewable energy companies

Plus, Houston is helping to lead the transition to clean energy. Read more about the city’s full strategy for low-carbon energy options here.

That’s quite the impressive and lasting energy presence. It’s no wonder Houston has been called the Energy Capital of the World! 

Now you know about the city’s long history in energy. So, let’s dive into some of your options for electricity companies in Houston.

Can I choose my Houston electricity provider?

About 90% of Texas live in a deregulated energy market. This gives most people in the state the power to choose the Houston electric company they prefer. 

To be clear, your Transmission and Delivery Service Provider (TDSP) is assigned to you. Your home or apartment’s address defines your TDSP. 

However, you’re free to choose your Retail Electricity Provider (REP). And there are many electricity companies in Houston to choose from.

What is a TDSP?

A TDSP is your utility company. It owns, operates and maintains the electric poles, wires and meters. A TDSP delivers electricity over their network to homes and businesses. 

In Texas, four TDSPs serve most of the state. They are AEP Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Oncor Electric Delivery and Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP).

What is an REP? 

A REP buys electricity at wholesale pricing. Then, it sells it to customers. In this way, REPs compete for your business. 

What TDSP serves Houston?

CenterPoint Energy is the TDSP that serves Houston. CenterPoint also delivers energy to some of Houston’s nearby areas. These include communities like:

• Bellaire
• Deer Park
• Galveston
• Humble
• Katy
• Kemah
• Missouri City
• Pasadena
• Prairie View
• Stafford
• Sugar Land
• Tomball
• And many others

What electricity companies in Houston can residents choose from?

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) regulates the state’s utilities, including electricity. The PUCT lists more than 100 REPs in Texas. Many of these REPs serve residents in Houston and nearby areas. 

Try searching for electricity companies in Houston using your ZIP code. You will be able to see some great REPs offer plans in your area

What is the best electric company in Houston?

Houston offers many trustworthy electric companies to choose from; however, it’s not possible to pinpoint the “best” one. It’s all a matter of opinion.

For example, maybe the “best” energy company in Houston to you is the one that offers the lowest rate. Or, maybe the “best” Houston electricity provider is the one that offers the most renewable energy plans. 

No matter what you’re looking for, there is a plan for you. The electricity companies in Houston know they have to meet your budget and needs to earn your business. 

Check out these five electricity providers Houston residents can choose from. Each of these companies has stood the test of time. And they also regularly earn positive reviews. Plus, they offer electricity plan options for a variety of lifestyles.

Reliant Energy

Reliant Energy, based in Houston, has been providing energy to Texans for more than 20 years. It’s one of Texas’ most popular REPs. In fact, Reliant serves more than 1 million customers across the state.

Plans and benefits

Plan highlights from Reliant include options such as:

• Time-of-Use plans that offer free energy during specific times of the week, like nights or weekends
• Plans that come with bonus miles from airlines like United and Southwest
• 100% solar-powered plans

Some of the ways Reliant stands out from the pack include:

• 24/7 award-winning customer service and support
• A strong commitment to community, supporting a wide range of non-profits and groups
• Discounts on backup power and smart home products
• A customer referral program
• Easy-to-use account management app and other innovative ways to manage your electricity usage

Customer reviews

Consumers rate Reliant 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Customer comments include:

“We’ve been customers for 11 years. When we got solar panels, you helped make it an easy transition. Your rates are low compared to others.” – Sarah S. 

“The Truly Free Weekends plan has saved us a lot of money. I occasionally brag about how low my energy bill is.” – Joshua N.

“We love the free electricity from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. We’ve saved over 30% on our electricity using the Truly Free Nights plan.” – William B.

You can learn more about Reliant Energy here.

Green Mountain Energy

Houston-based Green Mountain Energy was the first energy company dedicated to providing clean energy in Texas. Plus, they’re the nation’s longest-serving renewable energy retailer.

Enrolling in a plan from Green Mountain Energy is an easy way to make a positive impact on the planet. Also, choosing clean energy supports a cleaner grid. It also helps you shrink your carbon footprint. (That’s the amount of CO₂ you release into the atmosphere through your daily activities and choices.)

