Best Electricity Plans for Apartments in Texas
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Many Texans can choose an electricity provider for their apartment, along with a plan that fits their budget and lifestyle. This guide will help you understand your options and make the right choice for your needs.
- As a Texas renter, you can choose any electricity provider, not just the one your landlord recommends.
- Fixed-rate plans are typically the best choice for Texas apartments since they can make bills more predictable regardless of usage fluctuation.
Why Many Texas Electricity Plans Aren’t Designed for Apartments
Apartment energy plans are different from those for a house. Apartments in Texas typically have lower power needs, averaging around 863 kWh per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Given that a small home averages 1,177 kWh per month and a large home averages 1,503 kWh per month, many plans are designed around a monthly usage between 1,000 and 2,000 kWh. Advertised rates are often based on higher usage. If you use less energy, you may end up paying more per kilowatt-hour.
Take the example of a bill credit plan. Suppliers may advertise a low rate that only applies after you use a set amount of electricity in a billing period. If you use less power, you may not qualify for the billing credit and could have to pay a base charge that raises your cost per kilowatt-hour.
If you live in a competitive energy market, you can choose a plan and the best electric supply rate for your apartment and needs. Consider plan details, contract length and how much power you’ll use, and check for minimum usage fees, monthly base charges and a potential early termination fee if you change suppliers. You can find more information and things to consider in our Texas electricity guide.
What to Look for in a Texas Apartment Electricity Plan
In most of Texas, you can choose an electricity provider and a plan that fits your apartment’s needs. Texas electric companies offer a variety of plan types and terms. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Rate transparency at your actual usage tier: Take a careful look at rates and usage levels. Some plans have different rates for customers using 500 kWh vs. those using 1,000 kWh or more.
- Fixed vs. variable rate: If you choose the flexibility of a variable-rate plan, your rate can change with market fluctuations. You might come out ahead by locking in your rate with a more predictable fixed-rate electricity supply plan. Another option is a time-of-use plan with lower rates for off-peak energy usage.
- Contract length and early termination fee: It makes sense to align the contract length of your apartment energy plan with your lease length. If that isn’t possible, check to see if you can cancel your plan when you move out without paying an early termination fee.
- Deposit requirements: Some Texas energy providers require you to pay a security deposit when you set up service. If you have poor credit, it’s more likely you’ll have to pay a security deposit.
- Satisfaction guarantees and customer service quality: Good customer service and satisfaction guarantees make a difference. You want to work with a company you trust and that values you as a customer.
- Renewable energy options: If reducing your carbon footprint is important to you, look for plans that source energy from renewable generation technologies such as wind and solar.
Electricity Tips for Texas Apartment Renters
When setting up your apartment energy plan, keep the following tips in mind. You’ll make the process smoother, get the right plan for you and avoid surprises.
- Read your Electricity Facts Label (EFL): An Electricity Facts Label is a standardized disclosure that details what you’ll pay based on the amount of energy you use in a billing cycle, usually 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh.
- Set up service before your move-in date: Planning ahead makes for a smoother experience. Avoid waiting until your move-in day to set up service, as activation of a new account can take between one and three business days.
- Avoid variable-rate plans during summer months: Demand for electricity in Texas spikes during the summer when everyone is running their air conditioners, as do kilowatt-hour prices. If you’re on a variable-rate plan in summer, you may end up with higher bills.
- Provide a forwarding address to cancel without an early termination fee: You may be able to have your early termination fee waived if you move outside your current provider’s service area.
- Check if your apartment building has electricity included: Some communities include electricity as part of the rent. Talk to your landlord and review your lease before you shop for electricity for your apartment.
Finding Apartment Electricity in Texas’s Biggest Cities
- There’s a difference between competitive energy suppliers and utilities. You get your rate for energy supply from a competitive provider, and you pay a Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) for the infrastructure that transmits energy to your home. You can compare electric companies in Texas for your apartment if you’re in a part of the state that allows competitive supply.
Houston Electricity Plans
- Consider Houston’s long, hot and humid summers when searching for apartment energy plans. Energy demand is high during the summer, which could potentially increase your bill if you have a variable-rate plan. You have a choice of competitive energy suppliers and will work with CenterPoint Energy as your utility.
Dallas Electricity Plans
- Hot summers and winter cold snaps can increase energy usage. Expect usage levels between 500 and 1,000 kWh, and remember that low electricity usage may affect your rate. You can choose your electricity provider, and Oncor Electric Delivery will serve as your utility.
Austin Electricity Plans
- Most residents in Austin can’t choose their provider unless they live outside the service area of the city-owned Austin Energy utility, meaning you may not have as many plans and options to pick from.
Fort Worth Electricity Plans
- Electricity for apartments in Fort Worth is delivered by Oncor Electric Delivery. You can choose from providers that offer competitive rates. Demand peaks during the heat of summer, with additional peaks possible during winter cold snaps if your apartment has electric heat.
Constellation’s Electricity Plans for Texas Apartments
Choosing an apartment electricity plan is easier when you understand your usage and know whether you want flexibility or budget control. Constellation makes enrolling easy, offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and doesn’t require you to get approval from your landlord before signing up.
Short-term and month-to-month plans
If you need flexibility or are unsure how long you’ll stay in your apartment, consider short-term or month-to-month variable plans.
Fixed-rate 12-month plans
Enjoy the benefit of predictable pricing and get more control over your electricity budget by locking in your rate for the term of your contract with a fixed-rate plan.
Renewable energy plans
Reduce your carbon footprint and support renewable energy sources with our renewable energy options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apartment Electricity in Texas
Yes. Most people in Texas can choose their provider for electricity for apartments. If you’re in a competitive market, you can compare plans and select one that best fits your needs.
No. If you pay for your own electricity you can choose a provider without your landlord’s approval. Just be sure to check your lease to see if electricity is already included in your rent.
The best apartment energy plan is one that fits your needs, budget and values. If you’re not sure how long you’re staying, a variable short-term plan may be best. For predictable monthly pricing, choose a fixed-rate contract. You may also be able to sign up for a renewable energy plan.
No. Aligning your plan with your lease makes things easier, but you may be able to cancel with no fees if you move out early and relocate to an area your provider doesn’t serve. Remember to check for early termination fees when signing up.
A typical one-bedroom apartment in Texas uses an average of 863 kWh per month. Apartments often use less electricity than houses.
You can usually set up service online or by phone. Starting service before your move-in date ensures you have power when you arrive.
Many plans and providers don’t require a security deposit if you have good credit. A prepaid plan is another option if you don’t qualify for a traditional plan.