Did you know that you can often reduce your monthly energy bill simply by reducing your energy usage? To learn all about how to monitor your energy usage, how the weather affects electricity prices, and even how home appliances can impact your energy bill, read on.
Our team of energy experts has curated a collection of well-researched articles about energy usage to help homeowners reduce their electricity demands and lower their monthly bills.
Households use more electricity during the summer to keep indoor temperatures cool. This increase in energy costs can be challenging to afford, particularly for low-income households. However, summer energy assistance programs can help families, seniors and the disabled pay their...
Utility services are essential for keeping a functional, comfortable and safe environment in your home or business. Utility services include electricity, water, natural gas, sewage and waste disposal. Some people even consider the internet a utility, although that’s still up...
As Texas temperatures begin their annual climb toward triple digits, many residents face a critical decision: Should June be the month for switching electricity providers? With summer peak pricing looming and seasonal rate patterns creating distinct advantages and challenges, understanding...
The Hidden Crisis of Utility Poverty In the scorching heat of Texas summers and the unexpected freezes of winter, utilities like electricity, water and gas aren't luxuries — they're necessities. Yet for thousands of Texas families, keeping the lights on...
Texas consumers and energy investors encounter considerable uncertainty following the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of a budget reconciliation bill that could reshape the state's energy landscape. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed by 215-214 votes early Thursday, targeting tax...
“August in May:” A New Normal? Texas is facing what meteorologists describe as “August weather in May.” According to a 2022 CNN report, energy analyst Michael Webber noted that Texas was “Getting August weather in May and June," a pattern...
Some states manage to keep the lights on without shocking your wallet. Others? Not so much. To find out where electricity is both costly and unreliable, we analyzed the latest outage and pricing data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration...
“Historically, people seem to think about their energy purchases for only about six minutes a year,” said Rob Cantrell, chief executive officer at Atlantic Energy. But as electricity prices continue to rise, spending time learning how to reduce your energy...
Average kWh Usage for Apartments by Size Although the primary indicator of electricity usage in an apartment is the number of appliances, their size is also a factor in estimating electricity consumption. This is because an apartment’s size is usually...
48% of Texans Believe They're Paying Fair Electricity Rates While Texas's deregulated energy market is designed to give consumers the power to choose their electricity provider, satisfaction with this choice is mixed. Our survey reveals that 63% of respondents would...
Understanding Early Termination Fees by Plan Type Fixed-Rate Plans Early termination fees almost always apply to fixed-rate plans, which come with contracts ranging from three months to 60 months. If you cancel a fixed-rate plan before your contract ends, you’ll...
Many Texas electricity providers also offer payment plans for customers who struggle to pay their bills on time. Some customers may also be eligible for government-offered payment assistance programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Texas...
Recent Federal Policies Threaten Texas Energy Affordability Recent federal policy changes could significantly impact energy costs for Texas families. Our analysis shows that the average Texas household could see an increase in their annual electricity bills by approximately $290 —...
The Most and Least Affordable Energy Cities in Texas In the vast landscape of the Texas deregulated energy market, not all cities are created equal regarding electricity costs. Our comprehensive analysis of electricity rates across the Lone Star State reveals...
Texas Faces Critical Power Challenges as Summer 2025 Approaches As Texas approaches summer 2025, many residents are asking a crucial question: Will the state's power grid hold up against the scorching temperatures? After experiencing devastating outages during Winter Storm Uri...
"Vampire energy" refers to the electricity wasted by devices that remain plugged into the power supply, even when switched off. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), this phenomenon costs U.S. households a total of $19 billion per year....
Knowing how much energy your home uses can help you pick the right plan and avoid overpaying. The average U.S. household uses 10,791 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year, which is approximately 30 kWh per day. Homes in southern states...
Since heating and cooling are the largest energy consumers in most homes, small adjustments can lead to big savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), by lowering your thermostat by seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a...
How Many Watts Does a Washing Machine Use? A modern washing machine uses between 400 and 1,400 watts per hour of operation. Its power consumption depends on several factors, such as its size, capacity, technology and energy efficiency. Like many...
