Houston Energy Providers: Finding the Cheapest One For You

Houston electricity rates are some of the cheapest in Texas. Still, you can further lower your power bills. Buying energy-efficient appliances is one way of doing so. Another means is by choosing an energy plan that has the cheapest electricity rate. Because Houston’s energy market is deregulated, you can switch energy providers anytime.  

With so many electric companies to choose from, you won’t run out of choices. But before you change your energy provider, check out other power companies. This lets you compare the available plans and rates. It’s an easy process. Most of the time, you’ll just have to enter your zip code to get a list of the different energy companies in Houston. 

Compare Electricity Rates In Houston 

You can benefit more from the cheap Houston electricity rates if you check out the plans available to you. As we mentioned, all you need to do is enter your zip code to see the different plans. To help with your search, here’s a compilation of Houston electricity rates.

Home Energy Club Rated Houston Electric Companies

Non-Home Energy Club Rated Houston Electric Companies

Electric Companies In Houston

We’re pretty sure that cheap electricity rates are not your only basis for choosing an energy plan. Other factors may affect your decision. These include the background, reputation, and customer service of the power companies. Here are some of the more popular Houston electric companies. 

Gexa Energy 

This energy provider began operations in 2002. Since then, it has become one of the fastest-growing power companies in Texas. Gexa Energy offers 100 green energy plans for residential customers. These green energy plans help lessen the number of carbon emissions that get into the atmosphere. Their plan offerings include: 

• Gexa Saver Deluxe 12 
• Gexa Saver Value 12 
• Gexa Saver Value 12 

Cirro Energy 

Cirro Energy is a power provider that has a range of plans available to both residential and commercial consumers. Aside from their great electricity rates, their plans always have a percentage of renewable energy in the mix. That means they can help you reduce your carbon footprint. Some of their best plans are: 

• Smart Value 12 Online 
• Smart Lock 24 Online 
• Smart Secure 12 

Green Mountain Energy  

Green Mountain Energy is the longest-serving green energy company. They’re committed to sustainability. As such, they only offer electricity plans that come from renewable sources. These may be solar energy or wind power. You can choose from some of their plans with the cheapest electricity rates. 

• Pollution Free e-Plus 36 
• Pollution Free All Nighter 12 
• Go Local Solar 12 

Reliant Energy 

This is one company that gives back to society. Reliant Energy donates a portion of its profits to charitable causes in Texas. They also have a percentage of renewable energy in their plan portfolio. So aside from enjoying the cheapest electricity rates, you also get to do your share for the environment. Some of their popular plans that come with the best electricity rates in Houston are: 

• Basic Power 36 
• Conservation 24 
• Basic Power 24 

Pulse Power 

Do you hate red tape? Then, you may want to consider Pulse Power as one of your options.  

They have straightforward plans that won’t give you bill shock. Moreover, their electricity rates are some of the cheapest in Houston. You can choose your energy plan from the following: 

• Saver 24 
• Value Plus 12 
• Wise Buy Basic 12 

If you want more details about the following energy providers, enter your zip code on Electricrate’s website.  

Electricity Plans in Houston 

Aside from your power usage, your energy bill will also depend on the type of plan you choose. That’s because different plans have varying electricity rates. Know what will fit your needs and budget first before signing up with the electricity company. 

Fixed-Rate Plans 

Fixed-rate plans suit most customers. With this plan type, your electricity bill doesn’t dip or surge each month. Instead, you pay a set amount until the end of your contract. Fixed-rate electricity plans offer the advantage of price stability. However, you may need to pay an early termination fee if you want to switch away from your electricity company. 

Variable-Rate Plans 

Market factors will dictate what your energy bill will be. That’s because the electricity rates in variable-rate plans fluctuate depending on the price in the energy market. If there’s a spike in power prices, the energy providers will pass on the higher rates to you. So unlike fixed-rate plans, variable-rate electricity plans don’t offer price stability. 

