The best Dallas electricity plans offer simple and predictable bills. We recommend straightforward, fixed-rate plans. These straightforward plans may advertise slightly higher rates than the cheapest options. However, the more transparent rate structure should help you budget for your energy usage each month. Here are some of our picks for the best electricity rates in the Dallas area:
Provider | Plan Name | Est. Monthly Bill | Rate (¢/kWh) | % Renewable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rhythm Energy | Simply Select 12 | $155 | 15.5 | 100% |
Frontier Utilities | Frontier Budget Saver 12 | $152 | 15.2 | 30% |
Tri-Eagle Energy | Simple Savings 12 | $148 | 14.8 | 9% |
4Change Energy | One Rate 12 | $157 | 15.7 | 9% |
Veteran Energy | Secure 12 | $157 | 15.7 | 7% |
Gexa Energy | Gexa Light Saver 12 | $160 | 16 | 100% |
Reliant Energy | Reliant Power On 24 Plan | $145 | 14.5 | 20% |
Payless Power | 12 Month - Prepaid | $182 | 18.2 | 26% |
TXU Energy | Simple Rate 12 | $182 | 18.2 | 9% |
Gexa Energy | Gexa Eco Saver Advantage 12 | $198 | 19.8 | 9% |
Rates in the above table are updated daily. Electricity rates for the Oncor are pulled for the zip code 75001. Monthly bill estimates are for 1,000 kWh usage.
Cheapest Electricity Rates in Dallas
Meanwhile, many cheap plans advertise the lowest rates through bill credits. These usage-based discounts may help you save in months when your usage meets specific kWh requirements. But in months when your usage falls below or exceeds the usage requirements, you’ll pay a high rate per kWh.
Provider | Plan Name | Est. Monthly Bill | Rate (¢/kWh) | % Renewable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Budget Power | No Gimmicks 12 | $127 | 12.7 | 33% |
Varsity Energy LLC | Homerun 12 | $128 | 12.8 | 31% |
Frontier Utilities | Frontier Power Saver 12 | $128 | 12.8 | 30% |
Gexa Energy | Gexa Eco Choice 12 | $129 | 12.9 | 100% |
True Power | True Value 12 | $130 | 13.0 | 15% |
Southern Federal Power | SoFed Digital Saver Plus - 12 | $131 | 13.1 | 6% |
Ranchero Power | Smart & Fixed - 12 | $134 | 13.4 | 6% |
Chariot Energy | Bright Nights 12 | $135 | 13.5 | 100% |
BKV Energy | Daisy 12 | $135 | 13.5 | 29% |
Rhythm | Simply Choose 12 | $138 | 13.8 | 100% |
Rates in the above table are updated daily. Electricity rates for the Oncor are pulled for the zip code 75001. Monthly bill estimates are for 1,000 kWh usage.
Bill Predictability vs. Low-Rate Energy Plans in Dallas
Fixed-rate plans, for example, provide locked-in, consistent rates, which allows for predictable budgeting. Variable rates, on the other hand, change month-to-month, which leads to unpredictable energy bills that fluctuate based on market conditions.
According to our July 2024 survey of more than 1,000 Texans, approximately 40% of customers who reported a bill surprise issue had a variable-rate energy plan.
Other low-rate energy plans include bill credit plans. We generally suggest avoiding this plan type. It offers a usage-based account credit when your electricity consumption meets or exceeds a set amount of kWh. However, you’re not guaranteed to get the bill credit every month. Your energy rate can skyrocket in months when your usage doesn’t meet the minimum required kWh benchmark. This rate variation can make your monthly energy costs unpredictable.
In one of our customer interviews from July 2024, a customer reported serious billing issues caused by their bill credit plan.
“I thought my bill would be $150, but because I used 998 kWh instead of 1,000, I didn’t get the credit, and my bill was $250,” the customer said.
In our July 2024 survey, 45% of respondents reported dissatisfaction with bill credit plans due to unexpected charges or failure to qualify for credits.
Before enrollment, assess each plan type’s pros and cons to ensure it aligns with your energy consumption habits.
Average Residential Rates in Dallas
Dallas electricity rates average 13.0 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is about 10% lower than the state average rate of 14.5 cents per kWh. Energy rates for residential use start as low as 10.5 cents per kWh based on 100-plus plans listed on the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) website. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average across the U.S. is about 16.6 cents per kWh.
