In Baytown, Texas, you have the power to choose your electricity provider and plan, thanks to the deregulated energy market. However, choosing the right plan from hundreds of options in Baytown can be challenging.
The average Texas electricity rate is 15.60 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), according to November 2024 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). When comparing energy plans and providers in Baytown, you’ll find rates that start significantly lower than that, while other plans will charge far more. If you do your research and select the right plan for your home, you may be able to save big on your energy costs.
However, you should note that cheaper plans may include hidden fees or deceptive discount rates that can lead to unpredictable energy bills. In our guide to Baytown energy rates, plans and providers, we’ll show you how to compare providers, spot gimmicky plans, and sign up for electricity in Tri-Cities.
Best Baytown Electricity Rates
To find the best electricity rates in the deregulated energy market, we recommend bypassing ultra-cheap advertised rates. These plans tend to leverage bill credits to showcase low rates, which only apply at specific usage levels. If your home’s energy usage rises above or falls below the required threshold for the bill credit, your effective energy rate can double, causing your bills to be unpredictable. The best electricity rates in Baytown feature straightforward, competitive costs with no confusing, hard-to-earn discounts. You’ll find some of our top picks for the Baytown area in the table below.
Provider | Plan Name | Est. Monthly Bill | Rate (¢/kWh) | % Renewable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tri-Eagle Energy | Simple Savings 12 | $142 | 14.2 | 9% |
Frontier Utilities | Frontier Budget Saver 12 | $163 | 16.3 | 30% |
Veteran Energy | Secure 12 | $159 | 15.9 | 7% |
4Change Energy | One Rate 12 | $161 | 16.1 | 9% |
Rhythm Energy | Simply Select 12 | $159 | 15.9 | 100% |
Gexa Energy | Gexa Light Saver 12 | $171 | 17.1 | 100% |
Frontier Utilities | Platinum 12+ | $180 | 18.0 | 26% |
TXU Energy | Simple Rate 12 | $182 | 18.2 | 9% |
Payless Power | 12 Month - Prepaid | $187 | 18.7 | 26% |
Frontier Utilities | Frontier Saver Premier 12 | $209 | 20.9 | 26% |
Rates in the above table are updated daily for the CenterPoint service area. Monthly bill estimates are for 1,000 kWh usage.
Cheapest Electricity Rates in Baytown
The cheapest electricity rates often include bill credits or time-of-use rates. While these seem like perks at first, the plans have specific usage requirements to receive the benefits. Bill credits offer a discount when you use a specific range, such as 1,000 kWh to 1,999 kWh. You only receive the credit when your consumption fits in the range, so it’s not a monthly guarantee. Usage outside of the range can result in surprise expenses.
Time of use rates offer lower rates during off-peak hours, like at night and higher rates during peak daytime hours. You might save money by shifting your usage to the off-peak hours, but expensive on-peak rates might not be worth it. You may want to consider cheap energy plans, but we only recommend them if the discounts fit your usage habits. To determine this, review the electricity facts label (EFL) so you know what to expect.
Provider | Plan Name | Est. Monthly Bill | Rate (¢/kWh) | % Renewable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Express Energy | Flash 12 | $107 | 10.7 | 0% |
Express Energy | Flash 24 | $107 | 10.7 | 0% |
4Change Energy | Maxx Saver Select 24 | $107 | 10.7 | 0.09% |
4Change Energy | Maxx Saver Select 12 | $107 | 10.7 | 0.09% |
Frontier Utilities | Frontier Saver Plus 12 Plan | $108 | 10.8 | 30% |
Gexa Energy | Gexa Eco Saver Plus 12 Plan | $108 | 10.8 | 100% |
Frontier Utilities | Frontier Saver Plus 24 Plan | $116 | 11.6 | 30% |
Gexa Energy | Gexa Eco Saver Plus 24 Plan | $116 | 11.6 | 100% |
Tri-Eagle | Sure Value 36 | $129 | 12.9 | 0% |
Tri-Eagle | Sure Value 12 | $129 | 12.9 | 0% |
Rates in the above table are updated daily for the CenterPoint service area. Monthly bill estimates are for 1,000 kWh usage.
How To Choose an Electricity Plan in Baytown
The following steps can help you compare and sign up for a plan, whether you’re moving to Texas or switching providers for a better deal.
Step 1: Understand Your Electricity Usage
Reviewing your average usage throughout the year can help you determine which energy plan best meets your needs. We encourage you to check your energy bills for a full year to account for seasonal changes in weather and demand. You can also pull your precise historical usage data from Smart Meter Texas. This information will help you choose a plan that aligns with your energy habits and helps you save money.
Step 2: Compare Energy Plans and Rates
Be sure to shop for energy plans based on your ZIP code. Providers offer different electricity plans and rates in different regions of Texas. Also, consider the plan type. Common options include fixed-rate, variable-rate and prepaid plans. Knowing how you use energy and when will help you determine which plan type suits your needs. You can also use the filters on our plan comparison page to narrow your search based on home size, contract length, light company and other features.
