Smart home technology is making life easier and more energy-efficient, especially for those looking to lower their bills from Texas energy providers. Keep reading for popular home electronics you can control with your smartphone to help you run a more energy-efficient home.

Smart thermostats

A smart thermostat lets you control your home’s temperature from anywhere, so you’re not heating and cooling your home when you don’t need to. With cooling and heating among the largest energy expenses in a home, this device is a game-changer for those looking to lower their energy usage and monthly bills. Many smart thermostats are able to learn your habits and adjust automatically to save more energy. Plus, some energy providers in Texas, like Green Mountain Energy, offer demand response programs that utilize smart thermostats’ capabilities.

Smart lights

You can also use your smartphone to turn your smart lights on or off, whether you’re in the next room or another state. Some even let you dim the lights or change their color. These devices help save energy because you can turn off lights that were left on by mistake or set schedules for your lights, which can help reduce electricity usage.

Smart plugs

A smart plug lets you control the electronic device plugged into it using your smartphone. This is great for lamps, fans, coffee makers and even holiday lights. You can turn a device on and off remotely if you’re not home so it doesn’t waste energy unnecessarily. Many smart plugs also let you set on/off schedules; some even track how much electricity plugged-in home electronics use.

Smart appliances

Many appliances, like washing machines, air purifiers, refrigerators, and more, now come with built-in smart technology features so you can monitor and control them from your phone. For example, you can start a load of laundry while at work so that it’s ready to go into the dryer when you get home or you can get a notification if the fridge door is left open. Some smart appliances also offer the ability to subtly shift energy usage from more expensive peak times to less expensive off-peak hours.

Smart blinds

Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for about 25% to 30% of home heating and cooling energy use. Smart blinds help you minimize this problem by allowing you to open or close your window coverings via your phone. Closing blinds in summer to keep your home cooler or letting in more sun during the winter to warm things up naturally can help you reduce electricity usage without sacrificing comfort. Some systems can even be set to adjust automatically based on the time of day.

Other smart home electronics

There are many other home electronics on the market that don’t necessarily help you save energy but do add convenience and/or sustainability to your life. These include:

Smart sprinklers

A smart sprinkler system helps you conserve water while caring for your yard. Smart irrigation systems not only prevent overwatering but can also deliver precise and tailored watering to different areas or plants, adapt the watering schedule to weather data and send you an alert if a leak or other maintenance issue is detected. Using water more efficiently can lower your water bill and help conserve a valuable resource.

Smart door locks

A smart door lock lets you lock or unlock your doors using your phone. This can save you from driving back home if you forget to lock up or simply allow you to carry one less key around. Some devices even let you program unique access codes for people who enter your home (like babysitters, house cleaners or guests) so you can track who has entered and when.

Smart security cameras

Lastly, indoor and outdoor smart security cameras let you monitor your home using your phone, no matter where you are. This means you can check in on your house, kids or pets at any time. Many smart cameras come with motion detection send you alerts if there’s any activity. And some of the best energy providers in Texas, like Reliant Energy and Direct Energy, even offer custom smart security systems through their partners.

While security cameras don’t directly help you save electricity, the peace of mind they provide can prevent you from wasting your own energy worrying!

Smart home devices aren’t just about convenience; they can also help you save energy and, potentially, money by giving you on-the-go control of your home electronics.

Compare energy plans from top Texas energy providers

While we’re on the topic of “smart,” start shopping for electricity plans from Texas energy providers the smart way: by using Everything Energy’s innovative search and compare tools. Check it out today!

Microwaves have become a common feature in most American homes, giving us one of the most convenient and cheapest power methods to heat up meals and snacks. But have you ever wondered how much electricity microwaves consume? October 8 is the filing anniversary of Percy Spencer’s 1945 patent for the microwave, making it a great time to explore this kitchen appliance and its effect on your power bill.

How do microwave ovens work?

Before diving into the electricity consumption of microwaves, it’s important to take a quick look at how the appliance actually works.

