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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Find the Cheapest Apartment Electricity

Moving into a new apartment is exciting, but how about figuring out your electricity plan? Not so much.

Luckily, as a renter in Texas, you’ve got the power to choose your electricity provider—no need to stick with just one company.

Thanks to Texas’ deregulated market, dozens of Retail Electric Providers (REPs) compete for your business.

But how do you know which one is right for your apartment? There are so many options, and it can be overwhelming.

Don’t worry—I’m here to simplify the process and help you find the best plan for your apartment, lifestyle, and budget.

Why Texas Renters Have the Advantage

In 2002, Texas lawmakers deregulated the energy market, introducing competition to drive down prices and give consumers better options.

As a renter, you can choose from several electricity providers, offering everything from low rates to eco-friendly energy plans.

Whether you’re new to Texas or moving to a different apartment, you’ve got many choices.

Estimating Your Apartment’s Energy Usage

Before comparing plans, it’s essential to understand your electricity usage.

Your usage patterns will determine the most sensible plans and help you avoid high electric bills.

If you’re moving into your first apartment, you probably don’t have historical usage data.

No worries. Here’s a quick estimate based on your apartment’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

If you don’t have usage history, choose a plan with a flat rate and a 60-day guarantee.

That way, you can switch to a better plan if your actual usage differs from your estimate—without penalties.

Switching Plans & Providers

You don’t need to dig out old bills to switch providers.

Use Live Link™ to pull your electricity usage from your current provider instantly.

This allows you to compare plans tailored to your specific usage patterns with no guesswork.

Remember, the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the best deal.

A plan matching your usage can save you 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
Houston16.80¢11.60¢13.80¢
Dallas14.00¢12.30¢12.10¢
Arlington14.00¢12.30¢12.10¢
Corpus Christi15.00¢12.10¢13.40¢
Plano14.00¢12.30¢12.10¢
Laredo15.00¢12.10¢13.40¢
Garland14.00¢12.30¢12.10¢
Irving14.00¢12.30¢12.10¢
Katy16.80¢11.60¢13.80¢
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

How to Choose the Best Plan for Your Apartment

When comparing plans, keep these factors in mind:

  • Price per kWh: Look for a plan with rates that match your monthly usage.
  • Contract Length: Will you be in your apartment for a year or less? Consider a shorter contract or even month-to-month plans.
  • Fixed or Variable Rate: Fixed-rate plans offer stability, while variable-rate plans can change with market demand.
  • Renewable Energy: Want to support green energy? Look for plans with a high percentage of renewable sources.

We make it easy to find a plan tailored to your needs.

Enter your zip code and estimated monthly usage into our comparison tool to get a transparent, personalized list of electricity plans.

Start Electricity for Your Apartment

Prepaid Electricity for Apartments

Are you looking for flexibility or same-day service?

Prepaid electricity plans might be the answer, especially if you’re renting an apartment.

These plans allow you to pay for electricity upfront—no deposit, no long-term contracts, and no hassles.

Why Prepaid Electricity Works for Renters:

  • No Deposit: Keep more cash in your pocket when you move in.
  • Same-Day Activation: Get your electricity up and running fast.
  • Budget Control: Pay only for what you use and easily add funds as needed.

One of the leading providers of prepaid electricity in Texas is Payless Power.

Their plans offer flexibility and same-day service, making it easy for renters to keep their apartments powered up without the burden of significant upfront costs.

Moving and Switching

As a renter, you’ll likely move or switch electricity providers. Here’s how to navigate both scenarios:

  • Moving In: Estimate your usage and choose a flexible plan to start.
  • Switching Providers: No need to manually gather your usage data. Use Live Link™ to pull your actual electricity usage automatically. This helps you find a plan based on your total annual cost, not just the price per kWh, ensuring you save more in the long run.

Every time you move, start the cycle again by estimating your new place’s energy usage and comparing plans.

Simple Steps to Enroll

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

  1. Enter Your Apartment Address: Make sure it’s accurate to avoid delays.
  2. Pick Your Move-in Date: Choose the day you’ll need service to start.
  3. Submit Your Information: Have billing details ready.

You’ll receive a confirmation email with your new account information.

Your electricity will be ready when you move in, so you won’t have to worry about interruptions.

Choose With Confidence

As a Texas renter, you have the power to choose your electricity provider and find a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Don’t be afraid to shop around and reevaluate your options regularly.

Whether you’re moving or switching providers, ComparePower makes it simple and transparent.

Got questions or need personalized advice? We’re here to help.

Call us today at 855-441-3030, and we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.

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.

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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.