Resources - Home Energy Club™

Resources

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.

Standby Generator Benefits for your Home

Want to end your total dependence on the electricity grid during power outages? With the uncertainty of electrical grid capacity during summer heat peaks for winter freezes, natural gas and propane-powered standby generators are a simple solution. You can have...


Selecting the Best Standby Generator and Dealer

Looking to buy a natural gas or propane standby generator in Texas? It's challenging to identify which dealer-installers are qualified and trusted, and determine the right type and size of unit you'll need. We're here to help. We've vetted generator...


How a Standby Generator Works for Texas Homes

Understanding how standby generators work is important for homeowners, particularly in areas prone to electrical power outages, like many areas of Texas. This knowledge not only prepares you for unexpected blackouts but also helps you make informed decisions when investing...


Installing a Standby Natural Gas or Propane Generator

There are some essential steps to install a natural gas or propane generator at your residence. It's important to install your standby generator properly so you avoid damaging your home's electrical system or the connection to public utilities. Steps for...


Why Is My Electric Bill So High?

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...


Average Electric Bill in Texas: What You Need To Know

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...


Consumer Study on Texas Electricity Costs and Grid Resilience

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...


Guide for How to Switch Energy Providers

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...


Average Electric Bill by State

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...


How To Switch Your Business Energy Provider

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...


Types of Electricity Plans

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...


How To Choose an Energy Supplier in Texas: Complete Guide

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...


Home Energy Usage Study

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...


How the Texas Deregulated Energy Market Works

What Does Deregulated Electricity Mean? Energy deregulation means less government interference in the energy sector. It allows private players in the market. You have the power to choose your electricity or natural gas company. Electricity is transmitted to your home...


Free Energy Plans in Texas

If you’re like most Texans, you’ve probably heard of free nights electricity or even free nights and weekends plans. You may have even heard of “free nights and weekends for electricity Texas” or of “Reliant free nights,” one of the...


10 Painless Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill and Give Your Kids A Net CO2-Free Planet

Carbon dioxide (CO2) accounts for up to 77% of polluting greenhouse gas emissions. Cut your emissions and save. With just a small amount of effort, you can help make a lasting impact on the environment, reverse the trends of climate...


The Savvy Shopper’s 10-minute Guide to Choosing the Best Energy Plans in Texas

8 Things to Consider Looking for a new Texas electricity plan and the lowest electricity rates? There are 8 crucial things to consider to get a great energy rate from the best electric companies, avoiding costly bill surprises. These tips...


How to Read the Texas Electricity Facts Label (EFL)

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 Much CO2 is Your Energy Plan Emitting?

Is your home on a 100% renewable energy plan? If not, and your electricity usage averages 1,000 kWh per month (roughly the national average), your fossil-sourced plan is responsible for 17,000 pounds of CO2 entering the atmosphere each year! You’ll...


An Energy Solution to Climate Change That Saves Consumers Money

Let's take matters into our own hands and fight climate change together! 1 The Problem The effects of climate change are bearing down on the planet, impacting all living things. We're running out of time, the clock is ticking, and we...


How To Conserve Electricity at Home

In our current world of connectivity and technology, power use is at an all-time high. This applies as much to our houses as to our offices and public spaces. Over the course of a year, your electricity costs can really...


Texas Electricity Rates – Best and Cheapest Compared

You are looking for the best electric company with the cheapest electricity rates in Texas for your zip code, but want to make sure the electricity plan you select is legitimate and trustworthy. You don't want an ugly bill surprise....


Business Electricity Rates in Texas | Commercial Energy

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:...


Discover the ESID Lookup Tool for Texas Electricity Savings

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...


What Are the Balls on Power Lines?

Driving through Texas, especially near any of the big airports, you may notice large yellow, red, orange, or white balls hanging on the power lines. This may have led you to wonder, why are there balls on power lines? In...


Power To Choose: Texas Electricity

When Texas deregulated its energy sector in 2002, it led to increased competition among energy providers and the establishment of more than 140 electricity providers registered with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The goal of deregulation was to...


