Texas Smart Meters: A Guide to Maximize Savings | 888-616-5859

As Texas residents become increasingly aware of their energy consumption, the use of Texas Smart Meters has surged in popularity.

Smart meters communicate electricity usage data and users can access historical energy usage patterns through the Smart Meter Texas (SMT) platform. These advanced devices empower consumers to make informed decisions about their energy plans.

To get your home’s energy usage information or report a problem, call Smart Meter at 888-616-5859 or visit smartmetertexas.com.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating a Smart Meter account and downloading your electricity usage as a CSV file for easy analysis.

Armed with this information, you’ll be able to compare discount electricity rates and evaluate energy plans to find the most suitable options for your consumption habits.

We’ll also share tips on optimizing energy usage based on your Texas smart meter data by adjusting thermostat settings according to historical trends or upgrading appliances with high-efficiency models.

Last but not least, safety is paramount when dealing with any technology; therefore, we’ll address concerns related to radio wave communication technology used by smart meters and ensure compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines.

Below are sample electricity rates from trusted electric companies in Texas which you can use to compare your current energy bill by multiplying with Smart Meter Texas usage information. For rates in your area, enter your zip code in the box on this page.

Electricity Rates for use with Smart Meter Texas Data

6 Reliant Energy Trusted Plans & Rates

Plan NamePlan LengthRate
Reliant - Conservation 2424 Months15.5 ¢/kWh
Reliant - Basic Power 2424 Months15.8 ¢/kWh
Reliant - Conservation 1212 Months15.9 ¢/kWh
Reliant - Basic Power 1212 Months16.2 ¢/kWh
Reliant - Truly Free Weekends 100% Solar 1212 Months17.8 ¢/kWh
Reliant - Truly Free Nights 100% Solar 1212 Months18.2 ¢/kWh
  • *Rates as of 03/18/2024 at 10:50 PM. Based on 1000 kWh in Oncor zone. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.

Speak with a top-rated Reliant operator about additional plans at 866-735-1218.

Call Reliant (English/Spanish)

9 Gexa Energy Guaranteed Plans & Rates

Plan NamePlan LengthRate
Gexa Eco Saver Plus 1212 Months11.3 ¢/kWh
Gexa Eco Saver Plus 2424 Months11.3 ¢/kWh
Gexa EV 2424 Months14.8 ¢/kWh
Gexa Energy Saver 2424 Months15.9 ¢/kWh
Gexa Saver Freedom 3636 Months17.1 ¢/kWh
Gexa Eco Saver Advantage 1212 Months19 ¢/kWh
Gexa Eco Saver Lite 1212 Months19.5 ¢/kWh
Gexa Eco Saver Premium 1212 Months20.2 ¢/kWh
Gexa Eco Saver Premium 2424 Months20.2 ¢/kWh
  • *Rates as of 03/18/2024 at 10:50 PM. Based on 1000 kWh in Oncor zone. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.

Speak with a Gexa Energy operator about discounted rates for your home at 855-639-8212.

Call Gexa (English/Spanish)

8 Rates from 4Change Energy (affiliate of TXU)

Plan NamePlan LengthRate
4Change - Maxx Saver Select 1212 Months11.3 ¢/kWh
4Change - Maxx Saver Select 2424 Months11.3 ¢/kWh
4Change - Cash Money 1212 Months14.1 ¢/kWh
4Change - Charitable Saver 1212 Months14.2 ¢/kWh
4Change - One Rate 2424 Months15.7 ¢/kWh
4Change - One Rate 1212 Months16.3 ¢/kWh
4Change - Power Maxx Saver 1212 Months17.4 ¢/kWh
4Change - Power Maxx Saver 2424 Months18.1 ¢/kWh
  • *Rates as of 03/18/2024 at 10:50 PM. Based on 1000 kWh in Oncor zone. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.

Call 4Change Energy about their low rates on trusted no-gimmick plans at 888-366-7291.