Microwave ovens use electromagnetic energy to cook food. Here is a simplified explanation of the microwaving process:

1. A magnetron in the appliance converts electricity from the power outlet into high-powered radio waves.
2. The magnetron blasts the radio waves through a channel into the food compartment.
3. The food spins on the turntable slowly so it cooks evenly.

The waves bounce off the metal walls inside the microwave. When they hit the food, the waves penetrate it and make the water molecules in the food vibrate faster. The vibrating creates energy, which is transferred to the food as heat. The faster the molecules vibrate, the hotter the food becomes.

How much energy do microwaves use?

Like most appliances, a microwave oven’s energy usage varies depending on its wattage.

Microwave manufacturer Whirlpool states that the ideal wattage for most microwaves is 1000 watts (W). This offers versatility in defrosting, reheating, and cooking. Smaller models in the 600W-900W range work well for smaller tasks like reheating leftovers and warming drinks, but you may need additional cooking time for larger tasks. Larger models can go up to 1700W or higher, making them very powerful.

In other words, the wattage of a microwave directly correlates to the amount of electricity it consumes when you use it.

To refresh your memory on how to measure electricity usage, a 1000W microwave uses 1000W (or 1 kW) of energy if run continuously for an hour.

How do you measure how much electricity it takes to microwave something?

To figure out exactly how much energy your microwave uses, you need a few pieces of information:

• Your microwave’s wattage (check the appliance’s product manual — or look for the wattage on the microwave itself)
• How many hours or minutes you use it per day
• Your Texas electricity rates [cents per kilowatt hour (kWh)]

Enter these items into the following equation:   

Cost per day = (Wattage/1000) x hours used x electricity price per kWh

• If you run this 1000W microwave for 1 hour a day, it will use 1 kWh.
• Multiply this by your electricity cost per kWh. If you pay 20¢ per kWh, it will cost you about 20¢ to use your microwave for 60 minutes a day. That translates to approximately $6 per month, or $72 per year.
• What if you only use your microwave for 10 minutes a day? That’s 1/6 of an hour, so divide your totals by 6. Ten minutes of microwave use a day equates to just $1 per month and $12 per year.

If math isn’t your thing, don’t worry — the Internet is here to help. You can plug your data into this online electricity cost calculator.

Any way you crunch the numbers, it’s clear that the microwave is one of the cheapest power methods for cooking. And for that, we have Percy Spencer to thank!

Find Texas energy providers to power your appliances — and your life

Finding the cheapest power in Texas starts with shopping for electricity plans and prices that best fit your usage and needs. Use Everything Energy’s innovative search filters to narrow your options and make apples-to-apples comparisons instantly.

Have you ever wondered who made it possible for us to flip a switch and light up a room?

We can thank a brilliant English scientist named Michael Faraday, born on September 22, 1791. He’s one of the main reasons we understand electricity today — so much so that people often call him “The Father of Electricity!”

Today, we’re celebrating his life, contributions, and how his discoveries helped bring about the cheap energy plans we use to power our modern homes.

Who was Michael Faraday?

Michael Faraday began working at a young age to support his family. He worked as a bookbinder’s apprentice, which gave him the chance to read many books about science, including the “electricity” entry in Encyclopedia Brittanica. His curious mind and love of learning would later aid his scientific discoveries.

What were Faraday’s most significant contributions to science?

In his lifetime, Michael Faraday contributed many laws, theories, and discoveries to the scientific community.

Faraday worked under a renowned chemist, Sir Humphry Davy, as a laboratory assistant and learned chemistry at the elbow of one of the greatest practitioners of the day. It has been said that Faraday was Davy’s greatest discovery. In addition to other chemistry-related achievements, he isolated an oily residue from gas lamps, later termed benzene.

Electric motor and electrical generator

He then moved on to electricity and electrochemistry. In 1821, he used a permanent magnet and an electric current to produce mechanical motion — a precursor of the electric motor. In 1831, he invented the world’s first electrical generator by converting magnetic force into electric force.

