Category: Moving

Learn about your Texas electricity options when you are moving to a new home and needing to start new electric service.

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Apartment Electricity in Texas

Moving into a new apartment is an exciting experience but can also be overwhelming, especially when setting up your electricity service. The good news is that as a renter in Texas, you have a unique advantage that many people in other states don’t – the power to choose your electricity provider.

Texas has a deregulated energy market, so you’re not limited to just one utility company. Instead, you have a variety of Retail Electric Providers (REPs) competing for your business, each offering their rates, plans, and perks.

However, knowing which is right for you can be challenging with many providers and plans. That’s where I come in. As an experienced Texas electricity expert, I will guide you through this world of energy choices to help you find the best plan for your apartment, lifestyle, and budget.

Understanding Your Power to Choose

In 2002, Texas lawmakers introduced competition into the electricity market, hoping that allowing multiple providers to offer their services would lower prices, increase innovation, and benefit consumers like you.

Today, in most parts of Texas, you can choose from dozens of REPs, each offering competitive rates, flexible plans, and eco-friendly options.

Estimating Your Apartment’s Energy Usage

Before comparing plans, it’s essential to understand your electricity usage. Your usage patterns will determine which plans make the most sense for you and help you avoid billing surprises.

Learn how to estimate your apartment home’s kWh usage.

If You’re Moving In
If you’re new to Texas or moving into your first apartment, you won’t have previous bills to reference for your usage history.

In this case, estimate your usage based on your new place’s size:

  • Extra-small apartment (less than 500 sq ft): 100-500 kWh per month
  • Small apartment (500-999 sq ft): 500-1,000 kWh per month
  • Medium-sized apartment (1,000-1,499 sq ft): 1,000-1,500 kWh per month
  • Large apartment (1,500-1,999 sq ft): 1,500-2,000 kWh per month
  • Extra-large apartment (2,000+ sq ft): 2,000+ kWh per month

Since you don’t have historical usage data, choose a plan with a flat rate and a 60-day guarantee.

If your initial plan doesn’t fit your actual usage patterns, you can switch to a more suitable one without penalty.

If You’re Switching
If you’re already living in a Texas apartment and looking to switch electricity providers, review your old bills and note your kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage for each month over the past year.

Use ComparePower’s comparison tool to find plans that offer the best value based on your specific usage patterns.

Our tool takes your usage data and shows personalized plan recommendations with estimated monthly and annual costs.

When comparing plans as a switcher, look at the total annual cost rather than just the price per kWh.

A plan with a lower price per kWh might seem attractive, but if it doesn’t match your usage patterns, you could pay more in the long run.

Apartment Electricity Rates in Texas

Now that you know your electricity usage, let’s look at some current apartment electricity rates in Texas.

City500 kWh1000 kWh2000 kWh
Houston14.90¢10.70¢11.90¢
Dallas14.00¢12.30¢12.10¢
Arlington14.00¢12.30¢12.10¢
Corpus Christi15.40¢11.90¢12.10¢
Plano14.00¢12.30¢12.10¢
Laredo15.40¢11.90¢12.10¢
Garland14.00¢12.30¢12.10¢
Irving14.00¢12.30¢12.10¢
Katy14.90¢10.70¢11.90¢
Grand Prairie14.00¢12.30¢12.10¢

Compare Apartment Electric Rates

Moving into my first apartment this weekend after graduating college. ComparePower made it SO easy to compare rates, plans and usage with the plans I will be using. Will be recommending to friends! Thanks!

Caroline P (TX, United States

Finding Your Best Electricity Plan

Consider the following factors when choosing a plan:

  1. Price per kWh: Look for plans with competitive rates for your usage level.
  2. Contract length: Consider your lifestyle and how long you plan to stay in your apartment.
  3. Plan type: Fixed-rate plans offer price predictability, while variable-rate plans can fluctuate with the market.
  4. Renewable energy: If you want to support clean energy, consider plans that include renewable sources.

ComparePower makes it easy to find the best plan for your needs.

Enter your zip code and estimated monthly usage into our comparison tool, and we’ll show you a personalized list of plans with transparent pricing.

