Houston electricity rates - no ugly plans

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Houston Electric Rate Map
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Houston Electricity Rates

Average Houston Electric Rates

Thad Warren By Thad Warren
Fact Checked
Kendra Aquino By Kendra Aquino

This section highlights the average Houston electricity rates for residential and commercial customers.

  • The lowest residential electricity rate in Houston is 11.43¢ ($0.1143) and the average rate is 15.43¢.
  • The lowest commercial electricity rate in Houston is 7.10¢ ($0.071) and the average rate is 7.87¢.

Houston Electricity Plans

Current rates from energy companies in Houston

Provider
Plan Name
Term
Rate
Think Energy
Think Clean 12
12 months
13.58¢
Varsity Energy
CHAMP 12
12 months
13.68¢
BKV Energy
Verbena 12
12 months
13.70¢
Reliant Energy
Reliant Power On 12 plan
12 months
13.93¢
BKV Energy
Verbena Green 12
12 months
13.94¢

Shopping for a business? Jump to commercial rates.

Lowest Electric Rate in Houston Today

Provider
Plan Name
Term
Rate
AP Gas & Electric
EnergyBot 6
6 months
12.01¢
Think Energy
Think Basic 8
8 months
12.74¢
AP Gas & Electric
EnergyBot 8
8 months
13.01¢
Rhythm Energy
Simply Select 6
6 months
13.29¢
Think Energy
Think Clean 12
12 months
13.58¢

How to Find the Best Electricity Plan in Houston

Compare Electricity Rates Houston

Since 2002, Texas has had a deregulated energy market. This means Houstonians can shop for electricity plans from multiple energy providers to find the best rate. 

Houston is often called the Energy Capital of the World due to the amount of headquarters and businesses in the energy industry that call Houston home. With so many electric companies in Houston, its residents have dozens of reliable options to choose from.

EnergyBot makes comparing rates and finding the best electricity plan for your home or business incredibly simple. Just enter your zip code above and browse the best electricity rates in Houston.

Houston Commercial Electricity 

Businesses in Houston can also choose their energy provider. Since most businesses use more electricity than your typical home, they have much more to gain by getting a low electric rate.

If you're a business with an electric bill of several thousand dollars per month, lowering your bill by a few percentage points can mean huge savings on your bottom line.

The average EnergyBot business customer saves 20% on their electric bill. How?

We created a first-of-its-kind process that leverages thousands of rates from the top commercial energy providers to match you with the best possible plans. No variable rates, no teaser rates, just the lowest rates you can get. Compare business electricity rates and providers here.

Electricity Companies Houston

It can be hard to understand the difference between all of the energy companies in Houston. In simple terms, there are two types of energy companies that Houstonians should understand the difference between: utilities and energy providers.

Houston Electricity Utility: CenterPoint Energy

In Houston and most of the surrounding areas, the electric utility company is CenterPoint Energy (CNP). Their job is to ensure the delivery and transmission of your power. They maintain the power lines and other local distribution hardware that carries the electricity to your home or business.

In short, their job is to make sure that you have reliable electricity service to your home. When you have a power outage from a downed line, you should call CenterPoint.

Houston Energy Providers

Retail Electric Providers (REPs), also called energy suppliers, are the companies you purchase electricity from. In deregulated portions of Texas, this is the company you will pay your electric bill to.

When you shop for electricity rates in Houston, these are the companies that you will be comparing.

Fortunately, Houstonians have a lot of choices when it comes to finding an electricity provider. But, before you enroll with the provider that offers the cheapest electricity rates, you should check the details of the plan.

Some providers sneak hidden fees or insanely high early termination fees into their electricity plans. You may not notice these charges until they show up on your electricity bill.

Electricity rates in Houston fluctuate daily, so finding the best electricity plan can be overwhelming. There are so many energy providers and brands. EnergyBot only partners with electricity providers that meet our strict requirements. Some of the most popular energy companies in Houston are:  

Switch Electricity Providers in Houston

Finding a new electricity provider in Houston is simple with EnergyBot. Follow these simple steps to get the lowest electricity rate in Houston.

Step 1: Shop Houston electric companies and prices

Enter your zip code at the top of this page and you can quickly see plans from the top Houston electric companies. For even better pricing, use our data linking tool to pull in your historic usage from your utility company.

Step 2: Review the plan details

Energy plans often have long confusing contracts. We don't like teaser rates and tricky terms, so we filter out the plans that trick customers into bill spikes.

Each plan you see on our site has plan details. This breaks down the most important information about the plan into a way that is easy to understand.

Step 3: Confirm the switch to a new energy provider

Once you have decided on a new energy plan for your home or business, just follow the prompts to confirm. Once you're done, we’ll give you a dashboard to see the status of your contract.

Types of Energy Plans in Houston

Houston energy providers offer rates and plans with a range of options and terms. While you will see many types of plans, for the most part they are in two categories: fixed-rate and variable rate.

Fixed-Rate Electricity Plans in Houston

Fixed-rate plans will have a set price for the term of the contract. Regardless of weather, natural events, or market volatility, your rate will not change. In most cases, fixed-rate plans have a term length of 6, 12, 24, or 36 months. We recommend fixed-rate plans for most customers.

Variable-Rate Electricity Plans Houston

Variable-rate plan rates may change on a monthly basis based on market factors. Variable-rate plans offer more flexibility but present more volatility in pricing. Price changes may impact your monthly electricity bill in the form of price hikes. In most cases, we do not recommend variable-rate plans.

