When was the last time you shopped for electricity? Now might be the perfect time to search for low Texas energy rates. You may be able to save on Texas energy costs before the temperatures rise and you start running your air conditioner daily.

Why should I look for Texas energy rates now?

The average price of residential electricity across the nation has shown an upward trend over the past decade. And as you probably know, things start to heat up across Texas around April. Take a look at the monthly average high temperatures in the state’s major cities:

• Austin — 80°
• Dallas — 77°
• Houston — 78°
• San Antonio — 80°
• El Paso — 79°

During this off-peak season — before demand for electricity rises sky-high and the cost of electricity in Texas increases — you may be able to lock in a lower price. Follow these helpful hints to find low Texas energy rates in your area.

Tips for shopping for Texas energy rates

Keep the following in mind before you enroll in the cheapest electricity plan you see:

1. Check your current plan’s expiration date and early termination fee

The very first thing to do before shopping for electricity is to see when your current electricity plan expires. Because you’re on a contract (unless you have a month-to-month plan), there could be a fee if you switch to a new plan or provider too early.

• If your plan happens to expire in less than 14 days, you can switch to another plan without incurring an early termination fee.
• If your plan expires in the next several weeks, you can keep an eye on electricity rates and make a plan to switch when you’re within 14 days of your contract expiration date.
• If your plan doesn’t expire anytime soon, you can either wait to switch until it’s about to expire or compare rates and determine if you should pay the fee to end your current contract. If the last time you signed a contract your rate was much higher than current rates, it may be worth switching early to lock in a lower rate.

2. Choose a Texas power company you can trust

Not all electricity companies are created equally. Spending some time researching trusted Texas electricity providers now can save you headaches down the road.

Shopping with Everything Energy lets you see plans from trusted providers who have served residents across the state for many years.

3. Consider more than just price per kilowatt-hour (kWh)

When you shop for energy, you’ll often see a plan’s price per kWh listed in big numbers. A low cost per kWh price is great. But it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Often, these prices are based on usage of 2,000 kWh or more during a billing cycle. If you use less than this during a billing cycle, you may end up paying a higher price per kWh. (Note: The average U.S. household consumes about 10,500 kWh per year, which works out to 875 kWh per month. Compare your usage over the past 12 months to get a better idea of how many kWh you typically use each month.)

Before enrolling in a plan, be sure to check its Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for any additional fees.

Want to see the average monthly bill amounts for different plans based on your usage history and habits? Try Everything Energy’s easy plan search tool. You can make apples-to-apples comparisons to ensure you’ve taken all charges into account.

4. Think about your electricity needs and usage habits

In addition to helping you find low Texas energy rates, knowing your usage habits can also help you find the plan that best suits your needs.

For instance, consider whether you primarily use electricity during off-peak hours like nights or weekends. If you do, a Time of Use plan could net you lower electricity bills compared to a traditional plan. These plans offer free or discounted rates during off-peak times. This encourages people to shift their electricity usage and ease strain on the electricity grid during peak periods.

Low Texas energy rates are just a few clicks away

You could search many electricity provider sites for low Texas energy rates and evaluate each one individually. Or you could narrow your search down dramatically by using Everything Energy’s search filters to find a great plan for your specific usage history, preferences and needs. Best of all, we do the math for you so you can make direct comparisons and confidently choose a plan.

To shop for electricity the effortless way, click here.

Smart Meters have been replacing traditional electromechanical meters across the United States for years. In data from 2022, 72% of U.S. electric meters had “smart” capabilities. In other words, if you live in Texas, there’s a good chance you have a Smart Meter.

What is a Smart Meter?

There’s an electricity meter onsite that tracks the amount of energy used in every home and business. The traditional metering for many years was the analog meter. This type of meter required monthly reading by in-person meter readers from your utility. The meter readers would note the usage displayed on the unit’s face indicating the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used in the previous billing period.

Over the years, metering technology has advanced significantly. The traditional meters started being replaced by more sophisticated and efficient Smart Meters. With digital communication technology, these meters don’t require a person to physically come read each meter. Instead, Smart Meters transmit and confirm energy usage data directly through the Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) assigned to the address.

Smart Meters are part of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). The infrastructure allows two-way communication between the meters and utilities. The result is a streamlined system that offers a number of capabilities and benefits for customers, utilities and the electric grid.

Since this technology is so ubiquitous in the Lone Star State, it’s important to be familiar with what Smart Meters are, what they can do and how you can get the most out of yours. Read on for seven important things to know about your Texas Smart Meter.