Plans and benefits

Plan highlights from Green Mountain Energy include options with:

• 100% renewable energy standard with every plan
• Time-of-Use plans offering free energy at night
• Solar energy plans that don’t require rooftop solar panels

Choosing Green Mountain Energy offers many benefits, such as:

• Discounts for choosing e-billing and setting up autopay
• The option to buy carbon offsets to negate CO₂ emissions from your daily activities (like driving) 
• Charitable giving that supports energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable solutions
• An app that lets you compare your energy usage and track your impact
• Tips to help you use less electricity and other ways to help protect the planet

Customer reviews

Consumers rate Green Mountain Energy 3.9 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Customer comments include:

“I’ve been really happy with Green Mountain Energy so far. I’m excited to know that my energy use is coming from renewable sources!” – Ryan H.

“The setup was seamless; the product is great. It feels good being green. And, I now try to be more energy-efficient, too.” – M.K.B.

“They made setup, paperless billing and AutoPay a breeze. I love the weekly usage summaries — they make budgeting a snap.” – Jet J.

You can learn more about Green Mountain Energy here. 

Cirro Energy

Cirro Energy is one of the electricity companies in Houston with simple, easy and hassle-free electricity service. In fact, many customers across Texas enjoy Cirro Energy’s unique approach.

Plans and benefits

Cirro has energy options like:

• Plans that offer bill credits for keeping your energy usage below certain amounts
• Easy-to-understand monthly bills

Customers who choose Cirro also benefit from:

• Transparent pricing and terms
• Easy account management and bill pay, online or via their app
• Average billing, to make it easier to budget

Customer reviews

Consumers have rated Cirro Energy 3.8 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Customer comments include:

“[Cirro reassured me] that I was not exposed to crazy spikes in electric bills. Thank you for protecting your customers!” – Sue M.

“Wonderful customer service. Cirro has always been responsive [and] José went above and beyond to make sure the new plan was properly confirmed.” – Janice C.

You can learn more about Cirro Energy here. 

Discount Power

Looking for electricity companies in Houston with no-frills home electricity? Discount Power has you covered. Founded in 2009, Discount Power prides itself on giving people great deals with no surprises. Fixed-rate plans have no hidden fees. Just low prices to fit your budget.

Plans and benefits

Discount Power offers its customers:

• Convenient enrollment and self-service options
• Friendly customer service
• Simple electricity plan options
• Budget-friendly options

Customer reviews

Consumers rate Discount Power 4.1 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews.

“Amazing, competitive prices and customer service.” – Joe W.

“I’m real pleased with Discount Power. We signed up for two years and I’m glad we did. Excellent rates and good service.” – Raghu R.

“Fair pricing, great service. Highly recommended.” – Howie B.

You can learn more about Discount Power here. 

Direct Energy

Direct Energy, based in Houston, has been a trusted REP in Texas for more than two decades. The company provides practical tools and resources that fit in seamlessly with everyday life. 

Plans and benefits

Direct Energy offers several plan options, including those with:

• Free nights from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.
• Free power on weekends
• Bonus Amazon gift cards totaling over $300

Additionally, Direct Energy customers have access to:

• Insights tool that uses your Smart Meter data to build a home profile and estimate electricity usage of key systems and appliances
• Home Protection Plan add-ons to cover heating & cooling, plumbing, water & sewer, and more
• Excellent customer service

Customer reviews

Consumers rate Direct Energy 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews.

“We are taking advantage of the free nights program. We have decreased daytime energy use. That saves us money and puts less strain on the grid.” – John N.

“When other energy companies were raising rates during the freeze, Direct Energy stated that my bill would not be raised. I love their integrity and honesty.” – Ora B.

“Good service. And the price is reasonable for our family. We enjoy our free weekend time so we can do a big bulk of laundry without running the bill up.” – Brittany D.

“My bills are lower than with my previous energy provider! I can pay my bill over the phone with ease, and I like the email reminders.” – Gabriela O.

You can learn more about Direct Energy here. 

Where can I get the cheapest electricity rates in Houston?

Electricity companies in Houston, and across the state, all have unique plan offers. Really, there is no single company that provides the cheapest electricity rates in Houston or across Texas. 

Plus, cheap doesn’t always mean better. Actually, you’ll have more success if you take a step back during your energy search. For example, consider all aspects of an energy plan and provider. Then, choose the one that best suits you and your family’s lifestyle and likings

Want a simple way to find an energy plan that fits your budget and meets your needs? Shop online and rapidly compare plans and rates.

How do I compare electricity rates in Houston?

