Compare South Houston Electricity Rates and Providers

Thanks to Texas’s deregulated energy market, South Houston offers numerous electricity plan options. But with dozens of electricity providers, hundreds of energy plans, and rates ranging from 10 cents to nearly 30 cents per kWh, you’ll need to research to find the best electricity rates for your Texas home. We’ve put this guide together to help you compare South Houston providers and find affordable plans that meet your home’s specific energy needs.

Today’s South Houston Electricity Rates and Plans

The best electricity rates in South Houston come from plans that offer transparent pricing and predictable monthly bills. Many electricity companies in South Houston advertise extremely low rates. However, these often include bill credits or tiered pricing that can lead to unexpectedly high costs when your usage falls outside specific thresholds.

Our research shows that straightforward fixed-rate plans typically provide the most consistent value for South Houston residents. While these plans might advertise slightly higher rates initially, they help you avoid the surprise charges while enjoying competitive energy rates.

The rates above are accurate as of 05/09/2025 at 05:37 AM for the ZIP code 77077.  The rates are the same across all ZIP codes in the CenterPoint service area. Rates shown are for 1,000 kWh usage.

Cheapest Electricity Rates in South Houston

Before checking out the cheapest South Houston energy rates below, note that many of these energy plans include bill credits. 

For budget-conscious South Houston residents, plans with bill credit energy plans might seem attractive due to their low advertised rates. Bill credit plans offer these low rates through usage-based discounts that typically apply when your usage hits a minimum threshold, often 1,000 kWh or 2,000 kWh. 

You may enjoy competitive low rates if your monthly electricity consumption consistently hits the usage threshold required to trigger the credit. However, we encourage caution when choosing the cheapest electricity rates in South Houston, as your actual energy rates may vary significantly from the advertised rate. If your usage drops below credit thresholds during mild spring or fall months, you could pay substantially more per kilowatt-hour than expected.

The rates above are accurate as of 05/09/2025 at 05:37 AM for the ZIP code 77077.  The rates are the same across all ZIP codes in the CenterPoint service area. Rates shown are for 1,000 kWh usage.

What Is a Good Energy Rate in South Houston?

A reasonable electricity rate in South Houston is generally within a few cents of the statewide average, which is 14.89 cents per kWh, according to February 2025 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Based on our research, you can consider it a good rate if you’re paying between 14 and 17 cents per kWh, from a plan without hidden fees or confusing bill credits that create unpredictable bills. 

However, the definition of a “good rate” varies based on plan type and your preferences. For example, if you’re interested in green energy, you may be willing to pay a premium. And a good rate for a large ranch-style home with five occupants will differ from a good rate for a single person living in an urban loft.

Several factors, including seasonal weather patterns, natural gas prices and ongoing grid improvements, influence energy rates in South Houston. 

According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), infrastructure upgrades following winter storm Uri continue to impact electricity costs across the state, including South Houston. Additionally, the city’s proximity to the Gulf Coast means that the summer hurricane season can affect energy prices by potentially disrupting power grid infrastructure.

Electricity Companies in South Houston

South Houston residents have access to over 140 Texas electricity companies operating throughout Texas, according to the PUCT. These companies differ in their plan offerings, customer service quality, billing practices, and promotional incentives.

According to our 2025 energy survey of 1,600 residents in deregulated areas, the most popular electricity companies across Texas include TXU Energy, Reliant Energy and Gexa Energy. These providers have established strong market positions by offering competitive rates and reliable service to customers in South Houston and throughout the state.

Top Energy Providers in South Houston

According to our review standards, we rate Reliant Energy, Green Mountain Energy and TriEagle Energy as the top electricity providers in South Houston. Our analysis found these companies consistently deliver competitive rates, reliable customer service and transparent billing practices for South Houston residents.

For those looking for the most affordable options in South Houston, our data shows that providers such as Gexa Energy, 4Change Energy, and Frontier Utilities often offer the lowest-priced plans. However, some providers specialize in specific plan types, such as Payless Power for prepaid electricity with no deposit and Green Mountain Energy for renewable energy.

Which Utility Company Serves South Houston?

CenterPoint Energy serves as the utility company for South Houston, handling all power line maintenance, meter reading and power restoration services. Contact CenterPoint for any power outages or issues with downed lines.

As the transmission and distribution utility (TDU), CenterPoint charges a monthly base fee of approximately $4.39, plus a per-kWh charge of about 4.2392 cents, which is passed through to customers regardless of which retail provider they choose.

South Houston residents cannot select their utility company since CenterPoint has the exclusive franchise to deliver electricity in the area. However, you can choose an energy supplier that offers service in the CenterPoint territory, with utility delivery charges remaining consistent across all providers.