1. Smart Meters allow you to access detailed energy data

Gone are the days of waiting for your monthly bill to see how much energy you used. With Smart Meters, you can monitor your energy consumption in real time. That’s because usage data is recorded in 15-minute intervals. That’s 96 readings per day! You can now view your electricity usage information by registering for a Smart Meter Texas account or granting access to your data to your electricity provider. This includes 15-minute interval data as well as meter attribute information like installation date and the name of the TDU. It also includes the Electric Service Identifier ID (ESIID), which is helpful to have if you want to sign up with a new retail electric provider.

2. Smart Meters empower you to monitor and manage your usage

Having access to your granular energy usage data offers many benefits. You can pinpoint high-usage periods and identify potential energy inefficiencies in your home. Using the data at your fingertips you could change your habits to consume less energy and potentially lower your monthly bill.

3. Texas Smart Meters support Time-of-Use pricing

Time-of-Use pricing is a billing structure that charges different rates for electricity depending on the time of day. During off-peak hours (such as nights and early mornings) and when less energy tends to be used in your region, pricing can be less expensive. This incentivizes customers to adjust their usage to off-peak hours, which helps minimize stress on the electric grid.

4. Smart Meters make service connections and disconnections faster

Smart Meters make it possible for utilities to connect and disconnect electricity through automation instead of scheduling a technician to do it onsite. This can be extremely helpful if you’re anxiously waiting for your electricity to be turned on.

5. Smart Meters make it easier to identify outages and restore power

Thanks to the interval data of Smart Meters, utility companies are able to detect areas affected by power outages and restore connections more efficiently. Additionally, Smart Meters can trigger automated notifications to customers and technicians during outages. This keeps all parties up to date about an outage situation.

6. Smart Meters help improve electric grid management

A growing population plus more electronic devices to power create stress on the electric grid. Utility companies can use data from Smart Meters to better manage power outages and restoration events, as well as reduce outage duration and costs.

7. Evidence shows Texas Smart Meters are safe

Some consumers raise concerns about data security and radio frequency (RF) exposure related to Smart Meter usage.

Utilities take cybersecurity seriously. Just like banks or cable companies, utilities employ advanced security and encryption technologies to protect your data and regularly audit their systems.

The RF emitted from Smart Meters is very low — well below the limits set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). And because Smart Meters are usually installed outside, people are further away from RF waves than they are when using other RF-emitting household devices like cell phones, baby monitors and microwaves.

Conclusion

Texas Smart Meters have transformed the way electricity is monitored and managed — by utilities and consumers. They offer electricity customers greater control over their usage while helping to create a more efficient and sustainable electric grid. Understanding how your Smart Meter works gives you the power to make informed decisions about your energy usage (which can potentially lower your monthly bill).

With Everything Energy, you can make informed decisions about your electricity provider and plan. Start shopping for energy today using our innovative search tools.

Since it began in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ (HLSR) has been entertaining people from near and far. It’s a chance for cowboys and cowgirls to showcase their talents and celebrate the spirit of the Wild West. And as a long-time Heritage Partner of the event, Reliant Energy is the Houston power company that has helped contribute to the energy and excitement the HLSR brings every March.

Returning to sponsor the event this year, Reliant Energy will have a prominent presence. But its involvement goes beyond just branding. Here’s an introduction to Reliant and a sampling of the Houston electric company’s memorable contributions to the HLSR.

Reliant Energy, the Houston power company Texans rely on

Who is Reliant Energy, and what makes the company a perfect fit to sponsor an event like the HLSR?

Reliant has deep roots in Texas. For starters, its parent company NRG Energy, Inc. is headquartered in Houston. Reliant Energy has served millions of residential and business customers across the state with affordable electricity plans and innovative energy solutions. It’s also committed to supporting local communities — in 2022 alone, Reliant Energy donated $4.1 million to over 200 community programs across the state, and tallied 4,000 employee volunteer hours.

Rodeo activities and attractions sponsored by Reliant

Reliant knows how to have fun, and its contributions to the HLSR makes that clear. The past few years alone have brought a bevy of activities and attractions sponsored by the Houston power company to the more than 2 million people who attend the Rodeo every year. Here are a few highlights:

The Reliant Ranch at Rodeo Plaza

The Reliant Ranch gave rodeo enthusiasts the chance to showcase their cowboy and cowgirl prowess and vie for a number of prizes. The Western-themed carnival games included Boot Toss Cornhole, Bull Horn Ring Toss and Get Your Ducks in a Row-Deo.