Start Electricity for Your Apartment

Prepaid Electricity for Apartments

Are you moving into a new apartment and looking for a hassle-free way to set up your electricity?

Prepaid electricity plans are ideal for apartment renters who want to avoid deposits and enjoy same-day activation.

With prepaid electricity, you pay for your energy usage upfront and add funds to your account as needed.

This gives you complete control over your budget and eliminates the need for a large upfront deposit.

Why Prepaid Electricity is the Smart Choice for Apartment Renters:

  1. No Deposit: Keep more money in your pocket when moving into your new apartment.
  2. Same-Day Service: Get your electricity up and running when you move in.
  3. Easy Budget Management: Monitor your energy consumption and add funds as needed, ensuring you stay within budget.
  4. Flexibility: No long-term contracts or cancellation fees allow you to manage your electricity on your terms.

Payless Power: The Best Provider for Prepaid Electricity in Apartments

Payless Power is the go-to provider for prepaid electricity plans designed specifically for apartment renters.

Prepaid plans offer the perfect solution for those seeking same-day service connection and instant approval.

With Payless Power, you can have your apartment powered up the same day you sign up.

Enter your zip code to shop Payless Power prepaid plans and select the one that best aligns with your energy needs and budget.

Enroll online through our user-friendly portal, or call Payless Power to enroll by phone at 855-926-8490.

In no time, you’ll enjoy reliable electricity in your apartment without any delays or complications.

The Moving-Switching Cycle

As a renter in Texas, you’ll likely encounter moving and switching situations. Understanding how to navigate each scenario can help you make informed decisions and save money.

If you’re moving, estimate your usage and choose a flexible plan. Gather usage history as you live in your apartment. When it’s time to switch, use that history to find the best plan based on total annual costs. If you move again, start the cycle by estimating usage in your new place.

Enrolling for Service

Once you’ve found the right plan, signing up is a breeze:

  1. Have your apartment address, move-in date, and billing information ready.
  2. Sign up online or by phone with your chosen provider.
  3. After your enrollment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your new account number, which you’ll need to obtain your apartment keys.
  4. Your electricity should be up and running on your move-in date.

Considerations for Renters

  • Choose the longest contract at the lowest price. If you’re moving out, you can cancel your electricity service without penalty.
  • Your property manager or landlord may have preferred providers, but you still have the right to choose your provider in most cases.

Choose With Confidence

Choosing the best electricity plan for your Texas apartment doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding your usage, comparing plans with ComparePower, and making an informed switch, you can find a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Remember, as a Texas renter, you can choose your provider and switch plans without penalty if you move. Don’t be afraid to shop around and reevaluate your options regularly.

If you have questions or need help, the ComparePower team is here to provide personalized recommendations, transparent pricing information, and expert guidance. Call us today at 855-441-3030.

Compare Apartment Electric Rates

Electric Companies for Apartments

Energy CompaniesPhone Number
4Change Energy888-250-2215
Amigo Energy866-993-4445
Cirro Energy866-965-5660
Constellation877-390-0411
Direct Energy866-285-4447
Discount Power866-996-1740
Flagship Power866-747-7111
Frontier Utilities866-280-3131
Gexa Energy888-688-8460
Green Mountain866-983-4770
Just Energy866-985-2820
New Power Texas888-316-0697
Payless Power855-854-8490
Pulse Power888-317-1431
Reliant866-983-4620
Rhythm Energy877-825-9940
TXU Energy866-370-2440
Tara Energy877-599-2580

Apartment Electricity FAQs

When moving out in Texas, you can cancel an electricity contract without penalty.

In most cases, yes. You can transfer your plan if your provider services your new address.

Should you transfer? No, your new home is likely a different size and requires different usage. Instead of transferring service, use the opportunity to shop for a lower rate plan.

In most cases, you can get power turned on the same day as long as you enroll for service before 2 p.m.

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.

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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.

Deregulation is a game changer.  Do you really want to gamble with the price you’ll pay for your electricity?

Are you rolling the dice to get a cheap electric rate in the newly deregulated Sharyland Service area?

