What’s the Average Electric Bill in Texas?
If you live in Texas—or you’re thinking about moving here—one of the first things you'll notice is that the state has a lot of variety when it comes to everything, including electricity bills. With our hot summers and unpredictable weather, you might be wondering, What can I expect to pay for electricity each month?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll break down what affects your electric bill in Texas, the average monthly cost, and some tips to help you keep those bills in check.
What’s the Average Electric Bill in Texas?
Right now, the average electric bill in Texas is somewhere between $200 and $250 a month. But here's the thing—your bill could be higher or lower depending on a few things, like your home size, the weather, your energy plan, and where you live.
For example:
Big homes or high energy use: If you live in a larger home or have a lot of gadgets running all the time, your bill could be on the higher end of the spectrum.
Texas weather: Summers are sweltering, so if you rely heavily on AC, expect those summer bills to climb. Winters in some parts of Texas can be surprisingly cold, which might mean more heating costs.
Electricity plans: Texas has a deregulated electricity market, meaning you get to choose your electricity plan. Your choice of plan (fixed-rate, variable-rate, or time-of-use) can have a big impact on how much you pay.
What Affects Your Electric Bill?
The Deregulated Market in Texas One thing that makes Texas unique is that we have a deregulated energy market. This means that, unlike in other states where the government controls the electricity rates, Texans can choose their electricity provider from a wide range of options. This gives you the chance to shop around for the best rates or plans that suit your lifestyle. But, it also means that if you’re not careful, your rates can change—especially if you’re on a variable plan.
Seasonal Weather We all know Texas can be hot, hot, hot in the summer, and that's when your electric bill can really skyrocket. Air conditioning is essential for most of us, and in the summer, you're probably using it pretty much all the time. On the flip side, when winter rolls around, electricity demand drops—unless you’re in one of those rare colder spells! So, you may see your bill dip a little in winter, but your heating system could still add up in the colder months.
Home Size and Efficiency The size of your home definitely impacts your bill. A bigger house with more rooms to cool or heat means you’ll use more electricity. But don’t forget about energy efficiency! If your home isn’t insulated well or your appliances are older, your bill can be much higher. Updating to more energy-efficient appliances or adding insulation can make a big difference.
Your Electricity Plan Texas offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to electricity plans, and the one you choose can have a huge impact on how much you pay each month. Some of the most common plans include:
Fixed-rate plans: These plans lock in a rate for the duration of your contract (usually 12 months). They offer predictable billing, but sometimes they can be a little higher than other options during certain seasons.
Variable-rate plans: As the name suggests, these rates fluctuate based on market conditions. If you’re lucky, you might get a great deal during off-peak times, but prices can spike during high-demand periods (hello, Texas summer heat!).
Time-of-use plans: With these plans, the price you pay for electricity depends on the time of day you use it. If you can shift your energy usage to the evening or overnight (when demand is lower), you might pay less.
Tips to Keep Your Electric Bill Low in Texas
Even though Texas has some pretty high electricity bills, there are plenty of ways you can keep your costs down. Here are some tips to help you save:
Shop Around for the Best Plan: Take advantage of Texas’s deregulated market and compare electricity plans. You might find one that offers a better rate for your needs, whether that’s a fixed-rate plan for peace of mind or a variable-rate plan for flexibility.
Go Energy-Efficient: If your appliances are older or less efficient, upgrading to newer, energy-efficient models can really help lower your monthly bill. Also, switching to LED light bulbs and using power strips can cut down on electricity waste.
Keep Your HVAC System in Check: Your heating and cooling systems work overtime in Texas, so regular maintenance is key. A quick tune-up before summer and winter seasons can help your AC and heater run more efficiently and keep your bills lower.
Install a Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats are pretty awesome because they automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule. They can help you avoid wasting energy when you’re not home and keep things comfortable without running up the bill.
Seal Leaks and Insulate: Proper insulation and sealing gaps around windows and doors can keep cool air in during the summer and warm air in during the winter. This means your HVAC won’t have to work as hard, and you’ll save on energy.
Monitor Your Usage: Many electricity providers have apps or online tools where you can track your energy usage in real time. Keeping an eye on how much power you’re using can help you spot trends and make adjustments, especially during the hot summer months.
Some Modern Electric Thoughts
So, what’s the average electric bill in Texas? Right now, it’s typically between $200 and $250 a month. But with all the factors at play—like home size, weather, and your energy plan—it’s really up to you to keep things in check.
By choosing the right electricity plan, being mindful of your energy usage, and making your home more energy-efficient, you can definitely keep your bill lower. And remember, if you ever need help navigating Texas's energy market or just want to learn more about ways to save, we’re here to help!
Got any questions or tips of your own? Feel free to leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you!