Does Saving Energy Help the Environment? Saving energy benefits the environment by improving air quality, protecting water sources and conserving natural resources. Fewer emissions mean cleaner air for better respiratory health and less pollution from power plants for a cleaner...
Key Takeaways 32% of homeowners underestimated the cost of energy efficiency upgrades, with 1 in 5 facing unexpected expenses over $2,000 and nearly 1 in 10 paying more than $5,000. Despite the cost, over 90% of homeowners don’t regret their...
Refrigerator Power Usage by Type and Size Refrigerator power ratings can vary widely based on their type. For instance, the larger a refrigerator, the higher its power usage. Below is a table showing the average running watts and estimated daily...
What Is a Home Energy Audit? A home energy audit is a systematic inspection of your home conducted by a certified professional known as an energy auditor. The auditor may use various tools and equipment, such as infrared cameras, blow...
Understanding Texas Power Throughout the 1900s, Texas relied on traditional electricity companies that controlled all stages of the power supply process: generation, transmission, distribution and billing. However, the Lone Star State deregulated its electricity sector in 2002, which brought major...
To save money, check the details of your plan’s peak versus off-peak hours and try doing laundry during discount, off-peak hours. And even if you don’t have a time-of-use energy plan, we’ve put together some concrete ways you can tweak...
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...
Deregulation of the energy market began in the 1990s in response to the call for more competition, lower electric prices and increased efficiency. The goal was to open the market to multiple energy providers, giving consumers better options, flexibility and...
Does Closing Air Vents In Unused Rooms Save Energy? Contrary to popular belief, closing air vents in unused rooms doesn’t save energy but can actually increase energy consumption. Many people assume that reducing airflow would lower heating costs in the...
Understanding Indexed Rates Indexed energy plans set prices through a sophisticated method that tracks the wholesale cost of electricity based on a set market index. Prices per plan will vary depending on which market index the provider uses to set...
TV Power Consumption by Size and Type The model and size of the TV will impact how much energy it consumes. The following table shows how many watts on average a TV consumes, depending on different sizes and types. TV...
First, what is a TOU plan? While technically a fixed-rate plan, a TOU plan charges different rates during different periods. These rate changes are a direct response to demand on the power grid. The most common TOU plans offer discounted...
Understanding the Texas Energy Market In the deregulated energy market in Texas, you can select your electricity service provider and energy plan. Deregulation, which took effect in 2002, broke up monopolies, spurring competition among energy providers. Under the Texas energy...
The pricing structure of month-to-month plans can vary significantly. While they occasionally offer low initial rates, they almost inevitably lead to high costs in the long run. Depending on your financial situation and plans to move or change providers, a...
What Is a Kilowatt-Hour? A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that quantifies electricity usage over time. It represents the amount of power consumed by a device that uses 1,000 watts (1 kilowatt) of energy for one hour. To...
What Is an Effective Rate? The effective rate of an electricity plan in Texas is the all-in rate per kilowatt-hour of energy, including various taxes and charges. It depicts a more realistic energy rate, helping you get a sense of...
Early Understanding of Electricity You have probably noticed a tiny sting from static electricity when you get out of the car wearing a winter jacket and touch the door. Similarly, numerous people over ages have witnessed and pondered over the...
Key Takeaways 34% of Americans feel burdened by energy costs. Renters (36%) are more likely than homeowners (32%) to report this. 1 in 6 Americans have missed an energy payment due to high costs. Renters (20%) were nearly 2x as...
How Free Nights Electricity Plans Work Free nights plans offer zero-cost energy during specific nighttime hours and charge a set electricity rate during the day. The free power periods vary by energy provider and plan but usually fall between 8...
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...
The state's most severe cold weather event is the 2021 winter storm, but 2024 also recorded notable cold periods. While these events weren't as extreme as record lows from past decades, they highlighted Texas' vulnerability to cold snaps. Specific instances...
Electricity rates per kilowatt-hour (kWh) have steadily increased in recent years, although consumers in deregulated states can find relief by comparing providers and switching to lower-rate plans. Electricity remains the most significant utility expense, accounting for 55% of the average...
Key Takeaways The most common way to divide shared energy costs in a household is to split them equally (56%), yet only 50% of users are very satisfied with this method. Per our research, 1 in 10 Americans in shared...