The Reliant Big Boot

A recognizable landmark for frequent Rodeo-goers, the Reliant Big Boot on Rodeo Plaza outside NRG Stadium provides the perfect selfie backdrop for this Texas-sized event.

Reliant charging stations

For years, Reliant Energy has offered charging solutions to event-goers to keep them powered up for their entire visit. To keep Rodeo visitors connected in 2023, nearly two dozen Reliant Charging Stations offering free one-day rentals on portable power pack could be found throughout the NRG Park grounds.

The Reliant Rodeo Plan

In years past, customers have been able to sign up for the Reliant Rodeo Plan on site, locking in a low electricity price as well as a Cavender’s® gift card.

Picture-perfect memories

You can always count on Reliant Energy to provide entertaining photo opportunities. In 2023, the Houston power company hosted a life-size bucking bull that attendees could hop on, snap a pic and have it sent to their smartphones for easy sharing.

Custom souvenir penny press

Just last year, Reliant Energy added a personalized penny press so rodeo attendees could take home a souvenir of their HLSR experience. It featured four distinct designs: the beloved “H” Howdy mascot, a classic cowboy boot, a proud “Made in Texas” emblem and a bronco-riding cowboy.

If you’re headed to the Houston Rodeo, keep your eyes peeled for the many exciting activities and attractions brought to you by Reliant Energy.

Find Houston electricity plans for homes across Texas

Whether you make it to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this year or not, you can still take home a piece of the action with an affordable energy plan. Search Everything Energy for free to find options from Reliant Energy and other Texas electricity providers you can trust. Shop, compare and sign up with just a few clicks!

Start your search here.

Whether you’ve recently moved to Texas, live in a newly deregulated region like Lubbock or are a long-time resident of the Lone Star State, choosing an electricity plan can be a bit tricky. From the many retail electricity providers (REPs) available to sometimes-confusing plan pricing, it’s easy to make a costly error or two along the way.

Keep reading for five common mistakes to avoid when making energy rate comparisons.

Mistake #1: Ignoring the fine print.

There’s more to an energy plan than just the price per kilowatt hour (kWh). To make sure you fully understand the plan you’re signing up for, including details about additional fees, usage restrictions and potential rate changes, make sure to read the plan’s Electricity Facts Label. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises on your electric bill.

Mistake #2: Overlooking contract length.

Every plan has a contract term length. Common terms are 6 and 12 months, which secures your energy price for that period of time. But some plans are month-to-month where the pricing can vary each month. There are also longer-term contracts like 24 and 36 months. Only you can determine which contract length will work best with your current and expected living situation.

Mistake #3: Choosing the “cheapest” electricity plan.

When you compare energy rates in Texas, the cheapest electricity plan is not always the best choice. That’s because the price per kWh listed on a website’s search page may have additional fees and charges in the fine print. (See Mistake #1 above!) Or you could be looking at an introductory price, which could skyrocket after the initial period. Both situations may drive your electricity bill higher than you’d expect.

When you’re shopping for energy, you want to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. This may require a little math, but doing so will help you find the best electricity plan for your budget.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to check reviews.

What good is a cheap energy plan if it comes with billing mistakes or customer service headaches? Your time is valuable, so you should consider the reputation of an REP before you sign up. Are online reviews mostly favorable? Are there any common complaints? Do your family and/or friends recommend the REP? Initial research prior to making energy rate comparisons will help you choose an electricity provider you can trust to meet your expectations.

Mistake #5: Not considering your usage patterns.

Before you compare energy rates, assess your daily and weekly energy usage patterns as well as your billing history. This can help you zero in on a plan that works best with how you use energy in your home. For example, a time-of-use plan that offers free or discounted nights or weekends could result in cost savings if your heaviest usage falls within the stated timeframes. (Again, always read the fine print!)

Avoid these common mistakes by searching with Everything Energy

With Everything Energy, you can make energy rate comparisons with ease — and avoid the potentially costly mistakes listed above. You’ll be able to access plan documents, view contract term lengths, read customer reviews of trusted REPs and make apples-to-apples price comparisons using your own usage history.

Yep — you can do it all, in one place. It’s free, it’s simple, and when you find a plan you like, you can enroll with just a few clicks. Get started today!