Call 4Change (English/Spanish)

2 Payless Power Rates No Deposit

Plan NamePlan LengthRate
Payless Power - 12 Month - Prepaid12 Months19.6 ¢/kWh
Payless Power - 6 Month - Prepaid6 Months19.6 ¢/kWh
  • *Rates as of 03/18/2024 at 10:50 PM. Based on 1000 kWh in Oncor zone. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.

Can’t afford a deposit? Call Payless Power about “No Deposit” plans in English or Spanish at 833-926-9776.

Call Payless (English/Spanish)

Compare vetted Texas electricity plans using TrustPlan™

Understanding Texas Smart Meters

Texas smart meters provide data about your energy consumption to help you make educated choices when selecting an electricity plan.

Every residence and business has an electric meter that registers the amount of consumed electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A conventional analog meter has to be read monthly by a meter reader who comes to your premise to record the amount of consumed electricity.

However, metering technology has significantly improved, making it possible for smart meters in TX to record the amount of consumed electricity and send it automatically to your Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU). This is why a smart meter doesn’t require anyone to record its readings every month.

Keep in mind that not all digital meters are smart meters, but all smart meters are digital. There are many digital meters in Texas that still have to be read by TDU employees every month.

How Smart Meters Communicate Data

The main purpose of any electricity meter is to record the amount of electricity usage by address in Texas. Smart meters basically do the same, in addition to sending the necessary electricity data to your Transmission and Distribution Utility every 15 minutes.

Smart meters use advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to transmit data between the meter and the utility company, allowing for accurate tracking of your energy usage patterns without manual intervention.

Getting Historical Energy Usage With Smart Meter Texas

Texans can access the Smart Meter Texas (SMT) website to review their historical energy usage data, compare different electricity plans, and download information for further analysis.

You’ll also have access to detailed readings of your consumption and corresponding prices, making it easier to control your electricity usage.

How to Use Smart Meter Texas’ Website

The Smart Meter Texas (SMT) website is a valuable resource for Texans looking to review their monthly energy usage while shopping for an electricity plan.

Creating an account on the SMT website is easy—just provide your basic information and service address.

Once registered, you can download your smart meter data in CSV format to analyze your usage patterns more thoroughly or compare different plans based on factors like price per kWh and contract length.

To download your data, simply enter your smart meter Texas login, select “Usage” from the main menu, navigate to “Download Usage Data,” select your desired date range, and click “Download.”

The CSV file will provide a breakdown of the energy consumed over each hour within the chosen time period.

With this invaluable insight into when peak demand occurs at home, users can make informed decisions when choosing between various discount electricity rates from the cheapest energy plans on Home Energy Club.

Choosing Energy Plans With Your Usage Data

Get the most bang for your buck by selecting an electricity plan that suits your needs based on your historic energy usage patterns. Search by zip code and review rates and plans that best match your energy usage.

Compare Discount Electricity Rates Using SMT Data

Use your downloaded CSV file from Smart Meter Texas to compare discount electricity rates offered by various providers and find the best rates on Texas electricity plans.

Home Energy Club can help you compare energy plans using your historical usage data and receive custom recommendations for suitable plans in terms of cost efficiency.

Evaluate Contract Lengths for Your Usage Habits

Consider the contract lengths available when choosing an electricity plan in addition to price per kWh.

Smaller contracts (e.g., 6 months) may have cheaper prices, but could be susceptible to changes in the market, while longer agreements (for instance, 24 months) provide more dependability yet might come with higher rates.

Optimizing Energy Use with Smart Meter Data

After choosing the perfect electricity plan with insights from your Smart Meter data, you can save money by implementing changes that reduce overall costs.

By reducing energy usage you may lower your carbon emissions. Check out our tips to help reduce your energy bill and save the planet while doing it.

Adjust Thermostat Settings According to Historical Trends

Analyze your smart meter data to identify patterns in temperature preferences and usage habits, then adjust your thermostat settings during peak hours or when you’re away from home to save money on your monthly bill.

Think about investing in a programmable thermostat that automatically alters the temperature according to an established timetable.

