Texas Electricity Rates 2026: Compare Plans & Save Up to 40%

Published March 2, 2026 · 13.Energy · 8 min read

Why Texas Energy Rates Matter

Texas has a deregulated electricity market, meaning you can choose your provider. About 85% of Texans have the power to choose — and those who compare plans save 20-40% on average. But with 100+ providers and 500+ plans, choosing can be overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise.

Current Texas Electricity Rates (March 2026)

Plan Type	Average Rate	Range	Best For
Fixed 12-month	9.5¢/kWh	7.5-12.0¢	Price stability
Fixed 24-month	10.2¢/kWh	8.0-13.0¢	Long-term savings
Variable rate	11.8¢/kWh	6.0-18.0¢	Flexibility
Prepaid	12.5¢/kWh	10.0-16.0¢	No credit check
100% Green	10.8¢/kWh	8.5-14.0¢	Environment

Note: Rates vary by TDU (Transmission Distribution Utility) area. Oncor (Dallas), CenterPoint (Houston), AEP (Corpus Christi/West TX), and TNMP serve different regions with different base charges.

How to Compare Texas Electricity Plans

1. Check your current rate on your latest electricity bill. Look for the $/kWh line
2. Know your usage — average Texas home uses 1,100-1,200 kWh/month
3. Read the EFL (Electricity Facts Label) — this is required by Texas law and shows the true cost at 500, 1000, and 2000 kWh usage levels
4. Watch for hidden fees — base charges, minimum usage fees, and early termination penalties
5. Compare at YOUR usage level — some plans are cheap at 1000kWh but expensive at 500kWh due to minimum usage charges

Top Texas Energy Providers 2026

• TXU Energy: Largest provider, reliable, competitive fixed plans, excellent app
• Reliant Energy: NRG subsidiary, strong customer service, good rewards programs
• Green Mountain Energy: 100% renewable plans, competitive pricing, carbon neutral
• 4Change Energy: Budget-friendly, donates 4% of revenue to charity
• Chariot Energy: 100% solar plans, no gimmicks, transparent pricing
• Pulse Power: Low fixed rates, simple plans, growing fast

When to Switch Providers

The best time to switch is 2-4 weeks before your contract expires. Texas law allows you to switch providers at any time, but early termination fees ($50-$200) may apply if you break a contract early.

Market timing: Rates are typically lowest in March-May and September-November (shoulder seasons). Avoid signing contracts during summer peak demand (June-August) when rates are 15-30% higher.