In January 2024, Lubbock residents have gained the power to choose their electricity provider and to shop for Texas electricity rates. They join residents across the Lone Star State who have enjoyed electricity choice for over 20 years.

With this newfound freedom comes the responsibility of understanding how to navigate the sometimes-complex world of Texas electricity rates and electricity providers. So, for all the folks in Lubbock shopping for electricity, we’ve put together this overview to help you get started.

Understanding Texas electricity deregulation

Deregulation breaks the monopoly previously held by utility companies and lets various retail electricity providers (REPs) compete for your business. This benefits consumers by creating lower competitive rates, innovative electricity plan options and enhanced customer service.

Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L) will continue to serve as your utility as a Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP). That means LP&L will still be the Lubbock electricity utility that delivers power to your home and maintains the poles and wires in your community. However, you will choose who to buy your electricity from — your REP. (If you don’t make a choice by the initial February 15 deadline, you will automatically be assigned to one of three default REPs .)

What to know before you shop for Texas electricity rates

Here are the main things to know about Texas electricity rates and electricity providers before you decide on an REP.

Everyone has unique needs

Because families and households are different, there’s no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” in today’s deregulated electricity market. And that’s a good thing for consumers. Finding a plan tailored to your specific needs can help manage your electricity usage and your budget.

There are two types of plans: Fixed and Variable

Search for plans that best fit your current needs. One thing to consider is your desired term length. Do you want a fixed-price plan that secures your rate for 6-12 months (or longer) with a REP? Or would a month-to-month plan — with a price that changes monthly but allows you to change providers without an early contract termination fee — work better for your situation?

For example, time-of-use plans is a possibility to consider when shopping Fixed and Variable plans. With this type of plan, certain times of the day or week (i.e., nights or weekends) have a discounted price per kilowatt hour (kWh). If you use most of your electricity during these timeframes, a time-of-use plan may help you lower your monthly electricity bill.

Many REPs also offer renewable energy plans. If you’d like to lower your carbon footprint and help the planet by using solar or wind power, keep an eye open for 100% clean energy plans.

The cheapest option isn’t always the best option

It can be tempting to enroll in a plan with the lowest price per kWh. But there are a few reasons why the cheapest electricity plan might not always be the best.

1.) Pay attention to the Electricity Facts Label (EFL)

To get a complete picture of how much a plan will cost, you need to review the EFL of the plan. In addition to average prices per kWh, the EFL will list each component and term of the average price, like “free” electricity hours, what usage profile was used to the calculate the average prices, a base charge, TDSP pass-through fees, etc.

2.) The average prices per kWh on EFLs are only for specific monthly usages

Residential plans typically have different average price points depending on average monthly usages of 500 kWh, 1000 kWh and 2000 kWh. With some plans, the highest monthly usage bracket may have the lowest cost per kWh, and occasionally that is the plan price listed on initial advertisements. But if you regularly use much less electricity, your average price may be higher than what you see at first glance.

So, before you start shopping, check your previous electricity bills to get an idea of your typical or average monthly and seasonal usage. This will be valuable information as you compare Texas electricity rates.

3.) Customer service is important.

Providers with the cheapest plans may not have the customer service available to you at all times or available via channels such as email and webchat. To make sure you find electricity companies in Texas you can trust, do some research before choosing a plan. Ask friends and family about their experience with providers, read online reviews and check the websites of REPs you’re interested in.

4.) You could be missing other incentives.

Competition is fierce, so electricity providers have gotten creative in their pursuit of customers. Some plans now come with perks or other incentives like a free smart thermostat, gift cards and more. The value of these could make up for a higher price per kWh.

How to shop for electricity in Texas

If it sounds like shopping for Texas electricity rates is a confusing process that requires more than a little bit of math, don’t worry! It does take a little bit of time to become familiar with the nomenclature, process and options available. But in the end, you have the power to choose the best option for you, and that’s a valuable freedom.

To simplify the process, Everything Energy has created easy-to-use search tools that let you compare plans and pricing from some of Texas’s trusted REPs. You’ll be able to make an apples-to-apples Texas electricity rates comparison, see monthly bill estimates based on your average monthly usage and evaluate your options — all in one place! And best of all, it’s free. Lubbock residents, start shopping with confidence today.

Electricity bills can be unpredictable. This is especially true in the winter and summer months when you use your HVAC system more frequently. As 2024 rolls in, make it a resolution to manage your Texas energy rate and take control of your electricity bills.