No Deposit Plans 

No deposit electricity plans let you avoid a credit score check, upfront deposits, and long contract terms. You pay as you go so you won’t get surprised by a high electricity bill at the end of the month. Signing up for this plan type is easy. You’ll only need to enter your zip code to view the various energy plans in your area. However, you’ll need to carefully check the details of the electricity plans offered by the electric companies to avoid gimmick rates.  

Free Nights & Weekends Plan in Houston 

These electricity plans are based on the Time of Use (TOU) concept. Utilities using the TOU billing charge more for electricity usage during periods of peak demand. On the other hand, consumers will pay less for their energy usage when demand is low. With free nights and weekend plans, electricity usage is free at night and on weekends (at specified hours). 

Green Energy Plans 

These Houston energy plans help you lend nature a hand. That’s because the electricity from these plans comes from renewable suppliers. Green energy typically comes from sources that replenish quickly. These include solar power, wind energy, hydropower, and geothermal energy. Houston is quite progressive when it comes to renewable energy generation. That means that an excellent green energy plan is easy to find. 

Prepaid Plans 

Like no deposit plans, prepaid Houston electricity plans require no credit check and upfront deposit. Instead, you’ll pay a determined amount for your electricity. Basically, you pay for your electricity before you use it. The price of your energy usage then gets deducted from the balance on your account. 

For Business 

Electricity rates in Houston are lower compared to the national average. That goes for both residential and commercial customers. But you can still get more savings on your power bill if you’re a business owner. That’s if you choose a commercial electricity plan which is tailored for the electricity needs of business consumers in Houston. 

How To Find the Cheapest Electric Rates in Houston

With so many electric companies in Houston, finding the cheapest electricity plan and rate may take some time. That’s if you do it on your own. Electricrate’s website has a compilation of the electricity providers in the area. Reviewing their plan offering can help you find the cheapest Houston energy rate. 

Here are the factors to consider in your search for the best plan. Using this guide increases your chances of getting cheap electricity in Houston, Texas. 

• Your energy consumption: You can find this information in the bill electricity providers send their customers.  Knowing your average monthly usage will give you an idea of what plan will work best for you. 
• Your monthly electricity bill: How much you pay each month lets you know how much your current electric company charges. 
• The type of energy: Electric companies in the Houston area usually offer electricity generated from conventional and renewable sources. That gives you the option to help save the environment.
• The available plans: Houston energy companies offer different electricity plans. If you’re a business owner, you can even opt for a customized commercial energy plan. 
• The current Houston electric rates: Because of energy deregulation, power rates fluctuate. Check the prevailing price before opting for an electricity plan. Don’t forget to compare electricity rates among the different power companies.  

Requirements To Enroll in a New Electricity Service 

You won’t break into a sweat when you enroll in new electricity service. Because of energy deregulation, you can take your pick among top electricity providers and plans in Houston. All you need to do are the following: 

1. After you’ve decided on the electric company to work with, read the electricity facts label and the contract details of the electricity plan you want. Be mindful of sign-up charges or deposits power providers may require. 
2. Contact the utility company or retail provider of your choice. 
3. Be prepared with the information that the company’s customer representative may ask. These include your address, name, social security number, and the like.  
4. Confirm the type of plan you want as well as your preferred starting date. 

How To Switch Electricity Companies in Houston? 

It won’t take much of your time to transfer to a different power company. You can make a seamless transition if you observe the following: 

• Check the renewal rate of your current plan: Most Houston residents switch companies because their power company charges a higher rate for renewing the contract. That’s compared to what they pay as a new customer. 
• Check the status of your current plan: Some power companies in Houston, Texas charge cancellation fees if you end your contract ahead of its termination date. Switching away when your contract expires in 14 days or fewer lets you avoid the termination fee.  
• Don’t cancel your current contract just yet: Keeping your contract with your current provider ensures that your home will allow you to have continuous electricity service. That’s while you wait for the new provider to take over. 

What Is an EFL? 

The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) makes it easier to compare the best electric companies in Houston based on the per kWh price of their energy plans. That’s because you’ll find in this document the components that make up the advertised electricity rates of the plan. The EFL shows the rates at 3 levels of energy consumption: 500 kWh, 1000 kWh, and 2000 kWh hours. 

