Our top-rated electricity plan for Texas apartments is the Frontier Utilities Budget Saver 12 plan, which charges competitive rates per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at 500 kWh a month.
Most of the top light companies in Texas that offer electricity plans to homeowners also supply electricity to apartment dwellers. However, you should note that an energy plan designed for a large home might not be suitable for an apartment. Electricity plans charge different rates based on your consumption level, and the best plans for large houses are often more expensive for apartments and small homes. If you live in an apartment, we recommend comparing electricity rates at a usage level of 500 kWh per month to find the best Texas energy plan for your apartment.
Compare the Best Energy Companies in Texas for Apartments
In our review, Reliant Energy, Green Mountain Energy and TriEagle Energy are the top-rated light companies in Texas. For renters specifically, our research indicates that TriEagle, Champion Energy Services and Frontier Utilities are some of the top electric companies for apartments in Texas.
Below, you’ll find plans from these three electricity providers that offer rates around the Texas average rate of 15.61 cents per kWh, even at low consumption levels, making them a great option for apartments. Additionally, these providers achieved favorable scores in our review of 25-plus Texas light companies.
| Provider | Score | Featured Plan | Monthly Bill | Rate at 500 kWh | % Renewable |
| TriEagle Energy | 4.7/5 | Simple Savings 12 | $157 | 15.7¢ | 9% |
| Champion Energy Services | 4.4/5 | Champ Saver 12 | $162 | 16.2¢ | 16% |
| Frontier Utilities | 4.3/5 | Budget Saver 12 | $156 | 15.6¢ | 30% |
Note that Texas light companies typically charge higher rates at lower consumption levels because rates consist of both flat monthly fees and rates per kilowatt-hour. When you use fewer kilowatt-hours per month, that flat monthly fee counts more for each unit of energy consumed. If you check the electricity facts label (EFL) of most plans, the rate at 500 kWh per month will likely be higher than the rate at 1,000 or 2,000 kWh. This is a disadvantage for apartment owners and renters, who tend to use far less than 1,000 kWh per month.
However, because apartments typically consume far less energy than mid-size to large-size homes, monthly apartment energy costs tend to be significantly lower in comparison.
Most electricity providers in the market charge rates of over 17 cents per kWh if your monthly energy usage is 500 kWh. TriEagle Energy, Champion Energy Services and Frontier Utilities stand out for their lower rates at this consumption range.
What Is the Average Electric Bill for an Apartment in Texas?
Apartment electricity bills vary widely depending on many factors, including the square footage of the apartment, the number of people living in it, the appliances you use and the energy plan you choose. For example, a three-bedroom apartment with a high electricity rate can expect much higher bills than a studio apartment with a low rate. However, we can estimate the average electricity bill in a Texas apartment using data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
According to the latest EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey, apartments in Texas consume an average of 672 kWh per month. At the average residential rate of 15.61 cents per kWh, an apartment at this consumption level can expect a monthly bill of around $105. However, if you enroll in a plan with a higher rate, such as 18 cents per kWh, this figure increases to around $121.
What Is the Best Electricity Plan for an Apartment?
You’ll find a wide range of energy plan types to consider. However, we recommend no-gimmick, straightforward, fixed-rate electricity plans for apartments because they offer the most predictable power bills over time. Make sure you compare electricity rates at a consumption level that matches your apartment’s monthly energy usage. Your apartment’s usage will most likely be around 500 kWh, although some larger apartments can exceed 1,000 kWh.
We don’t recommend variable-rate or bill credit plans since both can make your power bills unpredictable — especially at lower energy usage levels. A time-of-use plan, sometimes called a “free nights” plan, may be viable if you’re often away from your apartment during daytime hours. However, these plans normally charge high rates outside of the free times. A renewable energy plan is also a viable option. Many green energy plans offer straightforward fixed rates with prices that are competitive with traditionally-sourced energy plans.
Our top electricity plan for Texas apartments is the Frontier Utilities Budget Saver 12 plan. Based on a monthly consumption of 500 kWh, this plan charges less per kilowatt-hour than the statewide average rate in both the Oncor electric utility territory and the CenterPoint territory, which covers Greater Houston.
No-Deposit Plans for Apartments
Prepaid electricity plans have no monthly billing period. Instead, you pay for electricity in advance, and your light company deducts your consumption from your balance. You can make payments at any time, such as once per week or once per month, as long as you keep a positive balance. Prepaid plans are also known as no-deposit plans, as they don’t require the credit check or security deposit often associated with traditional plans.
