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.

Maximizing the value you get from your power supplier is financially smart. After all, if you’re already paying for something, why wouldn’t you take advantage of it?

Today’s electricity providers offer more than just electricity. Take a look at some of the extra benefits you may not know you have access to.

What perks would a power supplier offer?

Texas has a deregulated energy market. That means a power supplier must now compete to earn your business. To do so, they need to stand out from the crowd. So, electricity providers often give customers extras that could be of value.

Here are just a few things you may be missing out on:

Apps

Many power companies have mobile apps. And they do far more than just let you pay your bill. They can also save you time, display your usage, and help you become more energy efficient.

Referral rewards

Does your power supplier have a referral program? If so, you could receive bill credits just for helping friends and family sign up. Reliant Energy is one power company with this type of reward program.

Other bill credits and discounts

Some electricity providers offer bill credits for opting into paperless billing, autopay, energy conservation programs and other services or programs.

Energy efficient gadgets

You may be able to receive a discount on energy-efficient tools from smart thermostats to backup power solutions and more. Some gadgets even come free when you enroll in a specific energy plan.

Sustainability opportunities

From solar assessments to carbon offsets, green energy suppliers may provide valuable ways to help you live greener.

Solar rebates

You may be a customer of a power supplier that offers third-party solar panel installation. Check to see if the provider offers any exclusive rebates. Some do, in addition to any federal and local solar incentives.

How do I find out if my power supplier offers these extra benefits?

Where can you find these benefits? Look over your provider’s website. Check the navigation menu for links to products, services and offers. You may have missed these benefits when you first enrolled.

Discover more extras by shopping for your next power supplier.

If you’re in the market for a new power company or plan, don’t just go with the cheapest energy supplier. You could be missing out on valuable perks from other providers. 

Try Everything Energy — the one-stop power supplier shop.

To start your home electricity search, use our advanced tools to shop and compare energy plans. It’s the easiest way to find the best electricity provider for your lifestyle!

Have you ever wondered how Texas energy providers actually power your home? Everything Energy is here with all the info! 

Deregulation and Texas energy providers

The first thing you should know is that most of Texas’ energy sectors have been de-regulated. For a long time, utilities had a monopoly on the state’s power supply chain. This included generation, transmission, distribution, metering and billing. But this all changed in 2002 with deregulation. 

Now, one entity does not control the entire supply chain. Instead, there are three main groups involved in getting power to your home: 

1. Power generation facilities
2. Retail Electricity Providers (REPs) (also known as Texas energy providers)
3. Transmission/Distribution Utilities (TDUs) [You may also hear these referred to as Transmission/Distribution Service Providers (TDSPs).]

Power generation facilities

The electricity Texas uses originates at generating facilities. The three major groups of energy sources are fossil fuels, nuclear energy and renewable energy.

REPs

The part of deregulation that most directly affects consumers is REP choice. We have the power to choose Texas retail electricity providers that meet our needs. These providers offer many rates, benefits and options to choose from.

REPs buy electricity at wholesale prices from generation facilities. Then, they resell it to consumers. They also send you your electricity bill. 

REPs compete with each other to earn your business.

TDUs & TDSPs

TDUs (or TDSPs) are the companies that actually deliver electricity to your home. They operate and maintain the poles, wires and meters.

So, who do I call during a power outage? My utility, or my Texas power company?

On first though, you may think you should report a power outage to the company that sends you your electricity bill. But Texas energy providers don’t handle this issue. Remember, the utility company maintains the poles and wires. If you call your REP, they will tell you to reach out to your TDU. So, it’s a good idea to know how to contact your utility if your power goes out.

Certain utilities serve different areas of Texas. Unlike your REP, you are assigned a utility based on your address. 

Texas has five utility companies:

• CenterPoint Energy
• Oncor Electric Delivery
• AEP Texas North
• AEP Texas Central
• Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP)

(For information on outages in your area, simply click on your utility above.)

Why does choice of Texas energy providers matter?