Two laws of electrochemistry

While proving that electricities produced by various means are identical, he also discovered the two laws of electrochemistry, which describe the relationship between electricity and chemical changes:

1. “The amount of a substance deposited on each electrode of an electrolytic cell is directly proportional to the quantity of electricity passed through the cell.”
2. “The quantities of different elements deposited by a given amount of electricity are in the ratio of their chemical equivalent weights.”

The relationship between electricity and magnetism

Building on Michael Faraday’s previous studies and ideas, Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell was able to demonstrate that the electric and magnetic fields could be unified into one field and that the energy of the electromagnetic field propagated through empty space as waves.

What impact did Michael Faraday have on electricity?

Without Faraday’s scientific experiments and discoveries, we might not have electric power as we know it today. Most electricity made today uses the same principles he used to create the first electric generator. That makes it possible for people to power their homes with convenient, cheap energy plans.

Find cheap electricity plans for your home

We can power our homes affordably thanks in part to “The Father of Electricity,” Michael Faraday. If you’re looking for a cheaper electricity plan, visit our search page to find the right plan for your family and budget.

If you live in Texas, it’s essential to dress for summer weather. Otherwise, you’ll end up maxing out your air conditioner, paying Texas electric providers more than necessary, and sweating through your clothes before lunchtime hits. Luckily, knowing more about cooling clothes and dressing in the right fabrics can get you through the sweltering season.

What fabrics make the best cooling clothes?

To beat the heat and stay comfortable, wear summer-friendly fabrics such as:

Cotton and linen

Both of these natural fabrics are breathable, let air flow, and ideal for any climate all year round.

Chambray and bamboo

These specialty fabrics make for effective cooling clothes, too. Chambray is lightweight and breezy, while bamboo is exceptionally good at absorbing moisture. Bonus: bamboo is an all-natural fabric, making it an eco-conscious option.

Rayon

This synthetic fabric has quick-drying properties and is best in dry heat.

Lyocell

Green Mountain Energy, one of the most planet-friendly Texas electric providers, recommends clothing made from lyocell. According to their website, lyocell is a “plant-based fiber made from semi-synthetic regenerated cellulose fiber and is manufactured from wood pulp.” Not only is it breathable and moisture-wicking, it’s also durable, soft, and sustainable.

How do fabrics cool you down?

You can also choose to wear clothing made from fabrics with special cooling technology built in. According to the experts at How Stuff Works, fabric cooling technology is usually either temperature balance and temperature abatement. Here’s how they work:

Temperature balance

Temperature-balanced fabrics wick sweat away from the body and spread it across the surface of the fabric, so it evaporates faster. These fabrics are usually treated with a polymer (a long chain of organic molecules formed by many smaller molecules called monomers). Heat and humidity from your body activates the polymer, which wicks the sweat away and it evaporates.

Most apparel uses this type of cooling technology.

Temperature abatement

This type of cooling tech makes the textile feel cool to the touch, even though it isn’t. The feeling comes from the fabric’s yarn itself. It’s highly conductive polyethylene (PE), which gives it the ability to quickly transfer heat away from the fabric’s surface.

How else can I dress in summer to stay cool?

In addition to the material you wear, don’t forget about these other factors that can keep you cool throughout summer:

• Light colors — You probably know that dark colors absorb heat, so opt for white or other light colors that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat.
• Loose styles — Tight clothes trap heat, so wearing loose clothing will allow air to circulate and let your body breathe.
• Cooling accessories — Wearing sunglasses, lightweight scarves, and sun hats can shade and protect you from the sun. And don’t forget the ultimate summer accessory: a big bottle of ice-cold water to keep you hydrated and cool.
• Cooling bed sheets — Investing in bedding that cools you off can increase your comfort on hot nights and help you rely less on your air conditioner to fall asleep.

Armed with this new knowledge, you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long — and give your air conditioner some much-needed rest!

Find Texas electric providers you can count on during the dog days of summer

Shopping for electricity doesn’t have to be difficult. Use Everything Energy’s free site to search some of the most trusted Texas electricity providers and their plans to find the one that work best for your family. Stay cool, friends!

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.

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.

