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Compare Houston’s Top Electricity Providers and Cheap Rates

Written by Dominique Sabins

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Edited by Jamie Cesanek

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Last Updated:

Explore today's low rates and compare energy plans.

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Best electricity rates in Houston today

Plan NamePlan LengthRate*
Express Energy - Flash 1212 months$0.108/ kWh
Frontier Utilities - Frontier Saver Plus 24 Plan24 months$0.108/ kWh
4Change Energy - Maxx Saver Select 2424 months$0.108/ kWh
Discount Power - Bill Credit Bundle 2424 months$0.108/ kWh
Gexa Energy - Gexa Eco Saver Plus 12 Plan12 months$0.108/ kWh
Cirro - Simple Bill Credit 2424 months$0.114/ kWh
Veteran Energy - Valor 1212 months$0.129/ kWh
Reliant - Reliant Power Savings 24 plan24 months$0.139/ kWh
TriEagle Energy - Real Deal 3636 months$0.145/ kWh
TXU Energy - Smart Edge 1212 months$0.149/ kWh
Direct Energy - Live Brighter Lite 1212 months$0.155/ kWh
Rhythm Energy - Clear Choice 3636 months$0.164/ kWh
Green Mountain - Pollution Free e-Plus 24 Preferred24 months$0.177/ kWh
Payless Power - 6 Month - prepaid6 months$0.178/ kWh
BKV Energy - Lantana 1212 months$0.183/ kWh

Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 12/20/2024, 11:47:47 PM CST for ZIP Code 77002. Rates may have changed since this date/time. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above.

*All pricing shown in cents per kWh

Average Houston energy rates in December 2024

  • The average Houston electricity rate for 1000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) is 15.15 cents, according to our marketplace data. This rate is 1.25% higher than the Texas average and 10% lower than the national average.
  • The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) data show that the average Texas electricity rate is 14.96 cents per kWh. This rate is about 11% lower than the U.S. average of 16.83 cents per kWh.
  • The commercial Texas electricity rate is 8.93 cents per kWh (about 34% lower than the national average).

Choose Energy experts’ top picks for December 2024

With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to know which plan is the best for you. That’s why our experts at Choose Energy picked out their top Houston energy plans for December 2024. Consider these plans when shopping for cheap electricity.

  • Gexa Energy Eco Save Plus 12: Customers with monthly electricity consumption between 1000 kWh and 2000 kWh can receive a bill credit of $100 every month.
  • TXU Energy Smart Edge 12: TXU offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee and same-day service until 5 p.m. You’ll also get a $30 bill credit each month you use more than 800 kWh.
  • TriEagle Energy Silver Eagle 12: TriEagle is very popular with consumers due to its transparent pricing structure. The cheapest rates on this plan type are available to customers who use more than 2000 kWh per month.

Types of Houston energy plans

You can find various energy plan types on the Choose Energy marketplace. Your exact rate depends on your location and choice of plan, but it will fall under one of the following categories. Review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) of your chosen plan to understand all of its components.

  • Fixed-rate plans: Fixed-rate plans are best if you prefer a predictable monthly energy bill because the electricity rate remains consistent for the length of the 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 during increased demand.
  • 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 upfront and skip paying a deposit.
  • Renewable energy plans: All energy plans in Texas include a portion of renewable energy. Some providers, like Gexa Energy, offer 100% green energy plans. To explore this option, filter for renewable energy when shopping on Choose Energy.
  • Commercial energy plans: Businesses in Texas can take advantage of competitive energy rates and plans. Contact us today by calling the number on your screen to compare business energy rates with Choose Energy.

Houston electric companies

In Texas’s deregulated electricity market, utility companies and electricity providers play different roles. Utilities deliver power to homes, maintain electrical lines, and respond to power outages and other emergencies. CenterPoint Energy is Houston’s utility company.

However, energy providers sell electricity to residents and handle account details like billing. Use the Choose Energy marketplace to compare cheap energy rates and plans from over a dozen leading light companies in Houston. You can filter for plans by rate type, term length, provider, and more.

Compare energy suppliers in Houston

Explore a few of Houston’s top energy companies and their cheapest rates.

ProviderLowest Available RateBest for
4Change logo10.8 ¢/kWhCommunity involvement
Cirro energy logo11.9 ¢/kWhElectrical protection plans
Direct energy logo15.5 ¢/kWhA variety of term lengths and perks
Discount power logo11.9 ¢/kWhVariety of plan types
Express Energy logo10.9 ¢/kWhDeferred payment plans
frontier logo10.8 ¢/kWhVariety of competitively priced plans
gexa logo10.8 ¢/kWhGreen energy plans
Green Mountain logo17.7 ¢/kWh100% renewable energy
17.2 ¢/kWhPrepaid electricity plans
reliant logo14.4 ¢/kWhMoving assistance
16 ¢/kWhCustomer-centric approach
trieagle logo13.7 ¢/kWhEnergy monitoring and bill credit reward programs
TXU logo14.9 ¢/kWhOverall experience
TXU logo12.9 ¢/kWhPartners with veteran support organizations

Average electric bill in Houston

According to the latest EIA data, Houston customers pay an average of $171.44/month using an average of 1,146 kWh. The average bill and energy usage in Houston is higher compared to the national electricity rate averages of $143.90/month and 855 kWh of usage.

Average Texas electricity rateLowest Choose Energy rate
14.96 cents/kWh10.8 cents/kWh

Understanding deregulation in Houston

The deregulated energy market in Texas is beneficial for residents and businesses because energy companies compete to offer you competitive rates and the best customer service. With deregulation, you can compare suppliers to find the lowest rate and an energy plan tailored to your home or business needs.

In Houston, you will find many electricity companies to choose from, which can 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 all of the available options in your area. Sort and narrow your options with filters, such as by the provider, plan type, and other preferences. When you find a plan that suits your needs, you can sign up in minutes. Call the number on your screen for assistance by one of our agents.

Find the right energy plan with Choose Energy

Choose Energy provides accurate, up-to-date information about the Houston electricity plans and energy providers near you. 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.

Frequently asked questions about Houston electricity rates

What is the cheapest electricity rate in Texas?

Right now, the cheapest electricity rate on Choose Energy is 10.8 cents per kWh. You can secure this rate from 4Change Energy, Gexa Energy, Discount Power, Frontier Utilities, and Express Energy. Since electricity prices can change frequently, enter your ZIP code to check today’s lowest rates.

When is the best time to buy electricity in Texas?

Houston electricity rates often increase in the summer due to extreme temperatures and external factors like politics and environmental changes. However, rates typically drop during times of the year when energy demand is lower, like in the fall and early winter. You may secure a better rate by buying an energy plan during times of lower demand.

How much electricity does Houston use?

While city-specific usage is difficult to pinpoint, data from the EIA shows Texas has a high average residential energy usage. Most Texas households consume about 1,146 kWh every month, much higher than the U.S. average of 855 kWh per month. The high average usage in Texas is likely due to the hot summer months when residents rely more on air conditioning.

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

Texas residents must choose an energy supplier to have electricity. Choose Energy helps simplify this process with an easy-to-use platform allowing you to instantly compare available plans. Enter your ZIP code or call our experts to get started.

Who do I contact during a power outage in Houston?

If you lose power in Houston, contact CenterPoint Energy at 1-800-332-7143 or report an outage online. You can receive updates on when your service will resume. Do not contact your electricity provider — it is not responsible for restoring energy during a power outage.

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