Renewable Energy Plans in Houston

Embracing green energy in Houston doesn't necessarily mean investing in solar panels for your home. Many electricity providers, including Reliant, TXU Energy, and Energy Texas offer green energy plans.

When you sign up for a renewable energy plan, your provider is required to purchase electricity from renewable sources like wind or solar.

Opting for a renewable energy plan is an affordable and convenient way to contribute to the growth of green energy without the upfront costs of solar panels.

Before making a final decision, consider the costs associated with a renewable energy plan. While green energy has become more affordable in recent years, the prices can still vary between providers and plans. Look for any additional fees, such as early termination or setup fees, to ensure that you are getting the best deal.

Renewable Portfolio Standard

Another important aspect to consider when shopping for a green energy plan is the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). This regulation requires energy providers to produce a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources.

In Texas, the RPS target was surpassed in 2009, and the state continues to be a leader in renewable energy production. Therefore, Houston residents can be confident that they are supporting a more sustainable energy future when choosing a green energy plan.

Moving to Houston? 

As the most populated city in Texas and a hub for industries ranging from energy and natural gas to biomedical research, Houston offers a diverse and vibrant lifestyle. Whether you're new to the area or a long-time resident, the city's thriving economy,  rich cultural scene, and warm Southern hospitality make it an ideal place to call home.

With a wide range of energy providers and plans to choose from, finding the perfect electricity plan can seem daunting. But don't worry, EnergyBot is here to help!

We make it easy to compare rates and find the best plan for your needs, ensuring a hassle-free experience as you settle into your new Houston home. If you have any questions along the way, our in-house support team is here to help. 

FAQs About Houston Electricity Shopping

What is a good price for electricity per kWh in Houston?

A good price for electricity per kWh in Houston typically ranges between 8 to 12 cents for residential customers. However, rates can fluctuate based on factors like location, season, and market dynamics, so it's important to stay informed and compare rates to ensure you're getting a competitive deal.

What is a deregulated energy market? 

A deregulated energy market is one where customers have the power to choose their electricity provider, rather than being limited to a single utility. In Texas, about 90% of residents have this freedom. This system is designed to encourage competition, leading to better electricity prices and services for consumers.

Why are Texas electric rates so high?

Texas electric rates can be high due to factors like extreme temperatures, which increase demand for air conditioning, and the state's reliance on natural gas for power generation, which can be subject to price fluctuations. Additionally, infrastructure and regulatory costs can contribute to higher rates.

How do I choose an electricity company in Houston?

To choose an electricity company in Houston, compare rates and plans from different providers, considering factors like contract length, renewable energy options, and customer service ratings. Use EnergyBot’s straightforward price comparison tool to help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Who is the cheapest electricity provider in Houston?

The cheapest electricity provider in Houston can change due to the fluctuating nature of the energy market. As of 2024, competitive residential rates typically range from 8 to 12 cents per kWh. 

To find the most affordable option, use EnergyBot’s advanced price comparison tool. By entering your ZIP code and analyzing your past energy usage, EnergyBot can find the most affordable plan for your needs in 5 minutes or less.

When is the best time to buy electricity in Houston? 

The best time to buy electricity in Houston is usually during the spring, fall, and early winter when demand is lower and prices tend to drop. Summer rates often increase due to higher temperatures and other factors. To ensure you get the best deal, monitor rates throughout the year and consider signing up for plan expiration reminders so you can switch plans when rates are most favorable.

How do I find a green energy plan in Houston? 

There are several renewable energy providers in Houston, which makes finding a green energy plan easy. To explore your options, enter your ZIP code here and keep an eye out for the small leaf icon. This will tell you what percentage of the plan’s energy is from renewable sources. 

Switch Electricity Providers in Houston

Finding a new electricity provider in Houston is simple with EnergyBot. Follow these simple steps to get the lowest electricity rate in Houston.

Step 1: Shop Houston electric companies and prices

Enter your zip code at the top of this page and you can quickly see plans from the top Houston electric companies. For even better pricing use our data linking tool to pull in your historic usage from your utility.

Step 2: Review the plan details

Energy plans often have long confusing contracts. We don't like teaser rates and tricky terms, so we filter out the plans that trick customers into bill spikes. Each plan you see on our site has plan details. This breaks down the most important information about the plan into a way that is easy to understand.

Step 3: Confirm the switch to a new energy provider

Once you have decided on a new energy plan for your home business just follow the prompts to confirm. Once you're done, we give you dashboard to see the status of your contract.

Types of Energy Plans in Houston

Houston energy providers offer rates and plans with a range of options and terms. While you will see many types of plans for the most part they are in two categories: fixed-rate and variable rate.

Fixed-Rate Electricity Plans in Houston

Fixed-rate plans will have a set price for the term of the contract. Regardless of weather, natural events, or market volatility, your rate will not change. In most cases, fixed-rate plans have a term length of 6, 12, 24, or 36 months. We recommend fixed-rate plans for most customers.

Variable-Rate Electricity Plans Houston

Variable-rate plan rates may change on a monthly basis based on market factors. Variable-rate plans offer more flexibility but present more volatility in pricing. Price changes may impact your monthly electricity bill in the form of price hikes. In most cases, we do not recommend variable-rate plans.

Houston Commercial Electric Rates

Rates updated daily

Provider
Term
Rate
AP Gas & Electric
1 month
5.26¢
AP Gas & Electric
6 months
6.19¢
Chariot Energy
6 months
6.27¢
Gexa Energy
6 months
6.52¢
NRG Energy, Inc.
6 months
6.52¢