You can also find the Transmission and Delivery Utilities (TDU) fees. This relates to the standard delivery charges all consumers have to pay for the transmission of electric power to their homes. Other information included in the EFL are the cancellation fees and the percentage of renewable energy that goes into the electricity plan. 

How To Report Power Outage? 

Power outages inevitably occur wherever you may be in the country. Houston is under a deregulated energy market. It means that your retail electricity provider doesn’t take charge of problems related to the delivery of electricity. The job of ensuring continuous power service falls on your local Transmission and Delivery Service Provider (TDSP) or Transmission and Delivery Utilities (TDU). 

In Houston, the TDU calls when there’s a power cut or emergencies with the powerlines is Centerpoint Energy. To report a power outage, call 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143. You can also visit their Outage Center to know about the locations of the power cuts or sign up with Power Alert Service to get message alerts about power outages. 

About Houston 

With over 2.2 million residents, Houston makes it to the list of the most populous cities in the country. It is located in Southeast Texas Galveston Bay and has a total area of 637.4 square miles.  

Houston is a vibrant city that’s home to a robust economy. It offers residents and visitors a delightful mix of world-class arts, excellent cuisine, and interesting sights. All these worked together to give Houston a lofty ranking in the list of the best cities in America. 

History  

The city was named after General Sam Houston, who is considered a hero of Texas. The general was instrumental in winning Texas’s independence from Mexico. This was during the Battle of San Jacinto, which took place on April 21, 1836. 

Houston was founded on August 30, 1836, and it became a city on June 5, 1837. It started out as a very small town with only around 12 residents. But the discovery of oil quickly transformed it into a bustling city. Today, Houston is widely recognized for its energy industry. This comprises both conventional and renewable sources of power. 

Zip Codes 

Houston has around 200 zip codes. If you plan to move to this city, here are the zip codes of its best areas to live. 

• 77379: Spring 
• 77346: Atascocita  
• 77449: Katy 
• 77459: Sienna Plantation 
• 77584: Pearland 
• 77095: Copperfield 
• 77429: Cypress 

Local Businesses That Can Help Lower Your Bills  

You can find cheap electricity rates among Houston’s various power providers. But to further save on your utility bills, reducing your home’s energy usage is one excellent method. But how do you lower your consumption? Well, you can use electricity sparingly or become more energy-efficient. 

Fortunately, several companies in Houston provide products or services that can help reduce your monthly electricity bill. Let’s take a look at some of them. 

Attic Insulation Companies  

• Lapolla Industries Inc.: (713) 273-2016 
• Payless Insulation: (713) 868-1021 

Air conditioning service providers that sell and install smart thermostats and energy-efficient A/C systems  

• Airtron Air: (832) 460-5771 
• John Moore: (713) 597-7200 

Stores that sell certified Energy Star Products 

• Best Buy: (713) 552-1512 
• Lowe’s: (713) 426-6300 

 Businesses that stock LED light bulbs 

• Home Depot: (713) 662-3950 
• Walmart: (713) 860-0700 

Other Utility Companies  

Houston has over 60 different electricity providers. Aside from that, there are other utilities in the city that provide basic services to the residents. These services help make life in Houston safer and more comfortable. 

The Houston Public Works takes care of providing water services to the city’s residents. To set up your water service, you can reach out through the following means: 

• Houston Water Utilities: 713-837-0311 
• Houston Service Center:  3-1-1 
• www.houston311.org  

The Houston Public Works also handles the city’s trash and solid wastes. The department collects garbage for disposal and recycling. It has set depositories for heavy trash. These depositories also serve as recycling drop-off points. For more information, call Houston Trash and Waste Utility Department: 713-837-0311 

FAQs

Conclusion 

Living in Houston lets you pick your power provider. With so many available options, you’ll be able to come up with the best electricity company in the area if you’re willing to do a little research. The best electricity company is one that offers the services and plans you need at the cost that’s right for you.  

Updated on 06-12-23