Key Takeaways Nearly half (47%) of homeowners say rising energy costs are a significant barrier to homeownership, with Gen Z homeowners (70%) being the most impacted. On average, homeowners allocate 10% of their monthly budgets to energy costs, and 1...
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...
What Is a Prepaid Electricity Plan? Prepaid electricity plans are similar to prepaid mobile phone plans, where you purchase your product and then use it. Prepaid plans offer several benefits. First, your retail electric provider (REP) won’t require a security...
How Does the Texas Power Grid Work? A typical power grid has dozens of important components. However, three main components comprise the power grid at the higher level: generators, transmission systems and distribution systems. Let's examine all three in some...
Average Electricity Rates by State As shown in the map below, you’ll find the highest electricity rates on the U.S. mainland in California and the Northeast region. Hawaii and Alaska also have notably high electricity costs due to their reliance...
Unraveling Bill Mysteries: Texas Electricity Bill Basics Your electricity bill displays a simple calculation of your total bill amount based on your energy consumption and plan type. A typical Texas energy bill includes components such as energy charges, TDU delivery...
Texas has a deregulated energy market, which accounts for approximately 85% of the state — about 27 million people, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Along with transmission and distribution utility (TDU) companies, the state is home...
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...
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...
According to the latest U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data from October 2024, the average American household consumes approximately 855 kilowatt-hours (kWh) monthly. With current national average rates at 16.95 cents per kWh, this results in a typical monthly bill...
Since Texas has a deregulated energy market, you can secure a lower rate in areas like Houston, Dallas and Arlington when you choose an electricity plan that meets your usage needs. "As a deregulated state, Texas lets customers choose not...
Texans Push Back Against Rate Hikes Despite Grid Concerns As utility companies propose rate increases to strengthen Texas' power infrastructure, residents across the state are weighing the costs against their household budgets. To ensure a storm-resistant grid, Texans statewide were...
You may want to switch electricity providers or plans if you find a cheaper plan, realize that your existing plan isn’t well-suited to your energy usage levels or move to a new service area in a deregulated state. If you’re...
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...
When Is the Best Time To Switch Business Energy Providers? Ideally, you should switch when your contract is nearing an end (to help avoid cancellation fees) and when prices have dropped, which can help you secure monthly savings on your...
Whether you prefer predictability, flexibility or convenience, there are many options to consider. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) shows over 140 plans in Dallas and Houston, with rates ranging from 11 to 17 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). But...
Knowing Your Energy Consumption Patterns Because everyone’s energy usage patterns are different, no single provider or plan will work for all customers in Texas. The best plan for you will depend primarily on your energy consumption levels and patterns. In...
Energy Habits at Home Energy use habits and accountability vary among American households. Explore how men and women handle energy monitoring and the toll energy habits can take on relationships. When asked if they were primarily responsible for monitoring energy...
What Is Energy Deregulation in Texas? Energy deregulation in Texas involves breaking up energy monopolies, creating competition between energy companies and giving customers the power of choice. Texas deregulated its energy sector when it passed Senate Bill 7 in 1999,...
If you’re like most Texans, you’ve probably heard of free nights and weekends electricity plans. You may have even heard of “free nights and weekends for electricity Texas” or of “Reliant free nights,” one of the more popular free energy...
So, what is an energy plan? In Texas, light companies, such as Reliant Energy or Gexa Energy, purchase electricity in wholesale auctions. They then sell that power to you in the form of a contract with a fee per kilowatt-hour,...
When choosing a Texas electricity plan and energy rate, the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) sheet might not seem that important at first. However, an EFL is critical to selecting a Texas energy plan that’s correct for your home so you...
How Texas Electricity Rates Follow Market Pricing The Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) regulates the deregulated energy areas in the state (about 85% of power consumed) and oversees the power grid which transmits the flow of electricity to your home;...
Let the Sun In One of the easiest and most obvious ways to reduce your electricity use is to go a little old-fashioned. Instead of keeping your lights on all day, try opening up your curtains or shades and letting...
Texas Electricity Rates Comparison Speak with a Reliant Energy operator for expert help in choosing a plan that fits your home at 833-339-0416. Call Reliant (833-339-0416) Speak with Gexa about their cheap energy plans at 888-256-0552. Call Gexa (888-256-0552) Now...
