Author: Julia Borodaenko

Knowing how much energy your refrigerator uses can help you take control of your home’s energy consumption levels. Your refrigerator is one of the few appliances in your house that operates 24/7 and also uses a significant amount of energy. How much energy your fridge uses depends on its size, type, age and the ambient … Continued

A home energy audit or assessment identifies areas in your home where you can conserve energy and save money on your electricity bills. A typical home energy audit can cost anywhere between $200 and $700. Note that this is an average range based on industry research, and the actual cost of an audit can vary … Continued

As of November 2024, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has listed around 1,600 electricity plans and more than 300 available providers. Many electricity plans offer fixed rates and predictable monthly bills, but other plans use hidden fees and “pricing gimmicks” to charge you more — all while advertising low rates. In this guide, … Continued

You may be able to cut down on your monthly energy bills by changing how and when you do your laundry. While scheduling when you run a load of laundry won’t help everyone save, it can be beneficial if your home is powered by what we call a time-of-use energy plan. Many utility companies and … Continued

Texas is one of the hottest states in the U.S., although Arizona, Louisiana, Florida and Hawaii also often experience extreme heat. As the second-largest state, Texas’s vast landmass spans multiple climate zones and comprises varying geological features. Texans in the west experience arid desert conditions, while residents in east Texas experience humid subtropical conditions due … Continued

Energy deregulation redefined the energy buying process, giving you the power to choose your energy provider. In the past, you’d typically have to rely on a single government-regulated utility company that monopolized the energy sector, controlling power generation, transmission and electricity sales. Deregulation of the energy market began in the 1990s in response to the … Continued

It’s a common misconception that closing vents in unused rooms can save money by reducing heating and cooling costs. However, this practice can actually increase energy consumption and put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. When vents are closed, air pressure builds up in the ductwork, potentially causing leaks or damage to the system. Additionally, … Continued

Indexed energy plans are a type of electricity plan in which the rate you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is tied to a publicly available index or market rate. These plans can fluctuate as rapidly as every 15 minutes based on the cost of electricity in the market. Unlike fixed-rate plans, where the price per kilowatt-hour … Continued

Understanding the power consumption of your TV is essential for managing household energy bills. TVs can significantly contribute to your overall electricity usage and, therefore, are a considerable chunk of your monthly energy costs. Your TV consumes more power than you may realize, especially larger models. That said, mall habits — turning off the TV … Continued

Time-of-use (TOU) energy plans charge discounted electricity prices to encourage you to shift your energy usage and potentially save on your energy costs. Some time-of-use plans even offer free electricity. But can time-of-use plans actually help you save, or are they a gimmick that may end up costing you? First, what is a TOU plan? … Continued

Shopping for energy in Texas can feel overwhelming. Deregulation has led to hundreds of energy plans, dozens of electric companies and lots of confusion. While deregulation means that you have the power to choose your light company, it also means you’re responsible for making the right choice. By reviewing your energy usage needs, comparing electricity … Continued

Month-to-month electricity plans allow you to avoid a long-term contract while keeping your lights turned on in Texas. While fixed-rate contracts typically last one to three years and feature fixed rates, month-to-month plans often have variable rates that fluctuate based on market conditions, such as increased demand, season and the price of natural gas.  The … Continued

The effective rate of an electricity plan is the rate you actually pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of your energy usage, which can include flat monthly fees, an energy charge per kilowatt-hour, and utility delivery fees, all while accounting for potential discounts. Meanwhile, advertised rates, also referred to as the average rate per kilowatt-hour, can deceptively … Continued

We commonly use the term electricity to describe the energy that flows out of our wall units to power our appliances. However, in its most basic form, electricity is not just something that flows through cables but is the name of the energy that results from the behavior of charged particles like electrons and protons. … Continued

Energy and electricity costs impact homeowners and renters differently, from their monthly bills to their ability to make energy-efficient improvements. Our survey of 1,008 Americans — 51% homeowners and 49% renters — examined how these groups handle energy expenses and more. The results reveal clear differences in financial strain, electricity use and access to efficiency … Continued

Free nights electricity plans, also called time-of-use plans, offer free electricity during specific nighttime hours but charge higher rates during the day when energy demand peaks. Energy companies offer this plan type to reduce grid strain during busy hours and encourage you to use power when demand is lower.   These plans work best for those … Continued

Bill credit electricity plans offer a discount on your bill through a monthly credit that applies when your usage meets a certain energy consumption threshold. This discount is called a “bill credit” or “usage credit.” Electricity providers created bill credit plans that advertise ultra-low rates as a marketing tactic in the increasingly competitive deregulated energy … Continued