By using some of the following strategies, you can save money, find Texas electricity plans that fit your lifestyle and use less energy at home.

#1: Understand your energy usage

Taking control of your Texas energy rate and monthly electricity bills requires you to know how much energy your household uses each month. You also need to know how much you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Knowledge is power!

Log in to your electricity account to look at your usage and billing history. Or you can review paper bills from the past 12 months.

#2: Switch to energy-efficient appliances

Many modern appliances continue to incorporate energy-saving design and technology. Energy-efficient appliances, like those with the ENERGY STAR® certification, can help you save a significant amount of electricity over time.

#3: Remedy air leaks

Air leaks around your doors and windows should be sealed so that heated (or cooled) air doesn’t escape your home. These simple DIY fixes can have a positive impact on your utility bill:

• Close the space between the bottom of an outside door and the threshold with weatherstripping.
• Seal any cracks or gaps in window frames with caulk.

#4: Use a smart thermostat

ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats can save users an average of 8% on their utility bills. A smart thermostat can automatically sense when you’re away and adjust the temperature to maximize energy efficiency. It can also be controlled from your mobile device. These are two big advantages that smart thermostats have over regular programmable thermostats.

However, if you’re working with a non-smart, programmable model, that’s ok! You can still set up a home/away schedule and avoid wasting electricity when you’re not in your house or apartment.

#5: Trade up to efficient lighting

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) use at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last much longer. Replacing inefficient bulbs with LEDs can save the average household about $225 per year. Though they do cost more upfront, LEDs will provide big returns over their lifetime.

#6: Try average billing

If bill spikes are a regular occurrence in your household, you may want to see if your electric company offers a form of average billing.

This billing method helps smooth out your electricity bills by basing each monthly payment on a rolling 12-month average.

Texas electricity companies like Reliant Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Direct Energy, Discount Power and Cirro Energy all offer this type of billing option. (Check terms and conditions for more information about how your monthly bill will be calculated when you choose average billing.)

#7: Put your electricity bills on autopilot

To manage your Texas energy rate and keep late payments at bay, see if your electricity provider offers automatic payment options. This lets you have your monthly balance automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card each month on or before the due date.

#8: Unplug unused electronics

Vampire power is the energy wasted by electronics that are plugged in and charged but not in use. It can add dollars onto every electricity bill, costing a significant amount each year.

Stop vampire power (also known as phantom load) by unplugging devices when they’re charged and not being used.

#9: Join energy-saving programs in your area

Check to see if your utility company offers any energy-saving programs or rebates. Such programs provide incentives (like bill credits or gift cards) for participating in initiatives to conserve energy or for purchasing energy-saving appliances.

Reliant Energy is a well-known electricity company that offers rewards for energy conservation.

#10: Shop and compare for a better Texas energy rate

This is a big one! If you don’t compare electricity rates in Texas, you may not be getting the best deal for your family and lifestyle. A few cents per kWh may not seem like much, but it adds up. So, spend some time shopping for electricity, and you’ll reap the rewards for the entire term of your contract!

Everything Energy offers the search tools you need for a hassle-free electricity shopping experience. Enter your ZIP code here, and start taking control of your Texas energy rate today.

The end of 2023 is near. If you’ve bought an ENERGY STAR® certified product this year, or plan to, there may be rebates and tax credits available. Claiming these, along with securing cheap electricity rates, can help you put money back into your pocket in 2024.

What does “ENERGY STAR® certified” mean?

ENERGY STAR® is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s a certification that shows people which items are energy efficient. To earn this certification, and the helpful blue ENERGY STAR label, a product must meet strict efficiency standards. These are set by the EPA.

Why buy ENERGY STAR?

Using less energy can usually help you lower your electricity bill. Even people who are getting the best electricity deals could find more savings by becoming more energy efficient.

Since it began in 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped:

• Save 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity
• Avoid over $500 billion in energy costs
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4 billion metric tons

So, if you’re in the market for a new electricity-using item, it makes sense to consider one that’s ENERGY STAR certified.

What types of ENERGY STAR rebates and tax credits can I get?

Many tax credits and rebates for ENERGY STAR products vary by the item, when you bought it and where you live, among other factors.

To see what savings are available, visit ENERGY STAR’s Rebate Finder. Just type in your ZIP code. Then, all the credits and rebates available in your area will be shown.

What ENERGY STAR products have tax credits?