You know you’re getting a good deal if your Texas electricity rate falls between 12 cents and 15 cents per kWh from a straightforward plan.
How To Choose an Electricity Plan in Dallas
Choosing the best electricity plan for your Dallas residence isn’t just about the bottom line. Consider factors such as term length, customer service and bill predictability.
Follow these steps to find the best plan for you, whether moving or looking for better rates.
Step 1: Identify your electricity usage needs
Knowing how much energy you use on average can help you find the best plan for your needs because energy plans offer different rates at set usage levels. Some plans provide better rates for 500 kWh (ideal for apartments), while others offer the best rates above 2,000 kWh of usage (great for very large homes). Review past electric bills to determine your home’s usage. We recommend reviewing usage for an entire year to account for seasonal variations in use. You can also pull your precise historic data using Smart Meter Texas.
Step 2: Review Plan Details and Rates
When you enter your ZIP code, you’ll notice a range of plan types, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, green energy, bill credit, time of use and no-deposit plans. Variable rate plans offer month-to-month contracts you can cancel anytime, while fixed-rate contracts typically last six to 36 months. Your energy options vary by location, so the best energy plans in Dallas may differ from those in Houston. We recommend 12-month, fixed-rate electricity plans without bill credits or time-of-use variations for more predictable bills.
Step 3: Make the Switch to Your New Provider
Enter your ZIP code below to compare plans, rates, and providers, and enroll in a new plan in minutes. Whether you’re switching providers or starting a new energy plan, we make enrollment simple and fast. Your new provider will set up your electricity service and handle your electricity transition without power interruption.
Plan Types Available in Dallas
Dallas offers a variety of electricity plan types to meet your energy needs, including:
- Fixed-rate plans: Lock in your rate for the contract term, usually between six and 36 months. Fixed-rate plans protect you from electricity market fluctuations, while straightforward rate structures provide predictable bills.
- Variable-rate plans: Month-to-month, variable rates change based on market conditions and have no long-term contract. We rarely recommend variable-rate plans due to their unpredictable nature.
- Bill credit plans: Bill credit plans reward you with discounts based on your kWh usage. You can save money on your overall bill if you meet the monthly usage requirement, but it’s not a guarantee you’ll receive it each month. Usage outside of the specific range may lead to higher-than-expected bills.
- Time-of-use plans: Time-of-use plans encourage shifting your usage to save money with free or discounted electricity during off-peak hours, like late at night or on weekends. However, they typically charge excessively high rates during on-peak hours. These plans may only suit you if you rarely use energy during paid periods or if you can adjust when you use the most electricity.
- Green energy plans (EV and Solar Buyback): These plans provide energy from renewable energy sources, such as wind, hydro or solar power. In addition to renewably sourced energy, many green plans include perks, such as free electric vehicle charging or solar buyback options. Renewable energy plans may suit you if you want to reduce your carbon footprint while securing competitive rates.
- No-deposit plans: You can start service without paying a large upfront deposit by choosing a no-deposit plan. Prepaid plans require you to preload funds into your account instead of paying at the end of the month. While you can skip paying a deposit, we recommend comparing prices to regular fixed-rate plans. Prepaid plans tend to charge higher rates per kWh than traditional postpaid options. Payless Power is our top pick for no-deposit lights.
Top Energy Companies in Dallas
We rated Reliant Energy, Green Mountain Energy and TriEagle Energy as the top electricity providers in Texas in our review methodology.
Our research indicates that the best Dallas energy providers offer transparent bills, helpful customer service and competitive prices. They also offer various plan options to help you pick the best option.
Some companies specialize in a specific offering, such as Payless Power, which is known for prepaid energy plans. Other companies, such as TXU Energy, offer many options, catering to a range of customer needs.
We found the cheapest energy providers in Dallas are Gexa Energy, 4Change Energy and Frontier Utilities.
