Compare Houston Electric Rates

• The average Houston electric rate for 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) is 13.79 cents. This rate is 11.3% lower than the Texas average and 21% lower than the national average.
• The average Texas electricity rate is 17.34 cents per kWh, based on our marketplace data. This rate is about 0.6% lower than the U.S. average (17.45 cents per kWh).
• The commercial Texas electricity rate is 9 cents per kWh (about 32% lower than the national average).

It’s typical for energy rates to rise in summer as a result of the hot weather and increased electricity demand. To beat summer pricing, consider shopping for an energy plan that offers a cheap electricity rate or competitive bill credits. According to our experts, these plans are your best bet this month:

• 4Change Energy Maxx Saver Select 12: Currently one of Houston’s cheapest electric rates, this plan from 4Change Energy helps you lock in extra savings with a bill credit. Use more than 1,000 kWh of electricity to receive a $100 bill credit each month.
• Rhythm Energy Clear Choice 36: This plan has a high credit score requirement, but it’s a must-pick if you qualify. The best part about the Clear Choice plan is a straightforward electricity rate with no strings attached — your base energy charge stays the same regardless of your usage level.
• Gexa Energy Eco Saver Premier 12: If you have a large household or complex energy needs, such as a pool, this plan rewards high electricity usage. When you use over 2,000 kWh of electricity, you’ll get a $150 bill credit to decrease your monthly energy costs.

Call the number on your screen to learn which plan is the best fit for you this summer. You can also enter your ZIP code on our marketplace to use our free plan comparison tool.

Customers can shop through plenty of plan options on Choose Energy’s independent marketplace. To pick the best option for your needs, review the most common plan types:

• Fixed-rate plans: Fixed-rate plans provide predictable monthly energy costs because the electricity rate remains the same for your entire contract. However, you may incur an early termination fee (ETF) for ending your contract early.
• Variable-rate plans: These plans do not require a long-term contract, but your rate will vary based on market conditions. While you could save money during times of low demand, you may pay higher rates when there is increased demand, such as in the summer.
• Prepaid and no-deposit plans: Depending on your credit score, you may have to pay a deposit for enrollment. By selecting a no-deposit or prepaid energy plan, you can pay for electricity in advance and skip the deposit.
• Renewable energy plans: All energy plans in Texas include a portion of renewable energy. Some light companies, like Gexa Energy, Green Mountain Energy, and Rhythm Energy, offer 100% green energy plans. To explore this option, filter for renewable energy when shopping on our marketplace.
• Commercial energy plans: Businesses in Texas can take advantage of competitive energy rates and plans. Call the number on your screen to compare business energy rates with Choose Energy today.

In search of ways to optimize your energy options? Keep these suggestions in mind when shopping for electricity in Houston:

• Opt for a fixed-rate plan if you want a lower electricity bill. While a variable-rate plan might have a lower rate at the time of shopping, it can change month to month and result in a higher bill if energy demand increases. Fixed-rate plans allow you to budget for your energy and secure a stable rate.
• Look for plans and providers that offer bill credits. Some plans include bill credits when you use a certain amount of energy. This is normally a fixed amount, such as $100 off your bill when you use 1,000 kWh of energy. Bill credits can significantly lower your energy costs.
• Check if you have a smart meter before shopping for energy. Most Texans have smart meters that can be remotely activated. This will allow you to begin your new electricity plan quicker without a visit from a technician.
• Read our provider reviews. We review every Texas electricity company on our marketplace to help you discover a good fit. Our reviews assess customer service, plan variety, and online accessibility.

Explore affordable rates from some of Houston’s top light companies.

If finding a cheap energy plan is your main goal, compare options from these popular Houston providers offering our lowest rates.

• Gexa Energy specializes in 100% renewable energy plans and typically provides some of our lowest rates. This provider also offers additional opportunities to save with bill credits on select plans.
• Frontier Utilities is a Houston-based energy provider with a wide variety of fixed-rate plans. Frontier allows customers to lock in a long-term, cheap contract for up to three years.
• 4Change Energy typically lands in our top five cheapest electricity companies. It is also committed to charitable giving and donates 4% of its profits to Texas charities.
• Express Energy is a great budget-friendly Texas energy provider. With a range of fixed-rate options at various contract lengths, there’s something for every shopper.

Regardless of your chosen energy provider, your utility company is determined by your location. Texas utility companies deliver electricity, maintain electrical lines, and repair power outages. Houston’s utility company is CenterPoint Energy. Here are a few ways to contact CenterPoint Energy:

• Report a power outage online
• Call 800-332-7143 or 713-207-2222 for customer service

Houston residents typically pay $158.6 and use approximately 1,146 kWh of electricity monthly. This is based on our marketplace’s average energy rate of 13.84 cents per kWh. Houston’s average bill is 8.42% higher than the current national average bill of $146.29 per month. In general, Texans consume more electricity than other states due to high temperatures.

The deregulated energy market benefits consumers in Texas because energy companies compete to offer cheap rates and high-quality service. With deregulation, you can compare suppliers to find the lowest rate and an energy plan tailored to your home or business.

In Houston, you will find many electricity companies to choose from, which may complicate your decision. The simplest way to compare and sign up for an energy plan is with Choose Energy. Start by entering your ZIP code to review available options in your area. Sort and narrow your options with filters like provider, plan type, and other preferences. You can sign up in minutes when you find a plan that suits your needs. Call the number on your screen if you need assistance from one of our agents.

Choose Energy provides accurate, up-to-date information about Houston electricity plans and energy providers. Use the following steps to switch providers or sign up for a new plan today.

• Enter your ZIP code: Compare available energy plans and rates in your area. Use the sort and filter features to tailor results to your preferences.
• Pick a plan: After reviewing your chosen plan’s EFL, you can sign up online in a few minutes. If you need help selecting a plan, call the number on your screen for an agent.
• Enjoy your new plan: Your energy supplier will set up your new service without power interruption.

What is the cheapest electricity rate in Houston right now?

Currently, the cheapest electricity rate on Choose Energy is 9.6 cents per kWh from APG&E. You can shop plans from these providers by entering your ZIP code or calling our team.

When is the best time to buy electricity in Houston?

The best time to buy electricity in Houston is early spring or late fall. These seasons tend to be cheaper because the weather is moderate and electricity demand is low. In contrast, summer and winter are typically more expensive because the weather can be intense. As customers try to keep their homes and businesses at a comfortable temperature, electricity usage rises.

Are energy rates higher in July?

Energy rates usually spike in response to extreme weather and heightened electricity consumption. Historically, when the demand for energy increases, so do energy rates. July can be a challenging month because temperatures are high in Houston, and it’s the beginning of hurricane season. Rates on our marketplace are still as low as 9.6 cents per kWh, but they could rise as the month progresses.

What happens if I don’t buy energy from a supplier?

Texas residents in deregulated cities must choose an energy supplier to receive electricity. Choose Energy simplifies this process with an easy-to-use platform where you can instantly compare available plans. Don’t get stuck without power — enter your ZIP code or call our experts to get started.

Is renewable energy more expensive?

Renewable energy is not necessarily more expensive than traditional energy plans. Multiple Texas energy companies, such as Gexa Energy and Rhythm Energy, offer competitive renewable energy plans. Filter for green energy on our marketplace to find one that fits your budget.