Under the Inflation & Reduction Act of 2022, federal income tax credits are available through 2032 for certain energy-efficiency upgrades in homes. Look for tax credits offered for:

• Heating & Cooling: air source heat pumps, central air conditioners, boilers, furnaces
• Water heating: heat pump water heaters, natural gas/oil/propane water heaters
• Building products: insulation, windows, exterior doors
• Residential clean energy: geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, solar energy systems, fuel cells, battery storage technology
• Electric panel upgrades
• Home energy audits

What ENERGY STAR products have rebates?

On top of tax credits, there may also be rebates open on some ENERGY STAR products. In addition to the items listed above, other appliances and electronics with the ENERGY STAR certification that may have incentives include:

• Smart thermostats
• Dishwashers
• Refrigerators
• Washers & Dryers
• Ductless heating and cooling
• Ceiling fans and lighting
• Computers and tablets
• TVs
• Electric vehicle chargers
• Pool pumps

Energy-efficiency rebates + cheap electricity rates = savings

To maximize your savings, pair ENERGY STAR certified products with low-cost electricity rates. To find some of the best energy providers in Texas, along with plans that fit your lifestyle and rates that fit your budget, shop for electricity with Everything Energy.

Using our free search tools, you can filter energy plans by usage, term length, perks and more. Then, you can see average monthly bills and make apples-to-apples comparisons between plans. Start today — just enter your ZIP code.

Want to opt out of the Black Friday craze but still want to catch a “deal” or two?

We have a win-win scenario — save on things you already use. And we have the perfect place to start: your electricity bill. After all, you have the power to choose Texas electricity rates from a variety of electric providers in Houston, Dallas, Austin and more. So, why not exercise that right while hopefully saving a little money along the way? Keep reading to learn how shopping for electricity plans can pay off. Then, follow our step-by-step guide on how to shop for electricity prices in Texas that meet your budget and needs.

How do you maximize Black Friday savings?

The cheeky answer is: don’t buy anything!

Don’t worry — the economy won’t notice. In 2022, the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics reported a record 196.7 million Americans shopped between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday. That’s over 58% of the entire U.S. population!

With 72% of the population reportedly living paycheck to paycheck, many people will be feeling a financial crunch this holiday season. To combat the crunch, you can work on putting some money back into your budget by saving on things you already use.

We all use electricity. And with residential electricity prices in Texas continuing to rise, it makes sense to use this Black Friday as an opportunity to shop for Texas energy rates that will won’t put you in the red next year.

Is it worth it to shop and compare electricity prices in Texas?

As a mostly deregulated state, Texans have the power to choose their electricity provider and energy plan. Exercising that privilege keeps rates competitive, which benefits all residents.

If you’re wondering if it’s worth your time to shop for electricity and compare Texas power prices, the answer is yes! Consider the following examples:

Example 1

You use around 1000 kilowatt hours (kWh) every month, paying an average of $0.17 per kWh. You find a plan with the same terms, but with an average price of $0.165 per kWh. Over 12 months, that’s $60 of savings for maybe 30 minutes of your time.

Example 2

You use around 500 kWh in your apartment every month. You just realized that you’re on a month-to-month plan, and your rate can fluctuate. Last month you paid an average $.0179 per kWh. But if you get on a 12-month fixed-price plan, you could lower your average cost per kWh. That’s savings plus price protection that you otherwise didn’t have.

In these examples, you could be putting money back into your pocket. That’s pretty rare on Black Friday!

How do I shop for electricity plans?

To make the process of shopping for electricity easy, we’ve broken it down into three simple steps.

Step 1: Find out more about your current electricity plan.

In order to shop for a deal, you have to be familiar with what you’re paying right now for electricity.

To do this, pull out your recent electricity bills (or open them online). Read through them carefully, including the fine print. Make note of your energy charge (what you pay per kWh) and any additional charges on your electric bill.

To account for any seasonal bill spikes, check your usage from the previous 6 to 12 months and find your average usage.

Also make note of when your current contract ends and any early termination fees.

What if your contract doesn’t expire for several months and you can’t cancel it without paying a fee? Continue through Step 2 to get a good idea of what you want for your next plan, then make a note on your calendar to revisit Step 3 when you have less than 14 days left on your current contract. At that time, you’re allowed to sign up for a new energy plan without incurring any early termination fees.

Step 2: Read about how electricity plans work.

