Compare the Best Houston Energy Plans & Providers

Our recommended Houston energy plans

The best electricity plans in Houston for most residents are usually fixed-rate plans, which keep your energy rate stable throughout your contract. Many popular plans use bill credits to lower the advertised price, but these plans only offer the best value when your monthly usage consistently meets the credit requirements.

Below are a few popular, well-trusted Houston electricity plans to consider:

Best overall: TXU Energy Smart Edge 12

TXU Energy Smart Edge 12 is a strong option for many Houston residents. The plan includes a $50 bill credit when you use at least 800 kWh of electricity in a month. Because many Houston residents may not reach 1,000 kWh most months, plans with lower usage thresholds can be a safer bet if you want more predictable bills. Since TXU Energy Smart Edge 12 has a lower threshold than many bill-credit plans, it may be easier for most households to qualify for savings consistently.

Best for high usage: Frontier Saver Deluxe 12

Frontier Saver Deluxe 12 may be a good fit for higher-usage households. The plan offers a $100 usage credit when you use at least 1,500 kWh in a billing cycle. While some high-usage plans require 2,000 kWh or more to earn the bill credit, many higher-usage residents do not consistently meet that threshold every month. A 1,500 kWh requirement may provide a more realistic opportunity to qualify for savings.

Best for low usage: APG&E Simple Choice 12

APG&E Simple Choice 12 is a solid choice for customers with lower or less predictable electricity usage. Many low-usage residents see the most month-to-month variation in their electricity use, which can make bill-credit plans risky. Because this plan does not rely on usage minimums or bill credits, your bill is less likely to jump simply because you missed a specific usage threshold.

The best electricity plan for you will depend on your preferred contract length, typical monthly kWh usage and whether you can consistently qualify for any bill credits. We recommend using our rate finder tool to compare plans and match with the best option for your home.

Why your average electricity rate changes with usage

Many Texas electricity plans show an average rate at specific usage levels, such as 500, 1,000 or 2,000 kWh. But your actual average rate can change month to month based on how much electricity you use and how the plan’s charges, fees and credits are applied.

Bill credits are one reason your rate may change. For example, the mock plan below offers a $100 credit when monthly usage reaches 1,000 kWh. In months when you meet that threshold, the credit can lower your total bill and average rate. In months when you use less than 1,000 kWh, the credit does not apply, so your average rate may be higher.

If you’re not sure how much electricity your home uses, you can use our plan finder tool to get an estimate based on your address.

Our June 2026 energy rate analysis for Houston

Houston energy rates are down 3% heading into June, making now a great time to lock in a low rate before summer officially starts. Summer typically ushers in higher energy bills for Houston residents trying to stay comfortable in the heat. Luckily, you can get your home ready with an affordable electricity plan that keeps you cool without breaking the bank.

How to stay cool this summer

Staying cool in Texas’ summer requires some planning. In addition to an affordable electricity plan, implement these strategies in your home to stay comfortable and save on your energy costs:

• Your dishwasher and laundry machine add more heat to your home. Schedule these high-energy tasks for off-peak hours, like the morning or night when it’s cooler.
• Use fans in the rooms where you spend the most time to optimize your comfort. Run ceiling fans counterclockwise to help cool down your space faster.
• Install a smart thermostat to automatically regulate your home’s temperature, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting it throughout the day.

Average Houston residential energy rate: June 2026

The electricity rate you’ll pay in Houston depends on how much electricity you use, as most plans have a tiered pricing structure. Here’s our average Houston rate according to usage tier:

• At the 500 kWh level, the average Houston rate is 18.9 cents per kWh
• At the 1,000 kWh level, the average Houston rate is 11.2 cents per kWh
• At the 2,000 kWh level, the average Houston rate is 14.3 cents per kWh
• For all usage tiers, the average Houston rate is 14.8 cents per kWh

Shop electricity rates as low as 7.2 cents per kWh in Houston on the Choose Texas Power marketplace. Enter your ZIP code to compare competitive plans from 4Change Energy, APG&E, Express Energy, Frontier Utilities, Gexa Energy, and other top providers today.

Your power to choose electricity in Houston

Due to Texas’ deregulated energy market, Houston residents and businesses have the power to choose an electricity provider. Rather than defaulting to a standard plan and rate, deregulation gives shoppers the freedom to pick their top choice from an array of options. Choose Texas Power simplifies the process so you can compare available plans in your area and sign up in minutes. Get started by entering your ZIP code on this page or calling our energy experts, who can help you find the best plan.

ChooseTexasPower.org is not affiliated with Power to Choose, powertochoose.org, or the PUCT.

Compare cheap light companies in Houston

Houston electricity companies compete for your business in deregulated markets by offering lower electric rates and better terms and conditions. Comparing all the Texas power options in your area can feel overwhelming — luckily, Choose Texas Power makes it easy. Simply enter your ZIP code or call the number on your screen to browse the best electricity providers in your area. You can narrow down your results by filtering for plan type or length. The following table provides an overview of popular energy companies in Houston and their overall ratings.

Provider	Best known for	Our rating
TXU Energy	Offering a diverse selection of plans	5/5
Gexa Energy	100% green energy plans at an affordable cost	4.9/5
4Change Energy	Donating 4% of its annual profits to Texas charities	5/5
Express Energy	Attentive customer service	5/5
TriEagle Energy	Transparent, fixed-rate plans	4.9/5
Frontier Utilities	Low-cost, straightforward power plans	4.8/5
Veteran Energy	Its mission is to help veterans and their families	5/5

Shop these and numerous other cheap electric companies by entering your ZIP code on our marketplace today.