The main downside of prepaid plans is that they typically charge higher rates than postpaid plans. Most prepaid plans in the market have variable rates, making your electricity costs unpredictable. However, if you’re interested in this type of plan, we recommend Payless Power because it offers fixed rates with contract terms ranging from six to 12 months.
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing an Electric Company
Here are the most important factors to consider when comparing electricity plans for your apartment:
- Competitive Electricity Rates: Your monthly power bills depend on the electricity rate in your chosen plan. We recommend looking for a fixed-rate plan with affordable rates at your consumption level, which will likely be 500 kWh for most apartment dwellers.
- Customer Service Quality and Reliability: The best light companies not only offer affordable rates but also efficient customer service if you run into billing errors or other service issues. Before signing up, we recommend checking customer reviews to determine if the light company you’re considering offers quality customer service.
- Billing and Payment Options: We also recommend checking the payment methods available with each electricity provider. Some plans offer incentives for enrolling in automatic payments or paperless billing. Prepaid energy plans offer alternative payment methods while helping apartment renters avoid a deposit or credit check.
- Special Programs or Features for Apartment Residents: Some electricity plans offer lower rates for apartments and small homes, but you should always read the EFL before signing up. Beware of energy plans that use the word “apartment” as a marketing tactic without offering any actual benefits. In some cases, these plans may even charge above-average rates.
In Texas, landlords often request proof of electricity service before you can move into a rental home or apartment. You can request this document from your electricity provider after choosing your plan and service start date.
Thanks to the smart meters used in Texas, starting or switching your electricity service is now a fully digital process. Most electricity providers can offer same-day energy plans, but keep in mind there is a cutoff time that varies by provider. Also, note that same-day electricity is not available on Sundays or holidays.
How To Switch Electric Companies in Texas as an Apartment Renter
If your apartment has an individual power meter, you can choose an electricity plan just like a homeowner. However, this is not possible if you live in a master-metered apartment, where there is a single electricity provider for all dwelling units — chosen by the landlord.
We can help you choose an electricity plan for your apartment and switch providers in just a few minutes. Follow the steps below to compare apartment electric companies and rates.
- Punch in your ZIP code to see the best apartment electric companies in your area.
- Compare energy rates at 500 kWh per month.
- Once you’ve selected a plan, you can sign up online or over the phone. The process takes about five minutes and requires only some basic information.
You shouldn’t need to provide proof of service when switching energy plans or providers.
Note that many electricity plans have a contract term with an early termination fee (ETF). If you’re in the middle of a contract and want to switch your current plan, you must pay the ETF. However, you are exempt from cancellation fees if you switch your energy provider while moving to another apartment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apartment Electricity Providers
How can I lower my electricity bill as a renter in Texas?
The quickest way to save on power bills in an apartment is to switch to an electricity plan with lower rates. For example, if you’re currently paying 18 cents per kWh and switch to a plan that charges 14.4 cents, you will be saving 20% of your bill — even if your electricity usage stays the same.
You can achieve further savings by upgrading your light fixtures to LED lighting and adjusting your thermostat so your HVAC system runs less. If you own the apartment directly and are willing to make a larger investment, you can consider upgrading to a more efficient air conditioner and space heater.
What uses the most electricity in an apartment?
Typically, the air conditioning unit consumes more electricity than any other appliance in an apartment, especially in a southern state like Texas. According to the latest EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey, air conditioning represents 29.6% of residential electricity consumption in Texas. The second and third-largest usage loads are water heating and space heating, representing 19.8% and 16.6% of annual electricity usage, respectively.
What’s the difference between fixed-rate and variable-rate plans?
Fixed-rate plans charge a fixed kilowatt-hour price during the entire contract term, making your power bills more predictable. The most common contract terms are 12, 24 and 36 months — but you can also find plans shorter than 12 months or longer than 36 months. However, keep in mind there is an early termination fee (ETF) if you end the plan before the agreed contract term.
Variable-rate plans have no cancellation fee, giving you the flexibility to switch the plan at any time. However, these plans have a major downside: your electricity rate can change every month, making your power bills very unpredictable. You may achieve short-term savings when market rates are low, but you can expect hefty power bills when rates are high.
How We Rate and Review Texas Electricity Companies
With dozens of providers and hundreds of plans available in the deregulated Texas market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. We created a comprehensive rating methodology to help you cut through the complexity and find the best electricity plan for your needs, whether you’re moving to Texas or looking to switch providers.
We’ve researched dozens of Texas electricity providers and scored them out of 5 stars based on cost, bill predictability, customer satisfaction, brand trust, and plan features. Here’s how those core factors weighed into our ratings:
- Plan features (33%)
- Customer satisfaction and brand trust (27%)
- Plan rates and pricing (20%)
- Energy bill predictability (20%)
