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 also include bill credits that can significantly lower your effective electricity rate when your monthly usage falls within the plan’s intended range. Understanding your typical electricity usage can help you identify plans that offer the strongest savings opportunities.

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

Best overall: Rhythm Max Saver 12

Rhythm Max Saver 12 is a strong option for many Houston residents. The plan offers a $125 bill credit each month when usage reaches 1,000 kWh or more, creating an opportunity for significant savings. For households that regularly use around 1,000 kWh or more, the credit can help lower overall electricity costs and deliver a competitive effective rate. Rhythm’s renewable energy offerings and customer-friendly experience further enhance the plan’s appeal for many shoppers.

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 August 2026 energy rate analysis for Houston

Houston energy rates are about 4% lower this month compared to July, according to our marketplace data. If your energy plan doesn’t feel like a good fit, now may be a good time to secure a cheap rate. Check your past energy bills to find out how much energy you typically use and search for a plan that offers a good rate for your usage tier. Choose Texas Power lets you filter by usage tier to make this process easier. 

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: August 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 18.2 cents per kWh
• At the 1,000 kWh level, the average Houston rate is 10.4 cents per kWh
• At the 2,000 kWh level, the average Houston rate is 13.4 cents per kWh
• For all usage tiers, the average Houston rate is 14.0 cents per kWh

Shop electricity rates as low as 6.3 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

Some of the most popular energy providers on our marketplace include TXU Energy, Gexa Energy, and 4Change Energy.

Having as many energy options as you do in a deregulated market can feel overwhelming. To help, we’ve put together a thorough rating system to help simplify your shopping experience. We evaluate providers by their customer service, online accessibility, and plan options, considering factors like what real customers say on Google and Trustpilot, how easy it is to manage your account and pay bills, and more.

We’ve highlighted key details about each provider on our marketplace. Learn more about what they have to offer.

Provider	Which company is best for me?	Our rating	Our top-recommended plan
TXU Energy	Best overall	5/5	Smart Edge
4Change Energy	Best for local community involvement	5/5	Maxx Saver Value
Express Energy	Best for attentive customer service	5/5	Flash Value
Veteran Energy	Best for mission-driven energy	5/5	Valor
Gexa Energy	Best for affordable green electricity	5/5	Eco Saver Plus
TriEagle Energy	Best for transparent, fixed rates	4.9/5	Real Deal
Frontier Utilities	Best for online accessibility	4.8/5	Frontier Saver Plus
APG&E Energy	Best for customers on a tight budget	4.8/5	SimpleSaver

Other top Texas energy providers on our marketplace include:

• Atlantex Power
• Rhythm Energy
• Green Mountain Energy
• Reliant Energy
• Direct Energy
• Octopus Energy
• Discount Power
• Cirro Energy
• Payless Power
• Constellation Energy

Shop these and numerous other energy providers by entering your ZIP code on our marketplace today.

The current lowest electricity rate available in Houston is 6.3 cents per kWh from APG&E.

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 to Houston? Here’s what you need to know about electricity

Planning a move to Houston? Welcome! If you’re moving here for the first time, you’ll have to choose an energy company and plan ahead of your move, since the city falls within Texas’ deregulated market.

Luckily, Choose Texas Power can guide you through the process. Our free energy marketplace connects Texans with affordable, reliable energy plans in minutes. You can browse options near your new home and enroll up to 90 days before your move. Call the number on your screen to chat with one of our energy experts for more hands-on guidance. We can discuss your energy needs and find the right plan for your budget.

Time to switch energy plans? Choose Texas Power can help

If your current energy plan or provider isn’t a good fit, you can switch to a better option on Choose Texas Power. While you may need to pay an early termination fee to get out of your current contract, switching is otherwise quick and easy. Enter your ZIP code or call our team to explore your options.

You can also find a new energy plan with our AI-powered plan comparison tool. This shopping experience aims to reduce confusion and help you find more personalized options. It starts with a quick quiz to understand your budget, home, and preferences, then uses your answers to provider you with a curated list of energy plans.

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 6.3 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.