Energy deregulation helps consumers. It takes away the monopoly of utilities. It also forces REPs to offer the most competitive prices. And, partly due to the intense competition among REPs, it forces them to provide better, more customized services to meet people’s unique lifestyles. They are all aiming to be among the best electricity companies in Texas.

Additionally, choice of Texas energy providers matters because it gets you gives you a voice. You can weigh in on the clean energy conversation. For example, some Texas energy companies offer electricity plans with 100% renewable content, from sources like the wind and sun. Other companies offer partial renewable content, while some plans contain a minimal amount of clean energy. Plan choice reflects consumer preferences, affecting the energy sources used by generation facilities.

consumer preferences, affecting the energy sources used by generation facilities.

How do I know which of the Texas energy providers to choose?

Shopping for an REP to power your home used to be complicated and confusing. Now, with innovative tools from Everything Energy that help you narrow down your options, it’s easy to find the plan and Texas power company that best fit your lifestyle and budget. 

Start your search today here.

If you want to learn more about energy, you’re in luck. There are many sources out there for every age, level of interest and schedule. From TX power companies that power homes across the state to in-person workshops, webinars, podcasts and videos, you have many learning paths. Let’s take a look at just a small sampling of what’s available. 

Note: This post contains links to a variety of external resources such as reports, podcasts, videos and books. They are intended for informational purposes only. Everything Energy and its affiliates do not earn commission from purchases made through links to these resources. Any views or opinions expressed in these resources do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Everything Energy and its affiliates.

TX power companies’ resources

For info about electricity, wind and solar panels, energy efficiency and more, go straight to the source. Check out websites from reputable TX power companies. Many electric providers in Texas provide free and helpful resources to educate consumers. 

For example, Reliant Energy has robust web pages on saving energy at home, backup power and even home security and automation. 

Meanwhile, Green Mountain Energy offers deep dives into clean energy and how you can have a greener impact on the planet. For ways to save, Cirro Energy has a section with simplified tips.

Also, Discount Power TX has a helpful emergency storm resource center. And, Direct Energy has an entire energy-related learning center with tips on home improvement, weather preparedness and moving.

As you can see, there’s a wealth of knowledge out there. But although these Texas electricity companies have a lot of great info, they’re just the beginning.

Education beyond TX power companies

Have you checked out the info from TX power companies and still want to learn more? These resources will give you added insight into the energy industry and Texas power.

Reports

• Houston: Leading the Energy Transition explains the strategy and vision for the future of the Energy Capital of the World.
• The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook presents the outlook for energy markets through 2050.

• Energy Use in Homes shows how the electricity consumption in U.S. households varies across regions and housing types.

Podcasts

• With 146 episodes and counting, the Energy Cast podcast covers just about any energy topic you can imagine.
• Texas Energy Grid, Resilience, Fragility, and Why We Need an All-of-the-Above Energy Strategy is a podcast episode from the Institution for Policy Innovation (IPI). Experts talk about the present and future of the state’s electricity grid.
• Jump into Houston podcast The Green Insider. It offers interviews with industry insiders who are leading the clean energy transition.

Videos & Documentaries

• Switch On is a recent documentary that explores energy across the developing world.
• Power Trip: The Story of Energy is a six-part PBS series that uncovers the hidden energy behind modern life. Episodes cover water and food to cities and transportation to wealth and war.
• At 36 minutes, The Power Reset gives a quick peek at how one Bavarian community has made a complete shift to clean energy.

Books

• Empires of Light: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify the World dives into the history of electricity. Learn about the three visionaries who fought to change the world.
• In Electrify: An Optimist’s Playbook for Our Clean Energy Future, author Saul Griffith shows what a realistic energy future looks like.

Local events and classes

Now that you’ve checked out TX power companies and other types of resources, what’s next? Maybe a group or in-person energy-related event in your community would be interesting. With a little searching, you can probably find one! Try checking events calendars from your local:

• City government
• Libraries
• Community centers

Local community colleges may also offer unique continuing education courses. Topics could range from renewable energy and electric vehicles to home energy audits and energy conservation.