The Difference Between a REP and a TDSP (TDU)

Many Texans want to know: "What is the difference between the REP and the TDSP?" While you may not realize it, knowing the difference between electric companies and utility copmanies can have a big impact in Texas' deregulated energy market....


Texas Smart Meters: A Guide to Savings

As Texas residents become increasingly aware of their energy consumption, Texas Smart Meters have surged in popularity. These advanced meters communicate electricity usage data so users can access historical energy usage patterns through the SmartMeterTexas (SMT) platform. This data allows...


Texas PUC Data on Electricity Companies and Rates

The Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates electric companies in the Lone Star State. The Commission provides an assortment of information that can be helpful to customers searching for electric companies and plans for their homes. PUC data includes average...


Texas Electricity Glossary for Homes and Businesses

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....


Texas Hurricane and Electricity Outage Guide

Hurricanes can have very unpredictable paths, and no matter where they land, they can cause chaos. That's why it's recommended to have hurricane checklists so you can prep when threatening storms move toward the Gulf or mid-Atlantic coasts. There are...


Cheap Solar Energy for Homes with No Solar Panels

Texas is a major industry player in renewable energy and aspires to become the frontrunner in solar power for houses. When you buy solar energy, it's delivered via the electricity grid and doesn't require costly panels. The state's solar electricity...


How Weather Affects Texas Electricity

Texas is the country's second-largest state, and it has diverse weather patterns due in part to its various regions. Most Texas cities have de-regulated energy markets. These markets provide consumers with the the ability to choose their electricity provider and...


Make History with Electricity and Combat Climate Change

THE WOODLANDS, TX – As Texas continues to extend its lead as the top producer of wind energy in the nation with more installed capacity than most countries, and with solar energy hitting a new generation record in Texas in...


Rid the Electricity Grid of CO2 with Green Plans

Climate change will have a profound impact on our nation, world and future generations, on a scale unlike any other catastrophe in recorded history. As we witness the effects of climate change in changing weather patterns, floods, and fires, a...


Plant a trillion trees? Yes, but get a renewable energy plan

Planting trees is among the most noncontroversial methods of protecting the planet from climate disruption. If a massive number of trees were planted worldwide, there would be practically no political sacrifices required for it – no transition from fossil fuels,...


How Much CO2 Can You Cut with Green Energy?

Going green is a popular way to cut CO2 from the environment, with the Earth suffering an increasing amount of pollution and damage from fossil fuels. The generation of energy has produced significant amounts of carbon emissions that are a...


Compare The Best Green Electricity Rates and Providers

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...


What are the Effects of Climate Change & How You Can Help Combat It

Despite the mounting body of evidence alerting us to the ongoing impacts of climate change, many still seem to cling to the idea that climate change is a problem for future generations to tackle, that it’s not urgent just yet....


How to Calculate Energy Usage by Appliances to Cut Your Bill

Want to know how to calculate your energy usage? It all comes down to your appliances and how much electricity they use. Knowing how to calculate energy costs is also a huge benefit if you’re purchasing new appliances in Texas...


Big Oil Goes Green in Texas with Renewable Energy

Major oil and gas companies are investing in the development of renewable energy to take advantage of the transition from fossil fuels to green-sourced energy which will power both homes and electric vehicles. Due to market realities and opportunities, and...


Texas Fixed-Rate Energy Plans

Fixed-rate energy plans are a great way to help reduce big bill shocks and save money. At Home Energy Club, we offer a variety of low fixed-rate electricity plans from trusted providers like Gexa Energy, Reliant, Pulse Power, and more....


What are E-Gallons and How Much Do They Cost? A Guide

E-gallons are a form of fuel for electric cars, but what is their cost? Navigating the realm of electric vehicles (EVs) involves a unique vocabulary that may seem unfamiliar to newcomers. Grasping concepts like e-gallons, their associated expenses, and ramifications...


Best Energy Companies for Apartments

Do you live in an apartment or condo in Texas that requires you to set up your own electricity? Not to worry. We’ve got an assortment of the cheapest energy plans from all the best electric companies for apartments. Plus,...


