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.

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.