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The average electric bill in Texas
The average residential electricity bill in Texas in 2024 is $176.94 per month, based on the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). In 2023, the average annual electric bill in Texas was $168.69 per month.
Texas electricity bills are typically higher than the national average. In April 2024, the U.S. average was $151.75 per month, while the annual 2023 average was $143.66 per month. Texas electric bills are often expensive because of the state’s high energy usage and hot summer temperatures.
Commercial electricity bills are typically more expensive than residential ones because businesses normally consume large amounts of power. However, commercial rates are normally lower to account for such high usage. The average commercial electric bill in Texas in 2023 was $748 per month. Nationally, the average annual commercial energy bill was $762.
Average monthly electric bill in Texas
Several factors impact the cost of electricity bills in Texas, including the size of your home. Generally, homes with more square footage will consume more electricity because they rely on increased heating, cooling, lighting, and more.
Monthly bill for a one-bedroom apartment
The average electricity bill for a one-bedroom apartment in Texas is $71.60 per month. This calculation is based on the average Texas electricity rate in 2023 and the typical energy usage for a one-bedroom apartment (500 kWh per month).
Monthly bill for a two-bedroom apartment
Two-bedroom apartments will likely rely on more electricity than one-bedroom or studio apartments because they are larger and have more rooms. A two-bedroom apartment in Texas has an average electric bill of $93.08 per month, based on the average annual rate and usage of a two-bedroom apartment (650 kWh per month).
Monthly bill for a small house
The average monthly electric bill for a small- to medium-sized home in Texas is $150.20. This calculation is based on the most recent annual electricity rate in Texas and the typical energy usage in a home of this size, which is 1,000 kWh per month.
Monthly bill for a large house
Larger homes normally use more electricity, which increases their electricity bills. Based on the average annual energy rate and typical monthly usage of 1,800 kWh, large homes in Texas pay an average of $270.36 in electric bills.
Average bill by city
Based on the average usage per month in Texas (1,178 kWh), here are the average rates and monthly electricity bills by city:
City | Average rate | Average electric bill |
---|---|---|
Dallas | 16.2 cents per kWh | $190.83 |
Fort Worth | 15.9 cents per kWh | $187.30 |
Houston | 15.9 cents per kWh | $187.30 |
Note: the rates in the table are reflective of the average rates for each city on the ChooseTexasPower marketplace within the 1,000 kWh usage tier. Actual rates in each area may vary.
Average kWh in Texas
Electric bills depend on energy consumption, which is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average kWh usage in Texas is 1,178 kWh per month, according to data from the EIA. Texas residents tend to use more electricity than the national average, which is 899 kWh per month. The primary reason for Texas’ higher usage is because of the state’s hot summers. Residents and businesses rely more on air conditioning during the summer months, driving up their energy consumption.
How to reduce your monthly bill
You can lower your electricity bill by minimizing how much electricity you use each month. Here are a few simple changes you can make to reduce your power bill.
- Invest in ENERGY STAR appliances, which meet specific energy efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Adjust your thermostat. In Texas, air conditioning makes up a huge percentage of energy usage in the summer. Keeping your thermostat set to a higher temperature (even just a few degrees) can significantly reduce your usage and bill amount. You can keep your home cooler by closing curtains to block the sun and turning on ceiling fans.
- Wash with cold water instead of hot. Water heaters account for a large portion of energy bills. Wash your clothes with cold water whenever possible to lower the amount you spend on water heating.
- Turn off or unplug lights, appliances, and devices whenever you aren’t using them. Even a habit as simple as turning off lights when you leave a room can add up to savings on your energy bill. Some devices continue to pull electricity when they aren’t in use, so unplugging devices like electronics when you aren’t using them can result in energy savings, too.
- Maintain your home. Scheduling routine maintenance for your HVAC unit, replacing your air filters, and weatherstripping your house can ensure your entire home is more energy efficient.
How to switch providers in Texas
Another way to potentially lower your power bill is by switching to another Texas energy provider or plan with a lower rate. In deregulated areas of Texas, providers offer competitive rates to attract customers. Switching to another provider or a new plan with the same provider could help you lock in cheaper electricity rates and possibly reduce your bills.
Here’s how to switch energy providers in Texas:
- Check the terms of your current contract. If you’re enrolled in a fixed-rate plan or one with a contract, your current provider could charge an early termination fee (ETF) for canceling before the contract ends. If you switch plans within 14 days of your contract ending, you won’t be charged an ETF.
- Compare energy providers and plans. Use the free Choose Texas Power marketplace to find and compare current energy rates in your area. You can filter by rate type, provider, contract length, and more.
- Choose your plan and make the switch. Once you’ve found your new plan, Choose Texas Power will help you sign up. From there, your new provider will coordinate with your old provider to make the transition without interrupting your service.
If you have questions about how to switch providers or want to discuss the terms of a plan with an energy expert, call the number listed on this page.