Before you begin your search, educate yourself so you know exactly what to look for and how each plan will affect you. Things to keep in mind include:

• The rate you see online may not always be the rate you pay. For instance, many plans publish the average price per kWh based on a home that uses 1000 kWh per month. If you only use 500 kWh per month, your average price could very well be higher.
• The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) is a must-read. Every plan has an EFL, which has all the fine print about the plan. This is where you’ll see any rules and conditions of the plan, and any fees that may affect your total cost.
• There are pros and cons to every term length. Plan term length can affect your price. Decide which one works best for you before you start your search.
• Look at more than just cost per kWh. In other words, the cheapest electricity plan is not always automatically the best choice. Perks, energy-saving tools and provider reputation are all things to take into account.

Step 3: Start comparing electricity prices in Texas.

The easiest way to compare energy rates in Texas is to utilize a free energy broker. This will allow you to narrow down plans from many reputable providers at once.

Everything Energy, an energy broker, offers easy-to-use search tools and filters that will help you find the best electricity plans for your lifestyle, budget and preferences. You’ll be able to see each plan’s cost per kWh, EFL, plan details and even an estimated average monthly bill based on the usage you input. Plus, you can click and sign up on the plan in minutes.

Shop electricity prices in Texas on Black Friday — or any day

Black Friday is a great day to find some of the cheapest electricity in Texas. But you can also shop for energy plans any day of the year. The key to getting the best plan for your family is to shop and compare plans and pricing. The payoff could be well worth that little bit of extra time.

To start shopping electricity prices in Texas today, simply enter your ZIP code here.

Even if you’ve thoroughly shopped for the cheapest electricity rates and best electricity deals, and even if you’ve locked in one of the best electricity rates available, you could still be paying a scary price for vampire power.

What is vampire power?

Vampire power is the energy that certain electronics and electrical appliances continue to draw from electrical outlets, even when turned off or idle. It’s also referred to as standby power, phantom load or idle load.

Whatever you choose to call it, it’s a serious waste of energy and money. And it’s most likely happening in your home right now.

Where does vampire power lurk?

One way to identify electronics that consume power even in “off” or “sleep” mode is by an always-on LED. This could appear as a digital clock on a set-top box, a lit-up charging indicator or another type of status light.

Common items that consume standby power that you may have in your home include:

• Battery chargers for tablets and smartphones
• External power supplies for laptops and printers
• TV set-top boxes, DVD players, video game consoles and Internet routers/modems
• Smart appliances

What is the cost of vampire power?

Even though individual devices may not use huge amounts of vampire power, when you look at all the idle load in your home, it can really add up.

Although the amount of vampire power used varies from home to home, estimates say that always-on energy use by inactive devices can quickly add up to $100-200 a year in an average household.

Luckily, there are some simple ways to lose less to vampire power — and keep more of your hard-earned money.

The best electricity rates can’t slay vampire power — but you can!

As we mentioned, you may have one of the best electricity rates in Texas. But vampire power can quickly drain those savings. If you’re ready to banish phantom load, try these five tips:

1. Optimize your devices

Many devices — like computer screens, tablets and smartphones — let you adjust their energy efficiency settings. Take a look and see if you can minimize standby power consumption. Even some microwaves have power-saving modes that turn off the display — clock and all — when not in use.

2. Use a watt meter to find the biggest vampires

Buy or borrow a watt meter to figure out which electronics are consuming the most standby power. You can address these items first to make the biggest impact.

3. Use smart plugs and power strips

You can plug in electronics to a smart plug or power strip so they only draw power when needed. When you don’t need to use them, use your smartphone to turn the plug off, cutting power to the device. You can even set schedules for smart plugs to turn on and off at certain times. 

4. Manually unplug rarely used or fully charged devices

If you have a TV in a guest room that only gets used a few times a month, it doesn’t need to stay plugged in. The same goes for devices like smartphones, tablets, electric razors, power banks and other items that have been fully charged. Just unplug them to stop the energy drain in its tracks.

5. Buy more efficient appliances and electronics

If it’s time to replace an electronic device or appliance in your home, check out ENERGY STAR®-rated products. Items with an ENERGY STAR label have been externally certified against strict performance requirements and shouldn’t consume much standby power.

Run an electricity price comparison for greater savings

Eliminating vampire power, following energy-saving tips and finding the best electricity rates for your home and lifestyle are three ways to optimize your energy bill.

To search for some of the best electricity rates available in your area and make apples-to-apples electricity price comparisons, shop at EverythingEnergy.com.

