Any product or company names, marks, or logos shown on this page are the property of their respective owners. ComparePower is an unaffiliated, independent marketplace. Get unbiased, accurate information backed by our commitment to editorial integrity.
Houston Electric Rates, Plans, & Providers
As we head into fall, it’s a great time to evaluate your electricity plan in Houston.
Finding a budget-friendly rate from a reliable provider is important.
But with so many options, finding the best one can sometimes feel like a chore, right?
This guide will help simplify your search so you can find an affordable electricity rate.
Speaking of affordable rates, what exactly is considered a good rate in Houston?
What is a good electricity rate in Houston?
The average Houston electricity rate is 14.25¢/kWh.
Today on ComparePower you can shop fixed-rate plans starting at just 12.30¢/kWh.
With deregulated electricity here in Houston, the power is in your hands to shop for the right plan.
This short guide gives you the key steps, so you can take advantage of the options out there to find the most affordable rate for your home or business.
How to Find the Best Rates in Houston
Finding competitive electricity rates in Houston requires more than just looking for the lowest advertised price. You need to understand your usage and shop smart.
Some providers may show attractive rates upfront, but hide additional fees or high charges at different usage tiers. This can lead to unexpectedly high bills.
The key is knowing your monthly kWh usage. This allows you to see each plan’s true cost based on your actual energy consumption. Your usage is vital for finding the best value.
Unsure how to shop with your usage? We’ve created a quick 2-minute video that explains how to use your kWh history to find the ideal Houston electricity rate.
Watch the video below for a crash course on comparing rates accurately based on your unique usage profile. This knowledge is essential for saving the most money on your electric bills!
We’ve used the same power company for many years and I wanted to see if we could save money. I used ComparePower to see what was available in my area. I was pleasantly surprised that I could save over $200 by switching. It was super easy and all it took was a few mintues to change over. I’d definitely recommend using this service to see if you’re getting the best price.
— Stacey (Houston, TX)
Houston Electricity Rates
Looking for the cheapest electricity rates in Houston? The key is to compare plans across multiple providers.
76 Houston Electric Rates
These live rates for CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC LLC service area were updated on . Pricing shown is based on an exact usage of 1000 kWh.
Understanding Houston Electricity Rates
Before comparing specific plans and prices, let’s look at how electricity rates work in Houston.
Texas has a deregulated energy market, meaning you can shop among many retail electric providers.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) oversees these companies to ensure fair pricing.
Several factors impact the rates you pay:
- Electricity generation costs – Operating power plants and fuel costs
- Transmission and distribution costs – Getting power to homes through wires
- Company profit margins – What retailers build in to make money
- Supply and demand – Fluctuations in how much electricity is used
These components can change frequently, leading to rate variability over time. Rates also differ across providers and plans, making comparison shopping essential.
Understanding what goes into your electricity rates will help you evaluate your options and choose the best value.
Average Electricity Rates in Houston
The average electricity rate for residential customers in Houston is 14.25¢/kWh.
The good news is – with the deregulated market in Houston, you have access to lower rates through competitive fixed-rate plans.
On ComparePower, we currently offer fixed-rate electricity plans starting at just 12.30¢/kWh.
Don’t simply accept the baseline average rate. With a little shopping, you can likely save big on your electric bills.
Compare your options and enroll in an affordable fixed-rate electricity plan today.
Updated April 2024
Starting Electricity Service in Your New Houston Home
Moving to a new home in Houston can be stressful. But establishing your electricity service doesn’t have to be.
ComparePower makes it quick and easy to sign up with top Houston providers like Reliant Energy, TXU, and Direct Energy.
To get started:
- Enter your zip code to view available plans in your area.
- Compare rates, contract lengths, and features to find the best deal.
- Select your preferred plan and click “Check Availability” to enroll online in minutes.
With ComparePower, you can set up electricity before you even move in.
This way, the power will be on when you arrive at your new home with one less thing to worry about as you move to your new home.