CenterPoint Energy: Houston’s utility company

While you can choose your electricity provider in a deregulated market, your utility company is determined by your address and cannot be changed. Utilities deliver electricity, maintain power lines, and restore service during power outages. The utility company for Houston is CenterPoint Energy. In the event of a power outage or electrical emergency, call your utility company, not your provider. Here’s how to contact CenterPoint Energy:

• Call 1-713-207-2222
• Report an outage online

CenterPoint Energy charges a transmission and distribution utility (TDU) fee for delivering electricity, which is standard for all Texas utility companies. Your utility delivery charges are twofold: a monthly base charge and a usage charge per kWh. CenterPoint Energy’s charges are $4.90/month and 4.9993 ¢/kWh.

Houston electric plans

Explore some of Houston’s most common types of energy plans and our top choice for each category.

Plan type	Main feature	Best for	Our top recommendation
Fixed-rate plans	Stable energy rate for your entire contract	Predictable energy bills and the cheapest rates	TXU Smart Edge 12
Variable-rate plans	Flexible rates that shift each month and don’t require a contract	A short-term energy solution	Flex Rewards from TXU Energy
No bill credit plan	Straightforward rates without usage-based bill credits	Predictable pricing without having to hit a specific usage threshold	APG&E Simple Choice 12
No-deposit plans	No deposit or credit check needed, often via a prepaid plan	Shoppers with low credit who want to avoid a deposit	12 Month-prepaid from Payless Power
Time-of-use (TOU) plans	Rates that change based on peak demand periods	Consumers who can shift their energy usage to align with the cheapest period	TXU free nights, days, and weekends
Green energy plans	Plans backed by 100% renewable energy	Eco-conscious shoppers who want to lower their carbon footprint	Gexa Eco Saver Plus 12 from Gexa Energy

If you’re not sure which type of plan is right for you, call the number on your screen to discuss your energy needs and get matched with the best fit.

Moving or switching providers in Houston

Want to make a stress-free move or switch your electricity provider in Houston to get lower rates? Choose Texas Power offers a seamless marketplace for both scenarios. Whether you’re moving to a new location or switching providers, our marketplace can help.

Moving to a new address

The last thing you need while moving is another task to worry about. To help, we’ve outlined your two options for setting up electricity ahead of your move:

1. You can keep your current plan if your provider also operates in your new location. Call a few weeks in advance to transfer your service.
2. If your provider does not serve your new home, you can switch plans without penalty. Shop for a new electricity provider and plan up to 90 days ahead of your move-in date.

Moving to Texas for the first time? Read our guide to learn how to lock in an affordable energy plan.

Switching energy providers

You can choose to switch electricity companies or plans to get a better rate in Houston. Enter your ZIP code and use the filters to refine your results. Select a plan and review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for specific details. Sign up quickly on Choose Texas Power, confirm the switch, and follow the instructions to activate your new plan. Your Houston provider will seamlessly transition your service without interruptions.

Our top energy-shopping tips

Here are some strategies for finding the best electricity plan for your budget and energy needs:

• Understand your usage patterns: Review your past electricity bills to identify your consumption patterns and choose a plan that aligns with them.
• Compare plans and providers: Research different electricity providers and plans in Houston and consider factors like pricing and contract terms.
• Read the fine print: Review the plan’s EFL before signing up. Consider contract length, renewal terms, and potential limitations or restrictions.
• Check for promotions: Check for discounts or special offers to maximize savings. For example, some plans offer free nights or weekends, bill credits, or solar buyback to help you find extra savings.
• Read customer reviews: Review feedback related to billing, customer support, and reliability. Search for reputable electric companies in Houston known for their responsiveness and prompt resolution of customer issues.
• Lean on our experts: If you’re feeling stuck between multiple options, give our team a call. We can help point you in the right direction based on your energy needs and budget.

Houston commercial energy

Businesses in Houston also have the power to choose their electricity plans. Choose Texas Power can help business owners in Houston develop a customized commercial electricity plan with an affordable energy rate. Choose Texas Power offers two options for setting up electricity for your business: Give us a call to speak with a dedicated business energy consultant or visit PowerHQ.com to browse multiple commercial energy plans.

Houston energy FAQs

What is Houston’s cheapest electricity rate on Choose Texas Power?

The lowest rate right now is 7.2 cents per kWh from APG&E. Frontier Utilities, Express Energy, 4Change Energy, and Gexa Energy follow closely behind. Keep in mind that rates can fluctuate daily in Texas’ deregulated market. Check our website with your ZIP code to find the latest rates.

How does weather affect energy prices in Houston?

Texas often experiences hot summers and cool winters. These extremes can lead to increased use of heating and cooling systems, and higher electricity demand often leads to higher rates. It’s best to shop for affordable electricity in Texas during milder seasons like spring and fall when demand is lower.

What is the best energy provider in Houston, Texas?

In our marketplace provider reviews, TXU, 4Change, Express, and Veteran Energy each earned a 5/5-star rating. However, the best provider for you will closely match your energy needs and budget. Consider your most important features, such as price, plan type, contract length, or renewable energy.

What type of energy plan is best?

Fixed-rate plans are the most popular type of energy plan in deregulated areas because they offer predictable pricing. A fixed-rate plan also protects customers from price spikes commonly experienced in summer or winter.

How can I lower my electricity bill?

Reducing energy consumption is the best way to lower your electricity bill. How much energy you use directly impacts your bill. Start by turning off lights and unplugging unused electronics throughout your house. You can also set your thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered the most efficient temperature range.