Today’s consumers have more tools than ever to track and control their finances. Prepaid electricity companies offer one such way to keep an eye on spending.

Let’s look a little closer at pay-as-you-go energy plans and how they can be useful for some Texas electricity customers.

What is pay-as-you-go energy?

Just as the name implies, pay-as-you-go energy means you add money to your electricity account and get charged as you use energy — not at the end of a billing cycle. It’s similar to prepaid phone service, where you load money into your account, monitor your usage/balance and add more funds as needed.

How do prepaid electricity companies work?

According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), you can expect the following from prepaid electricity:

• Instead of a traditional deposit, you’ll need to make a “connection balance” payment to begin prepaid service with a Retail Electricity Provider (REP). This sets up a positive balance before you activate your service. Depending on the REP, you may need an initial balance of up to $75. (Note that Transmission and Distribution Utility fees could increase this initial amount.)
• As a prepaid customer, you won’t receive monthly electricity bills. Instead, you’ll receive e-notifications from your REP about your account balance. This will let you know when to add funds to your account to keep your service going.
• Prepaid electricity companies have their own fee structure. There may be a minimum balance requirement of up to $10 to avoid service disruptions.
• If your account falls below this minimum balance, your electricity could be turned off without much notice. If you have a negative balance, you’ll need to pay that off before the service is reconnected.
• If you need to get on a deferred payment plan, you can contact your REP.

For more specifics about prepaid energy programs in Texas, visit the PUCT’s FAQ page.

It’s important to note that not all Texas Retail Electric Providers (REPs) offer this type of prepaid energy plan. If you’re interested in pay-as-you-go energy, make sure that is an option with the REP you select.

What are the advantages of prepaid electricity companies?

Prepaid, pay-as-you-go energy plans that don’t require a credit check can be an attractive option for people who:

• Have not established a credit history.
• Have poor credit history.
• Do not have the funds to pay for a deposit on a regular power plan.
• Are on a tight budget and want to pay in smaller sums. You’re in control of how much you pay and when.
• Want to have more control over their energy usage and bill by allowing you to easily track your usage and your budget.
• Don’t want to be locked into a long-term contract.

As you can see, this no-deposit electricity option could be helpful in certain situations.

Which prepaid electricity companies should I check out?

Before you sign up with an REP, make sure to read their prepaid plan details. Each REP may have slightly different rules.

A couple reputable Texas companies that offer pay-as-you-go energy are Reliant Energy and Direct Energy.

Reliant Energy

The Reliant Energy Prepaid Power plan offers “electricity with no deposit, no credit check and no hassle.” You can pay using the Reliant app, online or at one of their stores.

On the Reliant prepaid plan, you’ll get texts letting you know if your balance is low. You can also schedule automatic reloads, so you don’t have to worry about your balance getting too low.

Direct Energy

Another convenient option is Direct Energy’s Residential Prepaid Electricity Plan. Like Reliant, Direct Energy offers:

• Same-day electricity service after your make your initial payment;
• Online account management;
• Usage and reminder texts/emails; and
• Easy payment options.

What are alternatives to pay-as-you-go energy plans?

Prepaid electricity companies and plans aren’t your only option. Here are some other ways to fit your electricity bill into a tight budget:

Average Billing

Many Texas electricity companies, like Cirro Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Direct Energy, Reliant Energy and more, offer Average Billing. These programs make your bills more predictable by basing your balance on your average monthly charges over the past year. This helps you avoid bill spikes and makes it easier to manage your budget.

For details on how Average Billing works, including how your bills are calculated, contact the REP directly.

Multiple Payments

You can often make several smaller payments on your balance instead of one large payment. For example, Green Mountain Energy accepts up to 3 payments in 5 days, and up to 5 payments in 30 days. This option can help you meet your electricity needs without using pay-as-you-go energy.

Deferred Payments

If you fall behind on your account, many Texas power companies offer payment plans that can get you back on track. To see what help your current REP offers, speak to a customer service agent about your situation.

Low-Income Assistance

Many electric companies in Texas offer programs or benefits to help low-income households pay for their utilities. To see if you qualify for any of their programs, call your REP.

Shopping for electricity is easy with Everything Energy.

If prepaid energy is not for you, try shopping for a short- or long-term electricity plan with Everything Energy. With just a few clicks, you can narrow down your plan options and find the best fit for your home, family and lifestyle.

Simply enter your ZIP code to get started.