Houston, Texas, is home to many suppliers in the energy market, offering residents and businesses the flexibility to choose from a variety of electricity providers. With multiple energy companies competing for customers, Houstonians can select from a wide range of energy plans tailored to their needs. Whether you’re looking for the best electricity plan, renewable energy options, or the cheapest electricity rates, this guide will help you navigate the energy market in Houston and beyond.
Texas operates under a deregulated electricity market, which means that consumers are not limited to a single utility company or energy provider. Instead, they can choose from several retail electric providers (REPs) offering competitive rates and unique energy plans. While CenterPoint Energy is responsible for maintaining power lines, meters, equipment, natural gas, and handling power outages in the Houston area, the retail electric providers are responsible for energy pricing, electricity usage, and billing.
- Reliant Energy – One of the largest electricity providers in Houston, offering fixed-rate plans, renewable energy plans, and free nights options.
- TXU Energy – A provider with various energy plans, including green energy plans and flexible rate electricity plans.
- Gexa Energy – Offers flexible Texas electricity plans for your home or business. With competitive prices and optional features for renewable energy and competitive pricing on fixed-rate plans.
- APG&E Energy – A supplier with quality customer service, simple enrollment options, and transparent fixed-rate plans, for both commercial and residential accounts.
- ENGIE Resources – One of the top electricity providers in the nation, offering business electricity plans and services to commercial and industrial accounts.
- Other Providers – Other Houston electricity providers include Direct Energy, Constellation, Just Energy, and Green Mountain Energy, all of which provide different types of energy services.
Texas electricity rates can be intimidating for some, if you don’t know what to look for. Here are common electricity plans you will come across in Houston and in other parts of Texas.
A fixed-rate plan locks in your electricity price for the duration of your contract, protecting you from fluctuations in the Houston electricity market. These plans provide stability and predictability for your monthly bill.
A variable-rate plan means that your electricity rates fluctuate based on the energy market. While you may benefit from lower electricity prices during certain months, your energy bill can also increase unexpectedly during peak hours, extreme weather, or other unforeseen events.
Green energy plans offer electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar. Many Houston electricity providers, including Gexa Energy, and Green Mountain Energy, specialize in renewable energy options for environmentally conscious consumers.
Some electric companies offer plans with free electricity during specific hours, typically nights or weekends. These plans can be beneficial for customers who consume more energy during off-peak hours.
- Energy Usage – Higher electricity consumption typically results in lower per-kWh pricing.
- Increased Demand – Houston continues to grow in population, which means the demand for electricity is increasing, which affects Houston electricity rates.
- Plan Type – Fixed-rate plans tend to offer more stability, while variable-rate plans can fluctuate monthly.
- Time of Year – Electricity demand increases during hot Texas summers. Although it’s not always the rule, the time of year can still impact electricity prices.
- Provider Competition – A competitive energy market allows consumers to shop around for the best rates. Houston electric companies know they are vying for your business, which encourages more competitive rates.
When searching for the best plan, consider the following:
- Compare Houston electricity rates from different providers.
- Determine the type of plan you would like to enroll with.
- Check for bill credits and other incentives.
- Look at contract terms and early termination fees.
- Consider whether you want a renewable energy plan.
- Evaluate your energy usage habits to find the most cost-effective plan.
- Speak to an energy expert to shop for rates and to understand a contract in more detail.
Switching electricity providers is a straightforward process:
- Compare Houston electricity plans and find the best electricity provider.
- Enroll in your chosen plan online or by phone.
- If you currently have a contract, double check the contract end date so your start date is correct.
- Your new provider will handle the switch with CenterPoint Energy.
- Monitor your electricity bill to ensure the correct pricing and plan features are applied.
Smart meters track your electricity usage in real time, helping you manage energy consumption effectively.
Adjusting your thermostat can lead to significant savings on your energy bill. Consider using a programmable thermostat to reduce energy costs.
Regularly reviewing your monthly bill can help you identify unusual charges or inefficiencies in your energy usage.
The cheapest electricity rates vary based on the provider, plan type, and market conditions. Comparing rate electricity plans regularly can help you find the best deal.
The best electricity provider depends on your specific needs. Companies like Reliant, TXU Energy, and Gexa Energy offer a variety of energy plans to suit different preferences.
Power outages in Houston are managed by CenterPoint Energy. You should contact them directly in case of an outage.
Reducing electricity usage, selecting a fixed-rate plan, limiting your usage during on-peak hours, ensuring proper insulation and maintenance, adjusting your thermostat, and taking advantage of bill credit options can help lower your energy bill.
Yes, but check your current contract for early termination fees before switching. If you switch during your contract, most suppliers have an early termination clause, which could cost you more than waiting until your contract end date to switch suppliers.
If you see a rate you like, and the start date lines up with your contract end date, you can lock in a new contract at any time!
In conclusion, Houston‘s deregulated energy market gives Texans the power to choose their electricity provider, plan type, and energy services. By researching Houston electricity providers, comparing pricing, and understanding your energy usage, you can find the best electricity plan to fit your needs. Whether you’re looking for the lowest and best fixed rates, green energy plans, or a reliable power company, there are numerous options available to ensure you receive quality electricity service at competitive rates.