Compare Cheap Energy Companies for Apartments

Our experts’ recommended plan

• The Choose Texas Power energy experts have selected Direct Energy’s Apartment Basics 12 plan as the best option for shoppers living in apartments.
• This plan offers a lower electricity rate when your usage is below 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month.
• Direct Energy offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee that lets you switch to another plan without paying an early termination fee (ETF).
• This plan has a fixed rate, meaning your electricity rate will remain secure for the 12 months of your contract.
• While this plan does charge an ETF after the 90-day period, it’s only $10 per month remaining on your contract. This ETF is lower than most other cancellation fees, making it a better option for renters who need more flexibility.

How to find the best electricity plan for apartments

If you live in an apartment, the best plan for you may differ from someone living in a house. Apartments tend to consume less energy than houses because they typically have smaller living spaces and fewer occupants. With these differences in mind, it’s helpful to understand a few key factors when shopping for an energy plan for your apartment:

• Contract length: Finding an energy plan that matches your lease length is a smart strategy. For example, if you signed a two-year rental lease, consider a 24-month energy plan. This way, you don’t have to worry about wasting money by having to renew or cancel your energy plan.
• Rate type: Fixed-rate plans offer the most stability and best pricing compared to other rate types. Our experts recommend this type if you have a longer lease term. However, if your rental lease is month-to-month, a variable-rate plan could give you more flexibility if you decide to move on short notice and need to cancel your energy plan.
• Energy usage: Our marketplace data found that homes under 800 square feet use, on average, 873 kWh per month. Search for an energy plan with a low electric rate for your typical monthly usage. To get the most accurate estimate of your usage, check your past energy bills.

Call our energy experts at the number on this page for guidance if you need additional help determining if a plan is a good fit.

How bill credits impact apartment energy plans

Bill credits are a common energy plan incentive that can lower your monthly electricity bill. However, it’s important to understand the terms of a bill credit plan to make sure it will align with your energy habits.

Most bill credits have specific usage requirements and will only apply to your bill if you use a certain amount of electricity. It’s common for bill credits to require customers to use more than 1,000 kWh of energy per month to receive the credit. If you don’t hit this usage requirement, the credit won’t be reflected on your bill, and you could end up paying more.

Before enrolling in a plan, be sure to check its Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for the terms and requirements of any bill credits included.

Popular electric companies for apartments

Choose Texas Power partners with many highly rated energy providers to provide top-tier electricity plans for people living in apartments. Here are some of the top companies we recommend for apartments, along with their best plans for low usage needs:

Direct Energy

Direct Energy is ideal for apartments because it offers unique incentives for usage below 1,000 kWh as well as a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. In addition to our top plan pick, Apartment Basics 12, Direct Energy offers more plans designed for apartments:

• The Live Brighter Lite plan is tailored to apartments because it waives the usage charge for energy below 1,000 kWh. This plan is available with a one- or two-year contract length for added flexibility.

TXU Energy

TXU Energy is a great option for apartments because it offers multiple contract lengths to fit a wide variety of rental leases. No matter how long your lease is, TXU Energy most likely has a plan to match.

• Shop the Smart Edge 12 plan, which offers a $50 bill credit each month you use over 800 kWh.
• If you’re on a short rental lease, the Flex Rewards plan offers flexibility with a month-to-month contract. With no commitment, you can switch plans whenever you need to without penalty. This plan also offers 3% cash back in loyalty rewards and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

Gexa Energy

Gexa Energy is often one of the cheapest providers available on our marketplace. It specializes in 100% renewable energy plans and offers a range of bill credits. If you want to find extra ways to save on your energy bill and lower your carbon footprint, Gexa Energy is an excellent choice.

• The Gexa Eco Saver Lite 12 plan is great for low usage because it awards a $50 bill credit for just 500 kWh monthly usage.
• The Gexa Eco Saver Plus 12 plan is an excellent option for larger apartments to save energy. Earn a $125 bill credit when you use 1,000 kWh — just make sure you reach this usage level every month before selecting this plan.

Enter your ZIP code on our free marketplace to shop these plans and more affordable options.

Average apartment electricity bill

Using data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), we found that the average Texas electricity rate this year is 15.87 cents per kWh. Using this data, we’ve calculated the average electric bill based on various examples of apartment usage levels:

Average monthly energy bill:

• 500 kWh: $79
• 700 kWh: $111
• 900 kWh: $143
• 1,100 kWh: $176
• 1,300 kWh: $206

Keep in mind that these estimates do not include taxes and utility delivery fees, as these vary by location. They also don’t factor in potential savings from bill credits. You can use these estimates as a benchmark to predict your energy costs. Review your past electricity bills to determine which usage level is closest to yours.

Apartment electricity FAQs

Does my power plan have to match my rental lease?

No, it doesn’t. However, if these line up, it could take some work off your plate. If your energy plan ends earlier than your lease, you’ll have to find another plan for the remaining months. To avoid extra work, try to match your energy contract with your lease.

What uses the most energy in an apartment?

Heating and cooling use the most electricity in an apartment, especially in states like Texas with more extreme weather conditions. Choosing an apartment with a programmable or smart thermostat can help you save energy and reduce bills.

How can I reduce my apartment’s energy costs?

Choosing an apartment complex with energy-efficient appliances, programmable thermostats, and updated insulation can reduce energy bills. You can also implement energy-saving habits like air-drying clothes, reducing hot water usage, and unplugging electronics when they’re not in use.

How can I find a cheap light plan for my apartment?

Enter your ZIP code on our marketplace and filter according to your home size. This filter lets you review plans that offer the best rates for your anticipated energy usage. If you have further questions, you can call our team of experts to get matched with the best plan for you.

What type of energy plan is best for an apartment?

Our experts recommend a fixed-rate energy plan for the most savings while living in an apartment. Fixed-rate plans typically come in 12–36-month increments. For peace of mind, try to find a plan aligned with the length of your lease.