Also, you may find larger events, expos, webinars and conventions in your region. Here are a couple coming up that you may be interested in.

Houston

September 25, 2022
6-7pm Central

Join Texas Southern University’s Professor Hyun-Min Hwang for an online discussion, How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint. You can register for the free event here.

Austin

November 11-13, 2022
Times vary

Austin is the final stop of the multi-city Electrify Expo. This weekend festival offers fun for all ages. You can ride, drive and demo the world’s top electric vehicles, e-skateboards, e-bikes and more. Learn more and purchase tickets here. 

Discover TX power companies in your area

You’ve sampled some of the many ways you can learn more about electricity. Now it’s time to actually get some! Shop and compare energy rates in your area from trusted TX power companies. With Everything Energy’s online tools, you’re just a few clicks away from your perfect energy match. 

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

What is an electric cost calculator?

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

What are the best electric cost calculators?

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

Sample online electricity calculators

Here are a few options you can try:

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

What information do I need to calculate my energy usage?

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

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

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

• The appliance(s) you want to examine

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

How is the cost of using an appliance calculated?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do I calculate my entire energy bill?

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

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

What other types of electricity usage calculators exist?

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

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

Get more accurate monthly bill estimates with personalized pricing.

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

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

Why would I want to switch my Texas energy company?

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

• Your current plan is expiring. 

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

• You’re moving. 

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

• Your current plan no longer meets your needs. 

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

• You found a better offer.

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

• You’re not happy with your current provider.

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

Can I switch my Texas energy company or plan?

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

How do I switch my electric company or plan?

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

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

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

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

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

What are the best energy companies in Texas?

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

Have you ever wondered how you can compare power consumption of appliances in your home? Like, how much money does it take to run your refrigerator per day? Or, how much does it cost to leave your laptop plugged in all day? 

There is a handy little device that can tell you all this info and more. And, it might just be your secret weapon on your quest to have the cheapest electricity bill possible.

How can I compare energy prices for each electronic item in my home?

Every plugged-in item in your home draws some electricity. Figuring out which items drain a lot of extra energy is key to proactively lowering your energy usage. A watt meter can help determine energy draw for each device or appliance.

A watt meter is also called a power meter, or electricity usage monitor. It’s a small, handheld device that measures: 

• The voltage of the outlet itself (how much potential energy it can produce)
• How many kilowatts an electrical device plugged in consumes over a period of time

A quick review of watts, kilowatts and kilowatt hours

For reference, a watt (W) is a unit of power. A kilowatt (kW) is 1,000 watts, and a kilowatt hour (kWh) is how much energy a machine needs to use in order to run for one hour. Electricity providers’ bills show us how many kWh of energy we use each month. The monthly usage is then multiplied by the cost per kWh to find out how much we owe for energy. (Note: Fees and other charges can increase the final balance). 

How do I use a watt meter?

You can easily use a watt meter to compare power use of items in your home. Follow these three simple steps:

Step 1: Get plugged in.

Plug the watt meter into a three-pronged outlet. Then, plug the item whose usage you want to monitor into the watt meter’s outlet. 

Step 2: Enter your settings.

Following the watt meter manual, set your cost per kWh. (Hint: If you’re not sure where to find this information, check your Electricity Facts Label.)

Step 3: Check back later.

When you check the meter, you will see a reading for how many kilowatts the item has used since it was plugged in. You can also check the total cost it has racked up in that time period. As a result, you can now do some simple math to calculate how much the item uses in a day, week or month. 

Once you know this information, you can compare power consumption among your appliances and electronic devices. You can also compare power consumption of one item when it is in use and when it is in standby mode, too. 

A watt meter empowers you with knowledge, which you can use to take action. For instance, maybe you will decide to unplug heavy energy consumers when not in use to avoid phantom load. Or, maybe you will replace an old and inefficient appliance with one that’s Energy Star-rated. 