If you’re a Houston resident, you probably know a thing or two about hurricanes. Maybe you’ve even lived through hurricanes Harvey (2017), Ike (2008), Rita (2005) and/or previous Houston storms.

If so, you know it’s always best to be prepared. In an effort to make storm prep easier and keep residents safe, many Houston energy companies offer a bevy of tips and resources. We’re highlighting a few of them today to encourage you to be storm ready all season.

When is hurricane season in Texas?

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30. At the time of this publication, we’re right around the halfway point.

Hurricane prep tips from Houston energy companies

Brush up on your hurricane prep with these helpful tips from Houston power providers.

Green Mountain Energy’s Texas Storm Readiness Guide

This thorough guide assembled by Green Mountain Energy tells you what to do before, during and after a storm.

Helpful tips include:

• Stay alert by checking the National Hurricane Center website regularly.
• Stock up on supplies for your home and car. Don’t forget to pack:
  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Medications (prescriptions and over-the-counter)
  • First aid supplies
  • Toiletries
  • Pet food, if applicable
  • Rain gear
  • Batteries
  • Flashlights
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Solar-powered phone charger
  • Backup power solutions such as a generator and a portable power bank
• Prep your home by securing outdoor equipment and trimming tree branches near your house to minimize the risk of broken windows and debris.

Direct Energy’s Learning Center Resources

In the Direct Energy Learning Center, you’ll find helpful ways to deal with summer weather. That includes not only hurricanes but other storms, floods and extreme heat.

Some of the many tips from Direct Energy include:

• Create a hurricane evacuation plan for your family. Things to plan are a family meeting spot; alternate routes to your meeting place (in case you encounter flooded roads, downed trees or power lines); and an emergency backpack that contains important documents and identification cards.
• Understand post-hurricane food and water safety, like what to do with frozen and refrigerated foods during a loss of power and whether you need to boil water before drinking it.
• Print this supply and grocery checklist to make it easier to assemble your storm supplies and “go” bag.

Reliant Energy’s Storm Center

Reliant Energy offers a robust section on its website to help Texans prepare for severe weather. Here are some highlights:

• Evacuations can be lengthy and stressful. Make sure to include a board game, deck of cards and/or books in your “go” bag.
• Other items to add to your “go” bag are a 7-day supply of medications; glasses/contact lenses and eye care items; and food/supplies for any pets you’d take with you.

Reliant also provides a handy way to report an outage. Simply choose your Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP) from the list (or enter your service address). You’ll be provided with two options for reporting an outage — by phone or online. We recommend bookmarking that site for easy reference.

Cirro Energy’s Storm Center

Another site to check out for hurricane prep is Cirro Energy’s Storm Center. During a storm, the Houston energy company offers these tips:

• Head to a basement or bathroom. A bathtub can provide some protection if you cover yourself with plywood or other materials.
• Turn off and unplug major appliances and electronics during a power outage.
• Avoid being outside, even if it seems like the storm has ended. Strong winds could follow periods of calm.

Cirro also provides information on how to apply for FEMA assistance. For reference, you can apply by registering at DisasterAssistance.gov or calling (800) 621-FEMA.

Discount Power Storm Center

Getting where you need to go when severe weather is forecast can be chaotic. Discount Power’s storm preparedness page shows where you can find the latest updates on traffic, construction, and road closures.

Become familiar with these sites before a hurricane is on the horizon so you’re well-informed during a storm:

• Houston Transtar
• Texas evacuation routes
• Texas Flood and Road Construction information
• North Texas Tollway Authority

More resources from Houston energy companies

Now that you know where to look as you prepare for the second half of hurricane season (and future years as well), you have a wealth of information at your fingertips.

Here are a few more resources from electricity companies Houston residents trust for hurricane support.

• Recovering from a Disaster
• FEMA
• Safety and Preparedness
• American Red Cross
• National Weather Service
• Harris County Emergency Management
• Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management
• City of Corpus Christi Emergency Operations Center

Preparation is key when it comes to Texas weather

With these resources from local Houston power companies, you can make sure you have a plan for keeping your family safe through severe weather situations and potential evacuation.