Some Sharyland electricity service areas (specifically Brady, Celeste, Colorado City, and Stanton service areas) have been deregulated, leaving you with many questions…

“Do I have to go with a retail provider?”

“How can I find the cheapest electricity rates in my area?”

Deregulation does involve a learning curve.  You will need to be more proactive and involved in your billing management because it’s not just one company anymore.

The saying goes, “When there’s only one dealer, it’s house rules.”  That meant you got the bill, you paid it, and that’s all there was to it.  A regulated industry meant Sharyland Utilities did the controlling.  You had no say in anything, much less over how much you paid.

Deregulating certain Sharyland electricity service areas means a huge amount of upheaval at the beginning. At the same time, everybody gets sorted out, but ultimately, Sharyland electricity providers that provide a superior service at an excellent rate will rise while those who don’t won’t.

It also means that you have more power as a customer to choose:

  • a company based on how much green energy they use
  • a company that does not import power from outside the state or the company
  • a fixed-rate plan that sets the rate for a period of time regardless of how the industry is performing.
  • a short-term or month-to-month plan so you’re not locked in

In the end, Sharyland electricity will be available to all residents of the deregulated Sharyland electricity service area at a rate they can afford.

Here’s where you gamble with Sharyland electricity rates

Las Vegas, Nevada, is famous for its electricity: the energy, the excitement, the entertainment, and, naturally, the gambling. When you go to Vegas, you bring along a budget for gambling, ideally money you can afford to lose, and you rarely go as a special trip.

At home in Texas, “electricity” is something else entirely: it’s your favorite TV show, a home-cooked meal, and a cool home on a hot day.  Are you okay gambling with your household budget every month? Now that you live in a Sharyland electricity service area that has been deregulated, you just might be doing that!

Up to now, you’ve been dealing with one company for all your power-generating and distribution needs. Under deregulation, Sharyland Utilities, while still around, is more in the back seat:

  • Problem with the electricity coming to your home?   Call Sharyland Utilities.
  • Problem with the bill?   Call your Retail Electric Provider (also called an “REP”).
  • Problem with the electricity inside your home?  Well, that’s when you call an electrician.

Under the rules of deregulation, staying with Sharyland Utilities isn’t an option.  If you fail to choose an REP, then one will be chosen for you. This is like you in a Las Vegas casino handing your cards over to the dealer for play. Maybe you’ll benefit… probably you won’t.

The available pool of default electric providers consists of seven candidates, ranging from Champion, who topped J D Power and Associates’ 2013 Customer Satisfaction poll for Texas energy providers (that’s the fourth year running!) down to TXU, currently down near the bottom and notorious for their high prices.

When you are assigned to a default REP, you’re put on a month-to-month plan, meaning that your rate will go up and down and you won’t actually know how much you’re being charged per kilowatt-hour until you open the bill.  You won’t know if there is a charge for not having autopay on your account, for using telephone customer service, for paying by credit or debit card, all kinds of fun things could show up on the bill  – “Ladies and gentlemen, faites vos jours!”

So, how do you find the cheapest electricity rates in the Sharyland electricity service area?

But how would you even go about finding the cheapest electricity rates in Brady, Celeste, Colorado City, Stanton, Mission, McAllen, etc?

  • You could get the list of default REPs.
  • You could take time out of your day to call each and every one
  • You could put up with high-pressure sales tactics, customer services agents still fresh on the job, and misleading information
  • You could hope that you’ve covered all the information you need to know
  • You could hope you’re making the right choice.

On the other hand, you could enter your zip code, make a couple of quick clicks, and immediately see the REPs that are available in your area and that will suit your needs.

You’ll have access to the Terms of Service and the Facts Label.  Read them carefully and you’ll have all the information you need to know.  Better yet, you’ll see clearly where you need to question them more closely (hint:  look for phrases like “other fees or charges may apply”).  The cheapest electricity rates in the Sharyland electricity service area will be a lot quicker to find if you know how to avoid wasting time calling those who simply will not suit.

Don’t let someone else make your play for you. Enter your zip code to get the pricing and plan details you need for a winning strategy.

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.