In fact, it’s easier than ever to shop and compare electricity plans and rates. To view plans from trusted electricity companies in Houston, simply enter your ZIP code at Everything Energy.

From there, you can select your average monthly usage. Then, filter plans based on electricity plan term length, provider and more. Plus, you can make side-by-side comparisons of your top choices. And you can even view monthly bill estimates. Start here!

If you’re curious about your monthly electricity usage and want to do some exploring, you’re in luck. There are a few ways to research this topic. One simple way is to use an online electric cost calculator. 

What is an electric cost calculator?

An electric cost calculator (also sometimes called electricity bill calculator, energy cost calculator, watt cost calculator, etc.) is an online tool. It helps you figure out the cost of using an appliance or electronic device. Just input the requested data, and it generates the cost. This can be a helpful tool to identify inefficient appliances. Or you can use it to see which appliances or electronics use the most energy in your home.

What are the best electric cost calculators?

You have many choices when it comes to using an electric cost calculator. But, each one has most of the same fields and they do the same thing. So, any one you choose should provide you with the information you’re looking for. 

Sample online electricity calculators

Here are a few options you can try:

• Electricity Cost Calculator from Good Calculators
• Energy Cost Calculator from Calculatorolgy
• Electricity Calculator from Calculator.net
• Energy and Power Consumption Calculator – kWh Calculator from Electrical Technology

What information do I need to calculate my energy usage?

Instructions should appear on the screen for the electric cost calculator you want to use.

To calculate electricity cost for specific appliances or devices, you will need the following information:

• Your electricity price per kilowatt hour (kWh) (You can find this on a recent electric bill or by logging into your electricity account.)

• The appliance(s) you want to examine

• The wattage (W) for each appliance (You can usually find this on a label directly on the appliance. You can also check the appliance’s user manual or look online for the model you have
• The number of hours you use the appliance(s) each day

How is the cost of using an appliance calculated?

The formula to calculate the cost of using a single appliance is:

(Watts/1,000) x Hours Used Per Day x Price per kWh = Cost to Operate Appliance Per Day

To find the cost to operate an appliance per month, simply multiply your total from above by the number of days in the month. To find the annual cost to operate, multiply your total from above by 365.

How do I figure out an appliance’s usage without using an electric cost calculator?

Maybe you want to try a different method of calculating an appliance’s usage cost. Or perhaps you don’t know the wattage of your appliance(s). In that case, you could use a Watt-meter instead. You plug an appliance into this small device, then plug the device into the wall. It then measures the appliance’s wattage and how much it uses while it’s plugged in. 

You can even enter your electricity price per kWh into the device. Then, it will also calculate your cost to operate for as long as it’s plugged in.

How do I calculate my entire energy bill?

If you want to estimate your entire energy bill, you could perform the above exercise for all of the large and small appliances and electronics in your home. However, using an electric cost calculator in this way would be very time consuming. 

Instead, you can see monthly bill estimates when you shop for electricity plans on Everything Energy. Simply enter your ZIP code and your average monthly kWh usage—500, 1000 or 2000. The rest is calculated for you.

What other types of electricity usage calculators exist?

If you want to dive a bit deeper into your electricity usage and efficiency, look no further. These free calculators from the Office Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy give you a lot of great info:

• Electric & Gas Water Heater Cost Calculator
• Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) Cost Calculator
• Faucet & Showerhead Cost Calculator
• Carbon Footprint Calculator

Get more accurate monthly bill estimates with personalized pricing.

To get even more accurate bill estimates, you can try Everything Energy’s Personalized Pricing Tool. It’s like the Apple iPhone of electric cost calculators! Using your Smart Meter Texas historical usage data (with your authorization), Everything Energy provides personalized estimates for each electricity plan listed. That way, you can see which plan would be the most affordable or best option for your specific usage habits, needs and lifestyle. Best of all, it’s so easy to use—start shopping today!

August is National Back to School Month. As you wrap up your summer vacations and do some last-minute school supply shopping, don’t forget to put healthy habits into motion for the school year. Here are some easy ways your child(ren) can conserve energy at home — and potentially help lower your Texas electricity bill.

Start with a handful of energy-saving tips to conserve energy.

You don’t need to come up with a list of 100 ways to save energy at home in order to help your children make an impact on the environment and your electric bill. Just start with 5 ways to save energy at home and build from there. Try these easy home energy-saving tips that any student can get on board with.

Tip #1: Flip out.