Where do I get a watt meter?

Watt meters can be found at home improvement stores. Also, many online retailers, such as Amazon, sell them. Plus, your local library may even have one you can check out for free! 

Compare power companies and plans online.

Compare electricity rates and electricity providers online to find the best match for you and your family’s energy needs. With personalized shopping tools just a few clicks away, Everything Energy helps you narrow down your options with ease. Therefore, why wait another minute — start shopping for energy today.

In 2021, there were 143 billion app downloads (more than doubling 2015’s total) and 7 million apps available across iOS and Android platforms. So, it’s no surprise that many power companies in Texas have their own customer applications.  

First and foremost, these energy apps make it easy to do everyday activities such as pay your electric bill and contact customer service. However, they also provide innovative ways to track and manage your electricity usage, connect other related services and even educate yourself to become a more empowered consumer.

Take a peek at some of the amazing things these powerful electricity apps can help you do.

Understand your Texas power usage

While you can’t control your electricity plan’s cost per kWh, you can alter the way you use energy in your home. This can help you become more energy efficient and help lower your bill. Many apps from Texas energy companies help you better understand how you have used electricity in the past. That way, you can make changes to lower your usage in the future. 

1. View your energy usage history

Have you been with the same electricity provider for more than a year? It’s informative to see how much energy you used each month and compare it to previous years of usage. For instance, you may wonder how many kWh you used during an exceptionally hot month or a month where you were out of town for two weeks and left the air conditioner set at 82°. Being able to compare a month like this to that same month the previous year helps you understand the impact of certain environmental or situational factors. Knowing where you’ve been is the only way to know where you’re going.

>> Power tip: Accessing your monthly usage can also help when shopping for a new electricity plan from trusted power companies in Texas. Using Everything Energy, you can view plans and pricing based on your average kWh usage. Simply filter by 500, 1000 or 2000 kWh of usage per month.

2. Monitor your current electricity usage

Smart Meters have advanced our knowledge of personal energy consumption tremendously. We can now see, in near-real time, how we’re using electricity. Many Texas energy companies have apps that can show you your Smart Meter data. Knowing your daily or weekly usage can help you pinpoint energy spikes or dips better than a monthly figure. Then, you can better adjust your thermostat settings, behavior and other factors accordingly.

>> Power tip: By granting Everything Energy access to your Smart Meter Texas usage data, you can view personalized monthly bill estimates. You’ll see projections based directly on your historical electricity usage. You’ll even be provided with a usage analysis, so you can understand how and when you use electricity. For example, we’ll show you have much you use on weekends and weekdays, daytime or nighttime. From there, you can filter your search results to find the plan that best suits your needs. 

3. Learn more about factors that affect your bill

Some apps from power companies in Texas show you how your usage (and bill) can be affected by outside factors. With interactive and customizable graphs, you can see how trends, costs and weather in your area can have a direct impact on your energy use.

Pay your electricity bill

Energy mobile apps let you do even more than just learning about your electricity usage. They also make it easy to pay your monthly bill on time and perform other billing-related actions with just a few taps. 

4. View your current balance

Getting an on-demand balance is helpful if you need to move funds around to make a payment. Or if you want to utilize the figure as you compile your monthly budget. Some apps can even show you a day-by-day balance, so you can estimate your total balance when it comes time to pay.

5. Change your payment method

Need to update your payment details? Gone are the days of calling customer service, waiting on hold and digging through your files to find your account number. Mobile apps make self-service tasks like switching or updating your payment method simple. So, if your card expired, you had to get a replacement card or you just want to pay your bill from a different account, no worries. All you have to do is open the app and edit the details in your settings.

6. Set bill payment reminders

Many electricity apps give you the ability to set a reminder to pay your bill. This feature helps you stay on top of your bills and avoid incurring late fees. It can also serve as an extra reminder if you’re on paperless billing and your e-bills tend to get lost in your inbox. Ditto if you pay your bill by check but you sometimes don’t open mail right away.