Retail Energy Provider | Our Rating | PUCT Complaint Score | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Reliant Energy | 4.7 | 5 | NR |
Green Mountain Energy | 4.7 | 4 | A+ |
TriEagle Energy | 4.7 | 4 | A+ |
Rhythm Energy | 4.5 | 2 | NR |
Pulse Power | 4.5 | 3 | NR |
Frontier Utilities | 4.4 | 3 | NR |
TXU Energy | 4.3 | 5 | A+ |
Champion Energy | 4.3 | 5 | A+ |
Direct Energy | 4.3 | 4 | F |
Cirro Energy | 4.2 | 2 | A+ |
Many of the top Dallas electricity providers above deliver competitive rates for residential and business electricity services.
First Time Shopping for Energy in Dallas?
As a first-time energy shopper, you should determine your average usage, plan type preferences and desired contract lengths to narrow down your options. Your first step should be considering the EFL.
Electricity Facts Label
The EFL details a plan’s energy rates, utility fees and contract terms. It also illustrates other potential fees, including minimum usage fees, base charges and cancellation fees. Dallasites can use this document to compare plans and understand what charges make up your total bill. Reviewing the EFL will help you make an informed decision about the best plan for your needs so you avoid surprises on your bill.
Early Termination Fees
You may incur an ETF if you cancel a fixed-rate energy plan before your contract ends. You can find the ETF listed in the EFL. Charges vary, but many providers levy a flat fee ranging from $150 to $395, depending on the length of your contract. Other providers charge a $20 per month remaining in your contract. You won’t have to pay the ETF if you cancel your plan early because you move out of the provider’s service area.
Are Free Nights and Weekends Energy Plans Worth It?
Many energy plans in Dallas offer discounts or promotions, such as free nights or weekends. These time-of-use plans might help you save if you shift your usage to match the off-peak or free energy periods. But, these plans tend to be gimmicky with higher rates during the on-peak times. We typically suggest steering clear, especially if you have unpredictable schedules or high usage during the paid periods.
Consistently running high-usage appliances like the dishwasher or laundry machine during the designated free times may help you find value in these plans. Before enrolling in a “free nights and weekends” energy plan, consider your typical usage patterns and potential savings versus the energy costs to determine if it truly fits your needs.
When is a Good Time to Change Your Plan or Provider?
Spring and fall are usually the best times to buy electricity in The Big D. Mild weather during these seasons lowers demand and prices. Meanwhile, hot summer weather increases demand and raises prices, making it costly to switch energy companies between June and September.
How Does Deregulated Energy Work in Dallas?
In 1999, Texas passed a law to deregulate its energy sector. This law took effect in 2002 and encouraged competition by breaking up monopolies. The goal of this law was to lower electricity costs for Texans.
Retail electric providers (REPs) now buy electricity from power generators in wholesale auctions managed by the PUCT and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Electric companies then sell the power to you through energy plans. Finally, utility companies deliver that power to your home or business.
Current transmission and distribution utility companies in Texas
- AEP Texas Central: Corpus Christi, McAllen, Victoria, Laredo, Harlingen
- AEP Texas North: Abilene, San Angelo, Alpine, Vernon
- CenterPoint Energy: Houston, Katy, Beaumont
- Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L): Lubbock
- Oncor Electric Delivery: Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Waco, Arlington, Temple, Round Rock, Midland, Odessa
- Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP): League City, Glen Rose, Pecos, Angleton
Which TDU Serves Dallas?
Oncor Electric serves Dallas as the TDU. If you have a power outage to report, contact Oncor directly rather than calling your Dallas energy provider.
Check Oncor’s outage tracker for the latest updates.
View Electricity Prices for Cities Near Dallas
Looking for a cheap energy price in another city? Find your city below and click for area-specific electricity rate information or simply enter your ZIP code below.
| Addison | Allen | Arlington |
| Carrollton | Coppell | Fort Worth |
| Frisco | Grand Prairie | Grapevine |
| Irving | Lewisville | McKinney |
| Mesquite | Plano | Richardson |
| Rockwall | Round Rock |
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. Home Energy Club created a comprehensive rating methodology to help Texans cut through the complexity and find the best electricity plan for their needs, whether they’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 cost, bill predictability, customer satisfaction, brand trust, and plan features. Here’s how those core factors weighed into our ratings:
- Plan features (33%)
- Customer satisfaction and brand trust (27%)
- Plan rates and pricing (20%)
- Energy bill predictability (20%)