Lighting accounts for about 15% of an average home’s electricity usage, notes the U.S. Department of Energy. So, help youngsters remember to flip the light switches off when a room is empty. It’s an easy way to chip away at a portion of your electricity usage.

Make it fun: Time your kid(s) as they race around the house turning off the lights.

Tip #2: Load less.

The average U.S. family does about 300 loads of laundry per year. That’s a lot of water and electricity. Do your children add to your workload by tossing mostly clean clothes into the hamper (or on the floor)? If so, you could be doing fewer loads each year. Start a new habit: if shirts, sweaters, pants or shorts look clean and smell fresh, they go back into the closet — and not into the washing machine. (Underwear and socks get a free pass straight into the laundry, though!)

Make it fun: Have your child(ren) keep track of how many loads of laundry are done per week. That way, you’ll all know if your efforts are working.

Tip #3: Unplug.

How about a screen-free, device-free night with the family? Whether it’s game night, a reading party, or an outdoor adventure, unplugging a few times a month (or week!) helps conserve energy. In fact, this is one of our favorite conservation of energy examples. That’s because it doubles as a way for everyone in the family to escape their ever-present screens for a while. 

Make it fun: Go totally electricity-free by using candles to light up your night.  

Tip #4: Suds up standing up.

Did you know that an 8-minute shower uses around 16 gallons of water? Meanwhile, an average bath uses between 35-50 gallons. The answer is clear: a quick shower can save both water and the electricity required to heat it, making it the more energy-efficient option. 

Make it fun: Fill in page 2 of this worksheet with your child(ren) to show them just how much they can help save by cutting their shower time by one minute.

Tip #5: Study in natural light.

Instead of using a ceiling light or desk lamp during homework time, have your child(ren) sit by a bright window. This helps conserve energy. Bonus: there are many health benefits of natural light like boosting vitamin D and improving both mood and sleep.

Make it fun: Turn on some classical music and place an after-school treat at the workspace to make homework time a positive activity.

Celebrate your successes as you save energy at home.

Let your child(ren) know that hard work pays off, whether it’s in the classroom or at home. For example, if you notice your electricity bill is going down each month, show them how they’ve made a difference. Or, if you receive a home energy neighborhood comparison noting that you’ve been more energy efficient than your neighbors, plan a reward for the family. Acknowledgement and positive support can go a long way in creating lifelong energy savers.

Conserve energy together for a brighter future.

In addition to possibly lowering your electricity bill, when you conserve energy at home, you’re helping the planet. That’s because using fewer kilowatt hours (kWh) means fewer carbon emissions and other greenhouse gasses get released into the earth’s atmosphere. By teaching the next generation the importance of conservation, you’re helping to reinforce a sustainability mindset.

Keep it going: Continue working toward energy conservation by following even more energy-saving tips together.

Find the best electricity plan for your family.

While creating new back-to-school energy conservation habits with your children, stop by Everything Energy. You can see if there’s a Texas electricity plan that better meets your family’s needs. Shop and compare electricity rates, and get personalized pricing in an instant. 

In Texas’s deregulated electricity market, you have the power to choose which Texas energy company powers your home. This means that there may come a time when you would like to switch your electricity provider. Luckily, the process is usually easy to complete. 

Why would I want to switch my Texas energy company?

You may want to switch to another Texas power company for a number of reasons, including:

• Your current plan is expiring. 

According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), you can change your retail electric provider (REP) without incurring an early termination fee if you switch less than 14 days before your contract expiration date. (And, if you take no action before that date, your current REP will continue serving you. However, you’ll be put on a month-to-month plan by default. This type of plan often has a higher rate than a fixed-rate plan.) So, you may find this to be the ideal time to try a new Texas energy company.

• You’re moving. 

Yes, most Texas electric companies can continue providing you power if you move somewhere within their service area. But you don’t have to stay with the same provider in your new place. By showing proof of your change of address, you can often exit your current contract without an early termination fee. 

• Your current plan no longer meets your needs. 

Maybe you’ve changed how much energy you use, or what time of day you use it most, or you want to live greener by using renewable energy. Sometimes, you may just need an electric plan that fits better with your current lifestyle. And if your current Texas electric company does not offer what you need, you may need to make a switch.

• You found a better offer.

Shopping for electricity can often lead you to an offer that’s better than what your current electricity company provides. Whether you found a lower electricity rate, more convenience or additional incentives, a switch may appeal to you.

