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 16th 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!