Step 3: Sign Up or Switch Providers Today
Once you’ve found the perfect plan for your home, signing up takes just a few minutes. All you have to do is provide some basic information, and your new light company will handle the rest. If you have a current energy plan, check the EFL for any relevant cancellation charges, just in case.
Plan Types Available in Baytown
You’ll find a variety of popular plan types in Baytown, including:
- Fixed-rate plans
- Green energy plans
- No-deposit plans
- Bill credit plans
- Time-of-use plans
- Variable-rate plans
Top Energy Companies in Baytown
Our top-rated companies include Reliant Energy, Green Mountain Energy and TriEagle Energy. While these options score highest overall, the best energy provider for you depends on your preferences and usage. For example, if you want ultra-cheap advertised rates, you might want to consider some of the bill credit offerings from Gexa Energy or Frontier Utilities.
And if you’re after predictable green energy, offerings from Rhythm Energy may suit your needs. Check out our other top-rated electricity companies for the Baytown area in the table below.
Retail Energy Provider | Our Rating | Customer Satisfaction Score | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
TXU Energy | 4.9 | 4.7 | A+ |
Green Mountain Energy | 4.9 | 5 | A+ |
Reliant Energy | 4.9 | 4.8 | NR |
TriEagle Energy | 4.8 | 4.6 | A+ |
Express Energy | 4.8 | 5 | A+ |
4Change Energy | 4.7 | 4.8 | A+ |
Discount Power | 4.7 | 4.5 | NR |
Gexa Energy | 4.6 | 4.2 | C |
Direct Energy | 4.6 | 4.5 | NR |
Frontier Utilities | 4.5 | 4 | NR |
What To Know About Electricity In Baytown
Here are a few key tips when comparing energy plans in Baytown:
Read the Fine Print
Each plan includes an EFL explaining the fine print details about potential costs and important contract terms. Common fees disclosed include the energy charge, base charge, minimum usage fee and utility delivery fees. Understanding this document can help you understand the full cost of your energy plan beyond the advertised rate, which helps prevent surprises on your energy bill.
Consider Your Switching Costs
You can switch energy plans if you find a better rate, but you might have to pay an early termination fee (ETF) on fixed-rate plans if your current contract isn’t near its end date. ETFs vary by provider but may cost between $150 and $395 or $20 per remaining month on the contract. While the ETF can be prohibitive, you may find that it’s worth switching to your new provider and paying the fee if you can secure significant savings with a new energy plan. Compare the costs before making the switch. Also, note that some energy providers in Baytown may help pay for the ETF when you switch to its plans.
Match Your Usage To the Plan
Free nights and weekends energy is a type of time-of-use plan offering “free energy” during off-peak times. You may save money if your usage matches the off-peak or free electricity periods. However, you risk expensive rates if you can’t adjust your usage. Most “free energy” plans charge excessively high rates during paid times, or peak-demand periods, to offset the loss of money during the free hours. Review when you use the most energy before signing up for a time-of-use plan.
When Is Best To Switch or Shop
Start exploring your options at least 30 days before your current plan ends or your move-in date to Baytown. Spring and fall are typically the best time to find lower rates due to mild temperatures lowering demand.
How Does Deregulated Energy Work in Baytown?
Energy deregulation took effect in 2002, breaking up monopoly companies to create competition between providers. This means you can choose an electricity plan and secure a lower rate instead of having one option. Deregulation divides the responsibility between electricity companies and utility companies.
Your light company buys energy at wholesale auctions and sells it to you as electricity plans. The utility company delivers power to your home and maintains the local power grid. You should call your electric company about billing errors, but contact your utility company to report power outages, downed lines or other safety issues. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manage the overall market to ensure a reliable grid and fair pricing for you.
Which TDU serves Baytown?
CenterPoint Energy powers Baytown and maintains the electric grid. The TDU charges a fixed delivery fee per month and a per kilowatt-hour rate for energy. You’ll find the specific charges listed on your plan’s EFL.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baytown Electricity Rates
What is a good rate per kWh in Texas?
The average electric rate in Texas is 15.60 cents per kWh, so anything within a few cents of that price is a good rate. Baytowners using Home Energy Club can secure rates between 11 cents per kWh and 21 cents per kWh. Consider your average usage and compare plan EFLs to find your best fit. We generally recommend straightforward, fixed-rate plans for the most predictable monthly energy bills and affordable energy rates.
What company is the cheapest energy supplier in Baytown?
Gexa Energy and Frontier Utilities offer the cheapest advertised rates in Baytown. Before signing up, make sure to read the fine print and understand how the energy plans work. Many cheap energy plans include bill credit or time-of-use gimmicks that lead to more expensive bills. More transparent options from TriEagle Energy or Rhythm Energy may provide more predictable energy costs than ultra-cheap options.
Are Texas electricity rates going up?
The average energy price in Texas increased about 4.7% from 2023 to 2024, based on the latest EIA data. However, you can secure a lower rate by comparing plans right here on Home Energy Club’s marketplace.
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 results from our 2025 energy survey of 1,600 Texans, scoring providers on customer satisfaction, experience and retention. Here’s how these core factors weighed into our ratings:
- Customer satisfaction (30%)
- Customer retention (30%)
- Online experience (20%)
- Customer experience (20%)