7. Schedule a payment to your Texas power company

All it takes to change the day your bill is paid electronically are a few clicks in your energy provider’s app. That means if you’re experiencing a cash shortage or waiting for a deposit to clear, this feature has you covered. It can help you avoid costly overdraft or non-sufficient fund fees from your bank or credit union.

8. Switch between multiple addresses and accounts

Do you receive power at more than one address? Some power companies in Texas have apps that require only a single sign-on for you to manage all of the service locations in your account. This saves you time and the inconvenience of remembering several login passwords.

Manage your Texas electricity provider account

Mobile apps from electric companies have made it easier than ever to take control of your account. Now, you can manage your profile, preferences, services and more.

9. Manage your Texas power services

Paperless billing, autopay and average monthly billing — along with other services your provider may offer — can often be activated (or deactivated) through use of their app.

10. Sign up for add-ons

In addition to those mentioned above, some energy providers offer a suite of related products and services available to consumers. These can include everything from energy-efficient products and backup power to home warranties and donations to support non-profits. Each provider offers unique opportunities, which you can often sign up for directly in the provider’s app.

11. Renew your plan or enroll in a new plan

Are you satisfied with your current Texas electricity provider? Don’t want to shop Texas electricity rates before your current plan expires? You may be able to continue your service in the provider’s app. Whether you have the option to renew your current plan or sign up for a different offer, completing the transaction via a mobile app can be convenient and easy. 

12. Transfer your service to a new address

Moving to a different apartment or house can be stressful. But many mobile apps from energy providers make it easy to just take your plan with you. That means you can schedule your electricity to be turned on in your new place (and turned off in your old place) for a seamless transition.

13. View your contract and plan documents

If you ever need to review your electricity plan’s Terms of Use, Electricity Facts Label or other documents, they can usually be found with your plan details in the provider’s mobile app. This makes it easy should you want to check on items such as your plan’s renewable energy content, price per kWh, early termination fees and more.

Become an empowered energy consumer

Many modern electricity companies want to help consumers make informed decisions about their home energy and how it fits in with their life holistically. This is especially true in the Lone Star State. Most people have the power to choose a Texas energy plan from a lengthy list of providers competing for their business. The electricity companies’ apps provide the perfect medium to share this type of useful information.

14. Earn referral rewards

Some power companies in Texas have referral programs. For example, you can earn a perk like a bill credit when you refer friends and family. This feature can often be accessed via the app, which makes it easier to share your referral ID or link. 

15. Track your green impact

If you’re enrolled in an electricity plan that features energy from renewable sources, some apps let you see just how much of an impact you’re making. For instance, stats and equivalencies can put your impact into real-world terms. Meanwhile, earning badges can be a fun way to motivate yourself to continue living sustainability. 

16. Link and manage your electric vehicle (EV)

Some energy apps may give you the option to schedule when to start and stop charging your EV. If you typically charge at night, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to plug in before going to bed. And if you’re enrolled in a time-of-use electricity plan, this feature can be beneficial to the grid and your bill by charging up during off-peak hours when demand and energy rates are lower.

 17. Sync your electricity with other services

The “smart home” continues to evolve. Some energy apps give you the ability to control your smart thermostat, home security system and solar panel production for greater convenience and efficiency.

18. Contact customer service

Help on the go is just a few taps away with an energy app. For questions or problems about your electricity service or account, mobile apps can give you easy access to customer support through email, chat and/or phone. 

Endless options from power companies in Texas 

Perhaps you want an electricity plan with a mobile app that does it all. Or maybe you’d rather have a no-frills, tech-lite plan that keeps it simple. Either way, you can choose the Texas power option that best fits your needs, preferences and lifestyle. To find the perfect match, Everything Energy provides a straightforward way to shop and compareenergy providers and plans available in your area. Start your shopping today!