Switching Energy Companies in Houston
Switching your electricity provider in Houston doesn’t have to be difficult. By shopping before your contract ends, you can seamlessly move to a new, cheaper plan.
Follow these tips for switching providers:
- Check your usage – Review 12 months of kWh data to find the right plan.
- Shop early – Texas law allows switching 14 days before your contract expires.
- Compare plans – Rates typically increase after contracts end, so compare new options.
- Weigh contract exit fees – Savings may outweigh penalties for leaving early.
- Sign up online – Enroll directly with a new provider in just minutes.
Avoid auto-renewing at higher rates when your contract is up. Instead, leverage competition ahead of time to switch to a more affordable electricity plan.
Learn how to switch energy providers in Houston 👉
Best Houston Electricity Companies
With so many companies to choose from, how do you find the top electricity providers in Houston?
We evaluate providers based on rates, services, plans, and incentives to identify the ones that offer the best overall value.
Based on our research, here are the top electricity providers in Houston:
Energy Companies in Houston | Phone Number |
---|---|
4Change Energy | 888-250-2215 |
Amigo Energy | 866-993-4445 |
Cirro Energy | 866-965-5660 |
Constellation | 877-390-0411 |
Direct Energy | 866-285-4447 |
Discount Power | 866-996-1740 |
Flagship Power | 866-747-7111 |
Frontier Utilities | 866-280-3131 |
Gexa Energy | 888-688-8460 |
Green Mountain | 866-983-4770 |
Just Energy | 866-985-2820 |
New Power Texas | 888-316-0697 |
Payless Power | 855-854-8490 |
Pulse Power | 888-317-1431 |
Reliant | 866-983-4620 |
Rhythm Energy | 877-825-9940 |
TXU Energy | 866-370-2440 |
Tara Energy | 877-599-2580 |
How to Compare Houston Energy Companies
As the 4th biggest city in the US, Houston residents have an abundance of electricity provider options.
Top companies in the area include TXU Energy, Reliant, Direct Energy, Green Mountain Energy and more.
With so many choices comes the power to shop for the best rates and service.
Here are some tips for comparing Houston electricity providers:
- Review each company’s current rates and plan offerings
- Research customer reviews and complaints
- Compare costs based on your estimated usage
- Consider contract lengths, fees, and extra features
- Check available discounts and promotions
Evaluating multiple providers takes just minutes but ensures you find the perfect match for your home or business.
Centerpoint Energy – Houston’s Electric Utility
Centerpoint Energy provides electricity and natural gas services in Houston and surrounding areas.
Key facts:
- Electric utility serving over 7 million Texas customers
- Owns local transmission and distribution infrastructure
- Regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas
Electricity Services:
- Check usage on Smart Meter Texas
- Report outages to Centerpoint Energy at 1-800-752-8036
Natural Gas:
- Gas service provided by ATMOS Energy – call 1-888-286-6700
Garbage/Recycling:
- Included in the City of Houston water bill
Water Utility:
- Houston Public Works – Customer service 713-371-1400
- Emergencies: Call 311
Houston Electricity Rates FAQs
Whether you’re wondering how to find the cheapest price, choose the right company, understand different plans, or save money on your electric bills, we’ve got you covered.
Read on for quick answers to your top questions about electricity rates in Houston.
Who has the best electricity rates in Houston?
The lowest rate depends on your actual annual usage. Comparing plans based on your kWh usage profile is key to finding the cheapest price for your home.
Comparison sites like ComparePower allow you to see personalized rates based on your energy consumption.
What is the cheapest electricity company in Houston?
To find the cheapest company, you need to compare rates based on your specific usage, not just advertised prices.
By entering your monthly kWh data into ComparePower, you can see customized rates from multiple providers.
This allows you to accurately identify the most affordable option for your home’s unique energy needs.
Support You Can Count On
Do you have more questions or need help finding the right plan for your household? Our local experts are here to help.
Contact us today, and let us guide you through finding an electricity plan that meets your needs and budget.
With our personalized recommendations and transparent pricing, you can shop with confidence and take control of your energy costs.