Electricity rates for churches and schools

Finding affordable electricity plans is a huge priority for most businesses, especially for institutions with unique energy needs, like churches and schools. Choosing the right commercial electric plan can keep your energy costs low while supplying your organization with reliable electricity.

The average commercial electricity rate in Texas is currently 8.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), according to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). This rate is about 31% lower than the U.S. average commercial rate of 12.96 cents per kWh.

Choose Texas Power can help you find cheap commercial energy rates and build a customized electricity plan for your school or church. Our free online marketplace connects businesses of all sizes with affordable energy options. Call the number on this page or fill out our commercial energy form to connect with one of our business energy experts today.

Commercial electricity plans for churches and schools

Finding cheap business energy solutions can help you save money to allocate your savings for other needs your church or school might have. When shopping for affordable commercial energy plans, you may notice a few different types of options. Here are some of the most common plan types available:

• Fixed-rate: With a fixed-rate plan, you lock in your energy rate for the duration of the contract. Many electric suppliers offer terms from one to three years. This helps schools and churches keep a steady energy rate to better anticipate electric costs. Those enrolled in this plan type don’t have to worry about price hikes. However, you’ll pay an early termination fee (ETF) if you cancel a fixed-rate plan early.
• Variable-rate: Variable-rate energy plans provide customers with more flexibility — you can switch plans anytime you want without incurring an ETF. However, variable rates change month-to-month. When energy demand increases in your area, your rate could spike. Variable-rate plans are useful if you want to take some time to shop around for plans or need flexibility.
• No-deposit: Many electric providers require a deposit when you sign up for service. If you don’t want your church or school to pay the upfront fee, sign up for a no-deposit plan instead. A common type of no-deposit plan is the prepaid energy plan. As you use energy, your balance depletes. Your supplier notifies you to top it back up once you reach a certain threshold.

To find affordable commercial energy plans, fill out our commercial energy form, and a Choose Texas Power energy advisor will be in touch to help you build a customized business electricity plan.

Understanding energy usage in churches and schools

Churches and schools have unique energy needs. They typically use larger buildings, which require more energy to heat, cool, and illuminate each room. They also hold large groups on a regular basis for classes, worship, and other events. Many schools and churches also integrate tech into their teachings, meaning you need to have ample power capabilities in many rooms of your building.

According to the most recent EIA data, schools account for 13% of all energy consumption in commercial buildings, while religious worship buildings account for 3%. Space heating requires the most energy usage in both types of buildings, followed by cooling, lighting, cooking, and ventilation.

You may be able to significantly lower utility bills by signing up for a commercial energy plan with a cheap rate. Another option is to adopt energy-saving habits. According to ENERGY STAR, the average worship building could save 30% on energy costs by implementing energy-efficient practices and maintenance, while school buildings could save up to 10% on utility bills.

Energy efficiency for schools and churches

When searching for ways to save energy on building costs, you’ll first need to assess your energy usage and spending. Check the last 12 months of energy bills to estimate the average amount of energy your building uses each month. This will give you a ballpark of your business’s energy needs and typical utility costs, making it easier to find the right commercial energy plan.

You can also use this information to identify energy efficiency opportunities in your school or church for potential savings. There are several easy, low-cost options to help you reduce your energy usage, such as:

• Conducting an energy audit: An energy auditor comes to your school or church and assesses energy usage and waste. They can suggest strategies to lower your energy bill, such as updating your furnace, sealing door/window leaks, and upgrading to more efficient lighting fixtures. Many electric utilities offer energy audits as part of their services.
• Educating visitors: Churches and schools can educate staff on energy conservation measures. Remind visitors to turn off lights and unplug appliances when not in use. You can pass out flyers or create an engaging email campaign. The goal is to encourage participation to help your school or church allocate savings for better programs and resources.
• Updating infrastructure: When the budget allows, make simple upgrades like caulking windows and doors, using LED light bulbs, and updating smaller appliances to energy-efficient ones. Many utilities also offer significant discounts to churches and schools for upgraded lighting, HVAC, and insulation. These adjustments can save you money on project costs down the line.
• Switching plans: If your energy bills are high, consider switching plans. Choose Texas Power can help you make sense of all your options to save time and money. All you need to do is fill out our commercial energy form or call the number on your screen to get started.

Connect with a business energy expert today

Choose Texas Power can help you secure an affordable and reliable commercial energy plan for your school or church. If you are interested in learning more, call the number on this page or fill out the form on our business energy page. We’ll need some basic information about your school or church, including an estimated monthly usage. From there, a business energy expert can connect with you to discuss your options and help you build a custom energy plan to meet your needs.