Now is the time to prepare, so you can remain cool, calm, and collected in the face of adversity.

Shop and compare Texas and Houston energy companies

To find some of the best electricity rates Houston and the Lone Star State have to offer, check out Everything Energy. You can shop, compare, and enroll in a plan that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget.

Click here to get started with just your ZIP code!

According to the most recent census, more than 29 million people call Texas home. There are more than 11.5 million housing units and 618,000 businesses, and over 90% of the population has an Internet subscription. According to a Residential Energy Consumption Survey,  95% of homes use air conditioning equipment. Suffice it to say, keeping it all running takes a large energy supply.

Where does all this energy come from? And how does Texas compare to other states when it comes to electricity? From consumption and energy suppliers to renewable generation and beyond, keep reading for interesting energy facts about the Lone Star State.

Energy supply facts about Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas — and that applies to energy too! Take a look at some of these impressive stats:

• The Lone Star State produces more electricity than any other state — almost twice as much as the second-highest state, Florida. (EIA)
• In 2021, Texas accounted for about 12% of America’s total electricity net generation. (EIA)
• Texas also leads the nation in energy consumption across all sectors. (The industrial sector, which includes the state’s refineries and petrochemical plants, accounts for over half of that usage.) (EIA)
• Texas is the sixth-highest state for energy consumption per capita. (EIA)
• The state has more than 52,700 miles of high-voltage transmission lines. (ERCOT)

Texas renewable energy supply facts

Texas is helping to advance the clean energy movement through the state’s great renewable energy potential.

Did you know that nonhydroelectric renewables, like wind and solar power, make up the second-highest source of net electricity generation in the state? (EIA)

Plus, two Texas towns are walking the talk when it comes to renewables.

• In 2015, Georgetown (just north of Austin) made headlines by deciding to power its town with 100% renewables. (Sierra Club)
• In 2018, Denton, TX, also made a commitment to run on 100% renewable power by 2020. It was the largest city at the time to make the sustainable power pledge. (Sierra Club)

Here are a few more Texas energy supply facts about wind and solar power:

• In 2021, Texas made about 26% of all the country’s wind power, leading the country for the 16^th year in a row! (EIA)
• In 2014, wind power surpassed Texas’ nuclear generation for the first time. Then, in 2019, wind power topped coal-fired generation for the first time. (EIA)
• The state of Texas has over 17,000 MW of solar installed — enough to power more than 1.9 million homes. (SEIA)

Facts about Texas electric suppliers

Thanks to deregulation, most Texas residents have the power to choose their electricity suppliers. This means the many electricity companies in the state compete for your business. You can look for the cheapest electricity supplier or the one that offers the most “bells and whistles.” The choice is yours!

• The companies that sell home electricity are known as Retail Electricity Providers (REPs). REPs buy wholesale electricity, delivery and related services. Then, they sell that electricity to customers. (PUCT)
• All REPs are required to send contract expiration notices at least 30 days before your electricity contract expires. If you don’t take action, your REP will move you to a month-to-month plan. (PUCT)
• You can switch energy suppliers or plans within 14 days of your current contract’s expiration date, without being charged an early cancellation fee. (PUCT)
• Texas REPs with a proven track record of service include Reliant Energy, Direct Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Cirro Energy and Discount Power.

Making an electricity price comparison

Now you know more about the energy supply in Texas and the many options available to you in this great state. To find an REP and plan that fits your budget and lifestyle, Everything Energy has you covered.

Shop and compare electric rates with our easy, convenient search tools. All you need to do is enter your ZIP code to start!

If you’ve just moved, or need to switch electricity providers, you may be wondering “How do I find my electricity provider?” As it turns out, it’s quite easy. You simply search for electric providers by ZIP code, and pick the one that’s right for you.

But before you do that, keep reading for more information that will help make your search successful.

Why do I need to search by my ZIP code to find an electricity provider?

Most of Texas has a deregulated electricity market. If you live in a deregulated area, you have the power to choose electricity from any of the providers serving your area.