Get access to low business electricity rates that are cutting the bills of top Texas companies, offered by a unit of Shell Energy. Our client testimonials from business managers say it all. Here's one from an industrial operation in Baytown:...
If you're seeking a reliable ESID lookup tool to compare electricity prices in Texas, look no further. Steps to use our instant ESID lookup tool in Texas Go to the ESID Lookup field below. Enter your service address to retrieve...
Power Line Balls The colored balls hanging from the power lines are visibility markers for pilots. Electric companies in Texas and around the country use these balls on power lines to alert pilots of hanging wires. You'll most often find balls on...
What Is Power To Choose Texas? In the Lone Star State, your rights include having the power to choose your energy provider and electricity plan thanks to deregulation. But Power to Choose also refers to the government-run energy comparison website...
Retail Electricity Providers (REPs) In the Texas deregulated market, these are electric companies market electricity and charge you. They buy energy from the electric generation companies and resell them to homeowners, renters, and businesses. They're sometimes referred to as energy...
Electricity Rates for use with Smart Meter Texas Data Below are sample electricity rates from trusted electric companies in Texas. You can use these rates to compare your current energy rate by multiplying it against your usage info. Speak with...
Here's an extensive Electricity Glossary that includes standard definitions of electricity terms and definitions for the Texas electricity market. With this glossary, you'll be able to speak with electric companies, brokers, and consultants about your home and business electricity needs....
There are steps you can take for safety whether you're staying put or your'e evacuating. Keep in mind that not everyone is capable of getting out of the path of the hurricane. And even if your area isn't in the...
The Best Green Energy Companies in Texas Our top four green energy companies in Texas are Green Mountain Energy, Rhythm Energy, Gexa Energy and Chariot Energy. All electricity plans from these providers use 100% renewable energy. You can compare rates...
When you add up the energy usage of your appliances and multiply the value by your electric rate, you can estimate your monthly electricity bill. Calculating your electricity bill can help you understand areas of high consumption, allowing you to...
What Is a Fixed-Rate Electricity Plan? A fixed-rate plan has a static energy rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the duration of the plan’s contract. These plans offer contract periods ranging from six months to 60 months. Fixed-rate plans offer security...
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...
When an unexpected power outage takes place, it can cause real-life problems to the unprepared Texas citizen. However, in case of a power outage, you should call the utility company in your area to find out how long it will...
In the mid-90’s, wind power seemed to have questionable potential as an alternative renewable energy source. Energy prices had crashed and wind energy developers were having a difficult time keeping the doors open. Then the U.S. government stepped in with...
We will look into the environmental impact of EVs and discuss green energy options available. The length of time required for an EV to charge fully, and for those EV drivers planning road trips, our strategic route mapping tips will...
Average kWh Usage in Texas by Home Size Before choosing an energy plan, determine your household's average kWh usage per month. Below are some quick statistics for various house sizes: The average kWh usage for a 3,000 sq ft home...
In deregulated cities, you must choose an energy provider and an electric plan for your house or apartment prior to your move-in date. In regulated cities, such as Austin, San Antonio and Beaumont, a regulated monopoly delivers your electricity and...
What Does It Mean To Track Electricity Usage? Tracking electricity usage is the process of learning more about which of your household appliances and devices consume the most energy. Electric usage monitoring can help you determine what uses the most...
1. Unplug Electronics You're Not Using Electronic devices can consume energy even when you're not actively using them; this is called "vampire energy." You can make a habit of powering down equipment around your home after you've finished a task....
What Uses the Most Electricity in a Home? In most households, especially in Texas, the heating and cooling system uses the most electricity, and the water heater uses the second-most energy. Your home's lights and the refrigerator use the next...
Electric cars are rapidly gaining popularity and may soon replace many gas or diesel-operated vehicles on the road today. Within just a decade, the number of EVs sold in the U.S. has climbed from just 100,000 to 3.5 million, according...
Payless Power, our top pick for no-deposit plans, offers rates that start significantly lower than other prepaid energy providers, including Hello Energy and Acacia Energy. Payless’s rates are significantly cheaper than other prepaid providers. However, the company’s rates are still...