How To Choose an Electricity Plan in South Houston

Selecting the right electricity plan in South Houston involves more than just finding the lowest advertised rate. Consider contract length, customer service quality, renewable energy options and billing practices. Most South Houston residents look to switch energy providers when they move, experience poor service with their current company or want lower monthly costs.

• Analyze your usage patterns first: Review your historical electricity consumption. You can find this information on old energy bills or through Smart Meter Texas. We suggest looking at usage for a full year to account for seasonal variations. Plans advertise rates at 500 kWh, 1,000 kWh and 2,000 kWh. Understanding your usage enables you to compare rates at a price point that matches your usage needs.
• Compare fixed-rate vs. variable-rate plans: Fixed-rate plans provide price stability with consistent rates throughout your contract term, but include cancellation charges. Month-to-month electricity plans require no contract but fluctuate monthly based on market conditions, often dramatically during extreme weather events.
• Consider contract length: Some short contracts offer rate discounts but require proactive energy shopping every few months. Long contracts offer price protection for extended periods, but can cause issues if you switch before the contract ends.
• Look into renewable energy options: Many South Houston providers offer partial or 100% renewable energy plans that allow you to reduce your environmental impact while supporting the growth of clean energy in Texas.

Plan Types Available in South Houston

South Houston residents have access to various types of energy plans to meet their specific needs and preferences. Below are the most common energy plan types.

• Fixed-rate plans
• Green energy plans
• No-deposit plans
• Variable-rate plans
• Bill credit plans
• Time-of-use plans

Based on our research, you can expect the most predictable monthly energy costs when you sign up for a straightforward fixed-rate plan. 

However, your energy needs may align with the perks, features or rate structures of other plan types. For example, a no-deposit lights plan may be your best bet if you want to avoid a credit check or a large upfront deposit. If you have an electric vehicle (EV) and want to take advantage of discounted — or even free — charging periods, a time-of-use plan may be right for you.

What To Know About Electricity in South Houston

Moving to the South Houston area? Understanding how electricity works in South Houston will help you make better decisions about your energy service and avoid common pitfalls in the Texas deregulated energy market.

Understanding Your Electricity Facts Label (EFL)

The EFL provides essential information about your plan’s pricing structure, including the energy charge, base charge and utility delivery fees. It also shows average rates at different usage levels and details about potential discounts. Before selecting an electricity plan in South Houston, carefully review the EFL to understand the complete cost structure and avoid unexpected charges on your bill.

Watch Out for Cancellation Penalties

ETFs — a fee providers charge if you terminate a fixed-rate energy plan before your contract ends — typically range from $150 to $395, depending on the provider and plan. Some electricity companies charge a flat fee, while others assess $20 per remaining month on your contract. Always check the EFL for specific cancellation terms and factor these costs into your decision if you anticipate moving or switching providers before your contract ends. You may find that it’s worth paying the cancellation fee if the potential savings of a new plan outweigh the cost of the ETF.

Beware of Free Nights and Weekends

Free nights electricity plans may seem attractive, but be careful. These plans promise “free” energy during off-peak hours, often 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. However, they often charge rates well over 27 cents per kWh during paid periods, typically 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

While you may enjoy cheap energy costs if you can shift most of your energy usage to occur during the discounted hours, you’ll pay heavily if you use large portions during the peak, paid periods. This is particularly difficult, as air conditioners and refrigerators, two high-use appliances, run off and on throughout the day.

Most households don’t realize the substantial price difference during on-peak hours, making these plans less economical than straightforward fixed-rate options for most consumers.

Green Energy Options in South Houston

South Houston’s proximity to major wind farms in West Texas and the Gulf Coast makes renewable energy plans particularly relevant. Many providers in South Houston offer 100% renewable options at competitive rates, with Green Mountain Energy leading the category. The area has seen growing interest in green energy plans as prices have become more competitive with traditional electricity plans, allowing residents to support clean energy without paying a significant premium.

Switching Providers or Moving to South Houston

Whether you’re switching electricity providers or moving to the South Houston area, we can help you select your new electricity company in South Houston with ease. Just punch in your ZIP code and compare available plans to find one that matches your needs, then sign up with the new provider. They’ll handle the rest, including notifying your current provider and scheduling the switch.

The best time for South Houston residents to shop for a new electricity plan is typically during the milder spring or fall, when demand is lower and providers often offer better rates to attract customers. Avoid switching during summer when rates tend to spike due to high air conditioning demand in the Gulf Coast region.

If you’re moving to South Houston from another location, start researching electricity providers about 30 days before your move-in date. You can set up service in advance with most companies, scheduling it to begin on your move date. Having your exact address, move-in date and credit information ready will streamline the process, ensuring you have power from the day you move into your new South Houston home.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Houston Electricity Rates

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%)