However, finding an electric company by ZIP code applies only to one part of the equation in getting electricity to your home: retail electricity providers (REP). REPs buy and sell energy to customers throughout the state. They compete for your business and offer you pricing in cents-per-kilowatt-hour.

The other part of the equation are Transmission and Distribution Service Providers (TDSPs), which is the utility company. These utilities are responsible for maintaining the poles and wires. They are the ones that deliver electricity to homes and businesses. You can’t choose your TDSP; it’s assigned to you based on where you live. In Texas, there are five TDSPs: Oncor, CenterPoint Energy, Texas-New Mexico Power Company, AEP Texas Central and AEP Texas North.

So, your five-digit ZIP code will actually help you identify two separate entities: your REP and your TDSP. That’s why, with more than 2,000 ZIP codes in Texas alone, it’s essential to be sure of your address before you start looking for electric providers by ZIP code.

Can I also find and compare electric rates by ZIP code?

Yes! You can search for electricity plans and electric rates by ZIP code in the same way you might shop for shoes or books online. As with those items, there are many electricity plans to choose from. However, you can find the best one for your home, family and lifestyle once you know what to look for in an energy plan.

And just like you might go shoe or book shopping at Zappos.com or Barnes & Noble, respectively, due to their many options, there are websites that let you shop for electricity plans from a number of REPs. An online energy broker — like Everything Energy — can show you plan options and pricing.

Because choosing a provider is a big decision, Everything Energy only presents you with plans from electricity providers in Texas you can trust. Also, the Everything Energy search tools let you sort and filter plan options by usage history, term length, plan perks and more. Plus, you can see monthly bill estimates and make apples-to-apples comparisons before you enroll. Once you find a plan, you can enroll directly without any hassle.

To get started searching for electric rates by ZIP code, click here.

Are you new to Texas, your residence or paying your energy bill? If so, you may wonder, “Who is my electricity provider?” And thanks to Texas’s unique energy market, there could be many answers to this question.

Read on to find out how to answer the question, “Who is my electricity provider?” once and for all.

Who can supply my home with electricity?

Unlike many areas of the country, most of Texas’s energy market is deregulated. That means the answer to the question “Who supplies electricity to my address?” is any retail electricity provider (REP) in your area that you want!

Texas residents have the power to choose any of the REPs in their area. Check the website of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The PUCT regulates Texas telecommunications and utilities, including electricity. You will see hundreds of active REPs!

Not all REPs operate in all areas. But you can be sure that no matter your address, you’ll have several electricity providers to choose from.

Who is my electricity supplier currently?

Have you moved to a residence that already has power? Or are you new to paying the electricity bill at your current home? In these cases, you might also be yourself asking, “Who is my electricity provider?”

To find out who your current power company is, you have a few options.

The easiest answer to this question is to find last month’s energy bill. Your bill should show your retail electricity provider and your utility company. But don’t confuse your utility with your REP! Unlike REPs, your utility company IS assigned to you based on your location. The five utility companies in Texas are CenterPoint Energy, Oncor Electric Delivery, AEP North, AEP Central and Texas-New Mexico Power.

If you don’t have this document, you can also ask the person previously responsible for paying your home’s electricity bill.

What if you rent and don’t know who your power supplier is? Simply ask your landlord, “Who is my electricity provider?”

And if those options don’t work? Double check your mail. There may be a current electricity bill waiting to be paid.

What electricity company should I use?

Once you answer the question, “Who is my electricity provider?” you can decide whether or not you want to stick with that REP or switch to a new provider. To make that decision, you should assess a few things:

• The current contract expiration date (This is important to know so you don’t cancel too early and get charged a fee)
• The current cost per kilowatt hour, plus any additional charges
• Your average monthly energy usage and average monthly electricity costs
• The other options available to you

The easiest way to find other electricity plans available in your area is to shop with an energy broker. An energy broker, like Everything Energy, can show you many plans from trusted power providers in your area. Then, you can quickly make apples-to-apples comparisons of these plans, without having to go to research each provider’s website.

To find the right electricity company for your needs and lifestyle, simply enter your ZIP code to start shopping.