Texas has a varied history of extreme cold weather, characterized by sharp drops in temperature that have tested statewide grid resilience and other infrastructure. Like the extreme heat that causes energy rate spikes in summer, Texas’s cold weather can impact both energy usage increases and spikes in electricity prices. The state’s most severe cold weather … Continued

How do multi-person households manage energy costs, and what challenges arise in maintaining financial harmony? Our survey of 1,014 respondents offers insights into shared household electricity usage, generational differences, and cost-saving strategies. Shared households are living arrangements with roommates or multi-generational family members under one roof. Below, we explore how Americans in these setups divide … Continued

As energy costs climb, many Americans are feeling the squeeze — especially when it comes to homeownership. A recent Home Energy Club survey of over 1,000 homeowners and potential homebuyers reveals how rising expenses are affecting decisions around buying, maintaining and even keeping their homes. Many are delaying home purchases and even rethinking the American … Continued

Same-day electricity service offers Texans a convenient way to get a quick power connection. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, experienced a last-minute emergency or simply forgot to set up your service, same-day connections ensure power connection within 24 hours of your request. While not every energy supplier in Texas offers same-day services, … Continued

As the name suggests, a prepaid electricity plan is a type of plan that allows you to pay for your electricity before you use it. Unlike traditional, post-paid plans, prepaid plans don’t require you to pay a deposit amount. Prepaid plans also don’t require a credit check and offer more flexibility to pay for power … Continued

A typical Texas electricity bill has numerous components, which can make it confusing for customers to understand all the charges and costs correctly. Understanding your electric bill properly can also help you manage energy costs more effectively by making more informed decisions. Read on for a closer look at the components of a Texas electricity … Continued

Knowing who your Texas energy supplier is can help you understand what your current energy costs are, as well as what other options may be out there, what factors impact your monthly electricity rates and how you might be able to save money on electricity. Texas has a deregulated energy market, which accounts for approximately … Continued

What Is a Switch-Hold? A switch-hold is a hold on your electricity account that prevents you from switching your electricity provider. Switch-holds help companies collect unpaid bills or address meter tampering issues but can also provide convenience to consumers through deferred payment options. Reasons for Placing a Switch-Hold on an Account Your retail electricity provider … Continued

No-deposit electricity plans allow you to pay upfront for energy instead of at the end of the month. You add money to your account and the electric company pulls from these funds as you use power. You’ll get alerts when your balance is low so you can recharge your account and avoid disconnection or additional … Continued

Rising electricity bills can be attributed to two key factors: changes in household consumption and increasing energy rates. Even when usage remains constant, rate increases can lead to higher monthly costs. Conversely, increased usage — such as running the air conditioning unit more frequently during summer months — will drive up bills even if rates … Continued

According to August data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Texas’s average electricity rate is 15.61 cents per kWh, 8.2% lower than the national average of 16.94 cents per kWh. However, Texas has higher average monthly usage than most other states, making the average electric bill more expensive. Using the 2023 average usage of … Continued

As Texas faces ongoing challenges with its power grid, residents are concerned about electricity rate hikes. Many households already struggle to cover current energy bills, and Texans are grappling with tough decisions about their budgets, trust in utility companies and long-term energy solutions. This survey sheds light on the financial pressures and priorities shaping the … Continued

Whether you’re a resident of the Texas deregulated energy market or you live in one of the many other deregulated states, you may benefit from switching energy providers. As you start your search for a new light company, you’ll find that most areas in Texas have dozens of energy providers and hundreds of electricity plans … Continued

Average Electricity Bill in the U.S. by State Our analysis at Home Energy Club shows that the average monthly electricity bill for a U.S. household is $137, adding up to $1,644 annually. However, because energy usage and electricity rates vary by state, the average energy cost by state ranges from as high as $213 in … Continued

Reducing energy bills is a guaranteed way to lower a business’s operating costs. For many businesses, electricity bills are a huge part of their fixed monthly costs. For instance, the average monthly energy bill for businesses in Texas is well over $600. However, the average commercial energy rate is 8.57 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). That’s … Continued

In the Texas deregulated energy market, you have the power to choose your electric company and energy plan. To find the best electricity rates in Texas for your needs, you should select the electricity plan that fits your budget, usage and lifestyle. Whether you prefer predictability, flexibility or convenience, there are many options to consider. … Continued

Thanks to the deregulated energy market, Texans can choose from a variety of retail electricity providers (REPs). Choosing the right energy supplier for your needs may help ensure low rates, predictable monthly energy costs and quality customer service. However, there are 140-plus energy companies registered with the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT), which can … Continued

Energy use at home isn’t just about bills — it’s also about the little battles and big compromises that shape our daily lives. From thermostat wars to debates over leaving the lights on, electricity habits reveal surprising truths about how couples manage their homes and finances. Based on a survey of over 1,000 consumers, this … Continued