• You’re not happy with your current provider.

If you’ve had poor customer service from your current REP, you may be looking to switch. Finding a Texas electricity company you can trust can make all the difference in your satisfaction.

Can I switch my Texas energy company or plan?

As long as you’re not in debt to your current Texas electric company and you don’t have a switch-hold on your account, you’re free to switch. However, if you do owe your current provider money, you must pay off your balance before you choose a different one.

How do I switch my electric company or plan?

It’s actually not difficult to switch your Texas energy company; however, you should check your Electricity Facts Label before taking any action. This will tell you if you have to pay an early termination fee for switching. (But remember, if you’re within 14 days of your contract expiration date, you don’t have to pay a penalty.)

Do I need to cancel my current Texas power service first?

When you enroll on a plan with a new REP, you don’t need to cancel your current service. Your utility will do this for you and make the process seamless. In reality, disconnecting your current service can actually cause a lapse of service. And you definitely don’t want this to happen in the middle of summer!

Will I be charged a deposit when I switch to a different Texas energy company?

According to the PUCT, an energy provider might ask you to pay a deposit in order to meet their credit requirements. This will vary on a case-by-case basis, so be sure to ask your new REP if a deposit is required.

What are the best energy companies in Texas?

As you probably know, Texas has no shortage of energy companies. But which companies provide the best service, rates and options to meet your needs? You can begin by shopping the trusted electricity providers at Everything Energy. With personalized shopping tools at your fingertips, you can easily find a new energy plan that fits your lifestyle and budget. Click here to get started.

In the age of customization and choice, powering your home has become empowering. Energy companies that once had a one-size-fits-all service now offer many options to meet varying consumer needs. Now, when you search for an “electricity company near me,” that’s just the first step. Next, you evaluate the many plan options available to you and pick the most appealing plan for your lifestyle and budget.

Why do energy companies offer so many options?

According to consumer choice theory, people buy things that provide them the greatest happiness, while keeping within their budgets. As we know, people find happiness in different things. Plus, budgets vary. So, a one-size-fits-all approach to home electricity doesn’t offer the best solution for consumers. 

This is especially true for energy companies in Texas. Thanks to the deregulated market, electricity companies must compete for your business. Electricity plan customization and choices are natural effects of a free market. 

What types of plan options do energy providers offer?

Years of competition have led to new and modern electricity plan options for consumers. Today, energy companies offer plans with varying term lengths, pricing structures, sustainability levels, perks and more.

Term length

Want flexibility? Month-to-month plans let you cancel or switch anytime. Want to lock in an excellent rate? 12-, 24- and even 36-month term lengths provide stability. No matter what your situation, energy companies have you covered with a number of term lengths to choose from.

Pricing structure

Whether you use under 500 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month or over 2,000 kWh, you can pinpoint the plan that offers the best rate for your average usage. Plus, you can get even more customized options. For example, do you use more energy at night or on the weekend? Time-of-Use plans offer discounts for energy used during certain timeframes. That means, night owls and/or weekend homebodies can benefit from these types of plan options.

Sustainability levels

If you want to help the planet while you power your home, you’re in luck. Texas led the country in new renewable energy projects in 2021 and continues to offer consumers sustainable home energy options. From renewable energy companies to solar solutions and energy-saving tips, Texas energy companies deliver.

Perks

Incentives like gift cards, energy-efficiency tools and even airline miles have become more common parts of energy plans in recent years. In addition, electricity companies continue to develop impressive energy apps that give consumers more control and information. These types of perks can be a big draw for many people. So, they are yet another way energy companies address varying interests and budgets.

What are the best energy companies in Texas?

You have many choices when it comes to electricity plans and energy companies in Texas. The first and most important step? Find electricity providers in Texas you can trust. After that, you can see what plan options they offer and determine which term lengths, pricing structure and other factors would be ideal for your home. 

You may find more options than you expected. But that just means that you’re more likely to find a plan that is tailored to what you’re looking for. When energy companies compete for business, consumers like you win!

Find energy companies that offer perfect-fit plans for you.

With so many options out there, it’s just a matter of finding the best fit for you. Luckily, it’s easy to compare energy solutions and options for your home. You can even see personalized pricing for plans based on your historical usage data. Everything you need to shop and compare electricity rates can be found at Everything Energy. Find a plan today!