Upgrading Appliances with High-Efficiency Models

Outdated or inefficient home appliances can be a major source of energy consumption, but replacing them with ENERGY STAR certified models could help reduce usage and save money in the long run.

To reduce energy consumption and save money, consider replacing incandescent bulbs with LED lights, investing in a high-efficiency air conditioner, or purchasing an energy-saving refrigerator.

Staying Safe with Smart Meters: Understanding Radio Wave Technology

Don’t let worries about radio wave communication technology keep you in the dark about smart meters—these devices are safe and secure.

What is Radio Wave Communication Technology?

Texas smart meters employ RF signals of reduced power to convey energy consumption data without wires between the user’s residence and the utility business, similar to typical appliances such as cellular phones and Wi-Fi routers.

Compliance with Federal Guidelines

  • The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates RF exposure from devices to ensure public safety.
  • Smart meters must meet or exceed these guidelines before being installed in homes.
  • Independent studies show that smart meters emit RF levels well below the FCC’s maximum permissible exposure limits, making them safe for use.

Rest easy knowing that they’re designed with your wellbeing in mind, adhering to strict federal guidelines and implementing safety measures to provide a secure way to monitor your energy usage.

In short, if you want to save money and optimize your energy consumption, make the switch to a Texas smart meter.

Texas Smart Meter FAQs

Are smart meters mandatory in Texas?

Smart meters are mandatory for new installations or replacements in Texas, but some utility companies may offer opt-out options with additional fees and restrictions.

Is a Smart Meter in Texas Free?

Having a smart meter in Texas isn’t free, but you won’t have to pay the full price when it gets installed at your location. You only have to pay a surcharge that will be added to your monthly bill.

If you don’t have one but want to get one, contact your Transmission and Distribution Utility regarding its smart meter distribution plans and costs in your neighborhood. Below are the numbers of TDUs in Texas from our Power Outage Guide:

What are the arguments against smart meters?

  • Potential health concerns related to radio wave exposure
  • Data privacy issues
  • Lack of control over personal energy consumption data
  • Possible increased costs associated with installation and maintenance

What are the advantages of choosing a smart meter?

There are many advantages, including:

  • You can conveniently view your home’s historic energy usage patterns, which will help you in choosing the correct energy plan for your home on our website. Choosing the correct plans can help save you money and cut bill surprises.
  • They monitor your energy usage in 15-minute intervals. If you are interested in cutting energy costs, you can use the “real-time” information on usage to make changes that reduce electricity consumption.
  • Customers on prepayment plans have an easier time of keeping tabs on their energy usage and knowing when credit is running low and needs replenishment.
  • A digital reader puts an end to monthly visits from a meter reader needing to take readings.

Compare Electricity Plans by Usage at Home Energy Club.

Can I opt out of a smart meter in Texas?

You may be able to opt out depending on your utility company’s policies, so contact them directly for more information about opting out and any associated fees or requirements.

How do I calculate my bill using a smart meter?

Smart meters provide a helpful advantage in that you can more easily calculate the amount of your energy bill.

  • Go to the outside meter and look at the display showing the total number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) for the current billing period.
  • Multiply that number by the amount you pay per kWh.

For example, if your usage in the first half of the month has been 800 kWh and the amount you pay per kWh is 11 cents, you owe $88 for the first two weeks. Also, many electric companies provide weekly reports via email detailing your electricity usage.

What is the difference between a smart meter and an old analog dial meter?

Smart meters provide virtually real-time information about your energy consumption data, which you can access daily.

Old analog dial meters, on the other hand, offer no insights about when or how electricity is consumed except that you receive a monthly bill showing the total amount you owe.

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On Home Energy Club, our cost calculator widget helps you to choose an energy plan by performing detailed calculations so you can quickly compare estimated plan costs based on your historic usage data and publicly-available data. Your actual future bill amounts will depend on your future energy usage, which cannot be precisely determined, so the accuracy of plan cost data cannot be guaranteed. You should always read the details of an energy plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to decide if it’s a fit for your home.

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