Houston Electric Vehicle and Hybrid Dealers

So, you’ve decided to purchase an electric vehicle (EV). Whether it's because of the benefits to your pocketbook or to the planet, it’s time to consider the best type of EV for you, as well as EV dealers in the...


Cheapest Energy Plans in Texas

According to our recent study, 34% of Texans are struggling to pay their electric bill. Whether you're new to Texas or you're a long-time resident of the Lone Star State, finding an affordable electricity plan is important. Thanks to Texas's...


If There’s a Texas Power Outage, Who Should I Call?

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...


Cheap 100% Texas Wind Energy Plans for your Home

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...


The Benefits of Buying an Electric Vehicle (EV)

Are you ready to make the transition to an electric vehicle (EV)? Demand for EVs is increasing exponentially for a variety of reasons. The models entering the market are becoming more enticing each year and electric charging stations to support...


Electric Vehicles Power Ahead as Objections Falter

What's the deal with EVs? At least since the introduction of the Prius, electric vehicles have become increasingly practical, affordable, powerful and, if you will, cool. However, for a variety of reasons, in the United States, known worldwide for its...


Electric Vehicles | EV Home Charging Electricity Rates

As we witness the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), understanding EV electricity and home charging becomes increasingly crucial. This article will shed light on various aspects related to this emerging technology, from energy plans and rates for home charging, locating...


How to Use our Tools to Find the Best Plan

Energy shopping is not something we typically think about. But Texas residents have the power to choose. Finding the right plan to fit your budget may seem confusing. How do you know what you're buying, and how to avoid gimmick...


Average Home kWh Stats in Texas

Many people are overpaying for their electricity simply because they don't know their home’s average kWh usage. The average power bill in Texas currently ranges from about $100 to $300 per month, depending on house size and other factors. By...


Moving to Texas | Best Electricity Guide

Moving to Texas? We at Home Energy Club have prepared this Texas Moving Guide to help you set up your electricity account in deregulated and regulated zones of the state. Plus, we've added a comprehensive checklist for moving to the...


Texas Electricity With Low or No Deposits

Many Texas power companies require customers to make a deposit before supplying them with power. If you're new to Texas or considering changing electricity plans, you may wonder, "How much is the deposit for electricity?" More light companies are adding...


Compare Standby Generators to Portable Gasoline Types

Below are key factors that differentiate standby generators from traditional portable gasoline generators: Standby generators can power your whole house Portable generators typically don't have near enough KW capacity to power your entire house during an outage — especially during...


How To Track Electricity Usage

Have you ever wondered “How many kWh does a house use?” You can find out by learning how you (and your housemates) use energy. And if you’ve ever paid a Texas electricity bill, you’ll find that how many kilowatts a...


How To Save Money on Your Energy Bill

As a homeowner, you're responsible for the costs of your Texas electricity plan, along with your water usage for the month. Amenities such as dishwashers and central air can enhance the comfort of your personal space and make daily tasks...


How to Save Energy During the Summer

It's always good to learn about summer energy saving tips, even if it's not summer, so you can plan ahead. No one likes surprises when it comes to money, especially on their utility bills, and your usage will be increasing...


Electricity Usage by Home Appliances

Your energy provider calculates your monthly bill based on how much power you use. An average household has an oven, refrigerator, stove, and microwave, all of which use energy. By learning what appliances use the most electricity, you can cut...


6 Expert Energy Efficient Home Tips

Note: This article has been updated since its original publication to reflect up to date information. Efficiency is all about doing more with less. This is especially true when it comes to your home as inefficient systems and appliances lead...


Cost to Charge an EV at Home: Easy-To-Understand Texas Guide

How much does it cost to charge an Electric Car at home? The short answer is it can vary, but charging at home is generally the most economical and can range from $5 to $15 dollars to charge an average...


Are There No-Deposit Energy Plans in Texas?

Some Texas electricity companies offer no-deposit energy for Texans wanting to avoid large upfront costs or credit checks. In deregulated areas of Texas, where you have the power to choose your plan, most providers run a credit check during the...