Are you ready for the back-to-school season? As students gear up for a new academic year, don’t forget to keep a close eye on your energy usage at home. As energy rates in Texas fluctuate and many of us still use air conditioning quite a bit, it’s important to find ways to reduce usage to help lower your electricity bill.

In this article, we’ll explore some effective strategies for both children and adults to combat energy rates in Texas while focusing on ways to choose Texas power consumption wisely.

Understanding energy rates in Texas

Before we dive into energy-saving tips, let’s take a quick look at the energy landscape in Texas.

Many regions of The Lone Star State are known for their diverse electricity markets, which let consumers choose from a wide range of Texas electricity providers and plans. With this freedom, you have the opportunity to find the best electricity rates in Texas to suit your specific needs.

Your energy rate is a significant factor affecting your monthly electricity bill. The other significant factor is your usage.

What to do if energy rates in Texas are high

Aside from shopping for electricity and finding the right plan for your household, there’s not a lot you can do to control the rate you pay for Texas electricity plans. So, if you’d like to lower your bill, a smart approach is to use less electricity.

There are many ways to use less. Some are easier than others, some require an upfront investment, while others cost nothing to implement. Some tips may work for one household but not for another. The main thing to remember is every small adjustment adds up!

Here are some energy-saving tips that you and your children can implement this back-to-school season:

Tip 1: Compare electricity rates in Texas

Your electricity plan determines the price you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the length of your contract. By shopping for the best electricity rates in Texas and finding a plan that fits best with your usage habits, you can start off with a competitive rate.

Everything Energy provides a convenient way to compare rates and choose Texas power for your home.

Tip 2: Be mindful of lighting

This one is simple: turn off lights when they’re not being used and make the most of natural light during the day. Encourage your children to switch off lights when they leave a room, and it will soon become an automatic habit.

You can also start switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs. They use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. They also last 3 to 5 times longer than CFL bulbs and up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs!

Tip 3: Unplug electronics

Many electronic devices still draw power when they’re turned off. By some estimates, this “phantom load” can account for 5 to 10 percent of your electricity usage. To save, have everyone in the household unplug chargers, gaming consoles and other electronics when not in use.

You can also use smart plugs and power strips to help minimize standby power consumption.

Tip 4: Maximize heating and cooling efficiency

In Texas, the weather can be quite extreme. You could be running your air conditioner well into fall. To get the best bang for your buck, program your thermostat to follow your work and school schedules.

You should also check that windows and doors are properly sealed. This will prevent your cooled or heated air from escaping.

Tip 5: Keep appliances and electronics efficient

Here’s one of the tips that require an upfront investment. But if you’re already in the market for a new appliance or other electronic, why not choose one with a high Energy Star rating? This will ensure that you’re using an energy efficient model, which can help save you money overall.

Tip 6: Make it a game

Transform energy-saving tasks into a game for young children to help them have fun while learning good habits. For instance, see who can turn off the lights the quickest at bedtime. Or assign them roles like  Thermostat Chief (to make sure the thermostat is set correctly before leaving for school) and Plug Police (to alert you to any devices plugged in but not charging or in use).

Tip 7: Conduct an annual energy audit

Make energy efficiency an important part of your family’s life by performing an energy audit once a year. This can be a great learning experience for children, and you may uncover some hidden inefficiencies along the way.

Set aside an hour or so to give your home a thorough inspection. Identify areas where energy is being wasted, like air leaks and inefficient appliances. Then, involve your child(ren) in finding and implementing solutions. This activity will help empower everyone to take an active role in reducing energy usage.

Start combatting energy rates in Texas today

As the back-to-school season approaches, remember these energy efficiency tips. And you can take charge of your electricity bill right now by shopping for low energy rates in Texas and the best energy plan for your family.

All you have to do to get started is enter your ZIP code here.

Electric companies play a crucial role in meeting today’s growing demand for power while reducing environmental impact. And because of energy deregulation in Texas, you have the power to choose your electric company. But not all energy providers are created equal. The best energy companies stand out from the pack by doing more for you, communities and the environment.

Let’s take a closer look at what some of the best energy companies do differently.

The best energy companies embrace renewable energy

While fossil fuels still account for more than half of the nation’s utility-scale electricity generation, renewables (including solar and wind power) are the fastest-growing energy source in the U.S.

Renewable energy, or clean energy, comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished. Energy companies that recognize this will offer plan options where energy is sourced from renewables such as sun or wind. That gives everyone the ability to support clean energy, even without the addition of solar panels on their rooftops.

Top energy providers prioritize energy efficiency

In addition to growing renewable energy, some of the best energy companies are those that promote energy efficiency. Energy efficiency increases the resilience and reliability of the electric grid, and provides environmental, community, and health benefits. It’s also financially beneficial — for consumers and the energy companies themselves.

Providing education on how to conserve energy helps people make better choices in their homes. Offering tools (like apps and smart devices) and resources (like informative articles and energy-saving tips) empowers customers with knowledge and encourages them to use energy responsibly.

The best energy companies are digitally advanced

We live in a high-tech age. So electric companies with technology that enhances their products and services can expect a positive customer response.

For example, expanding payment channels for customers who prefer to pay through an app is important. As of May 2021, around 10% of consumers were paying their utility bill via a digital payment app.

A proprietary app can also offer enhanced benefits. Through an app, you can take advantage of account management options and other perks easily and enjoy other nifty app features. And with smart meters being the norm in most deregulated areas in Texas, some apps offer a more granular view of personal usage data.

The best electric company is the one that best meets your needs

Remember, a cheap electric company is not necessarily the best electric company. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the cheapest energy plans and take a holistic view of an electric company.

In addition to the traits listed above, look for trusted energy companies that:

• Offer the right plans and options for your lifestyle and habits
• Have top-notch customer service
• Receive positive reviews from others
• Have a history of serving Texans

Start comparing electricity providers to find your perfect match

Do you want the best when it comes to your electricity provider? If so, don’t start your search for the best energy companies with “What are the electricity companies near me?”

Instead, ask yourself “What electricity plans and providers best meet my needs and preferences?”

When you shop electricity plans and pricing with Everything Energy, you’ll find the answer to that question easily. With advanced search tools and recommendations based on your specific inputs, Everything Energy shows you competitively priced plans from trusted Texas electricity providers. You’ll be able to make apples-to-apples comparisons, see estimated monthly bill amounts for each plan and more. Start shopping today!