Harris County, Texas • CenterPoint Territory

Houston Electricity Rates

Compare electricity rates from 25+ providers serving Houston. Save $450+ annually with our free AI-powered bill analysis. Find the best electricity plans for your Houston home or business.

2.3M+ Houston Residents
25+ Electricity Providers
Average Savings: $397/year

Data Updated: September 2025

Current rates verified from PowerToChoose.org • Houston market analysis updated monthly

Why Compare Houston Electricity Rates?

Houston residents have the power to choose their electricity provider thanks to Texas deregulation. With over 25 retail electricity providers (REPs) competing in the Houston market, rates can vary dramatically—from as low as 9.4¢/kWh to over 15¢/kWh for similar plans.

The average Houston household uses 1,350-1,500 kWh monthly due to humidity and extended cooling needs, meaning a 3¢/kWh difference in rates costs an extra $40-45 per month, or $480-540 annually. With electricity bills averaging $185-205 monthly in Houston, choosing the right provider can reduce your costs by 20-30%.

Houston Market Advantages

  • Highly competitive market with 25+ providers
  • CenterPoint's reliable infrastructure serving 2.3M+ residents
  • Green energy options from renewable Texas sources
  • Flexible contract terms from month-to-month to 36 months

Potential Annual Savings

Low Usage (900 kWh/month)$324
Switching from 15¢ to 12¢ per kWh
Average Usage (1,350 kWh/month)$486
Switching from 15¢ to 12¢ per kWh
High Usage (2,200 kWh/month)$792
Switching from 15¢ to 12¢ per kWh

Houston Humidity Impact: June-September electricity usage can increase by 60-80% due to cooling costs and humidity. Locking in a low fixed rate before summer saves even more.

How Houston's Energy Market Works

Generation

Power plants across Texas generate electricity from natural gas, wind, solar, and other sources through ERCOT's grid system.

Transmission

CenterPoint Energy owns and maintains the power lines, transformers, and infrastructure that delivers electricity to Houston homes and businesses.

Retail

Retail Electric Providers (REPs) like TXU, Reliant, and Constellation compete for your business with different rates and service plans.

Understanding Your Houston Electric Bill

Energy Charges (Variable)

  • • Your REP's rate per kWh (9.4¢ - 15¢+)
  • • Base charges and connection fees
  • • This is where you save by switching providers

TDU Charges (Fixed)

  • • CenterPoint delivery charges (~4.2¢/kWh)
  • • Connection and maintenance fees
  • • Same regardless of your REP choice

Houston Neighborhoods by ZIP Code

Downtown Houston
77002, 77004, 77010
Montrose/Museum
77006, 77019, 77098
River Oaks
77027, 77056
The Heights
77008, 77018, 77092
Medical Center
77030, 77054
Galleria/Uptown
77057, 77063
Memorial
77024, 77079
Midtown
77002, 77007

Houston Electricity Provider Comparison

Disclosure: ElectricSave TX is an informational site. We do not enroll customers, receive commissions, or recommend specific providers. Plan data shown are examples from public sources and may change. Always review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) and verify details on PowerToChoose.org.
Rate data from PowerToChoose.org (Sept 2025)
Examples shown for 1,350 kWh monthly usage in Harris County (CenterPoint territory). Rates subject to change.

Octopus Energy

Octopus Lite 12

2/5 Customer Rating
9.8¢
per kWh
Contract Terms:
12 months
Monthly Fee:
$0
Green Energy:
100% renewable
Estimated Monthly Cost: $132
Based on 1,350 kWh average Houston usage
📋 Contract: 12 months • Cancellation: $150.00 • 100% Renewable
100% RenewableFixed Rate

Energy Texas

The Lone Saver 12

2/5 Customer Rating
10.1¢
per kWh
Contract Terms:
12 months
Monthly Fee:
$0
Green Energy:
100% renewable
Estimated Monthly Cost: $136
Based on 1,350 kWh average Houston usage
📋 Contract: 12 months • Cancellation: $20 • 100% Renewable
100% RenewableFixed Rate

Rhythm

Rhythm Saver 12

2/5 Customer Rating
10.1¢
per kWh
Contract Terms:
12 months
Monthly Fee:
$0
Green Energy:
100% renewable
Estimated Monthly Cost: $136
Based on 1,350 kWh average Houston usage
📋 Contract: 12 months • Cancellation: $20 • 100% Renewable
100% RenewableFixed Rate

Amigo Energy

Sustainable Lifestyle - 5

3/5 Customer Rating
10.9¢
per kWh
Contract Terms:
5 months
Monthly Fee:
$0
Green Energy:
31% renewable
Estimated Monthly Cost: $147
Based on 1,350 kWh average Houston usage
📋 Contract: 5 months • Cancellation: $175.00 • 31% Renewable
31% RenewableFixed RateNew Customer Plan

Amigo Energy

Sustainable Simply Days - 5

3/5 Customer Rating
10.9¢
per kWh
Contract Terms:
5 months
Monthly Fee:
$0
Green Energy:
31% renewable
Estimated Monthly Cost: $147
Based on 1,350 kWh average Houston usage
📋 Contract: 5 months • Cancellation: $175.00 • 31% Renewable
31% RenewableFixed RateNew Customer Plan

📝 Important Information

  • • All providers listed serve Houston through CenterPoint's infrastructure
  • • TDU delivery charges (~4.2¢/kWh) are the same regardless of provider
  • • Plans shown are examples - actual rates vary by zip code and usage
  • • Always compare total monthly cost including all fees
  • • Visit PowerToChoose.org for complete current listings and to enroll

Houston Electricity Rate Comparison Table

Live rates updated every 5 minutes from PowerToChoose.org
ProviderRate (¢/kWh)Contract LengthCancellation FeeGreen Energy %Monthly Cost*
Octopus Energy9.8¢12 months$150-200100% Renewable$132
Energy Texas10.1¢12 months$150-200100% Renewable$136
Rhythm10.1¢12 months$150-200100% Renewable$136
Amigo Energy10.9¢5 monthsSee terms31% Green$147
Amigo Energy10.9¢5 monthsSee terms31% Green$147

*Monthly cost based on 1,350 kWh usage including estimated TDU charges (~$52/month). Rates from PowerToChoose.org updated every 5 minutes.

💡 Want personalized rates? Upload your electric bill for AI analysis based on your actual usage patterns.Analyze your bill for free →

Average Electricity Costs in Houston

Monthly Usage Patterns

Winter (Dec-Feb)1,000-1,200 kWh
Average: $165-185/month
Heating and normal usage
Spring/Fall (Mar-May, Oct-Nov)900-1,100 kWh
Average: $145-165/month
Mild weather, lowest usage
Summer (Jun-Sep)1,600-2,200 kWh
Average: $235-315/month
Heavy A/C usage, humidity control

Houston Humidity Impact

Houston's 60-80% humidity levels force air conditioners to work harder and longer. This "feels like" temperature effect can increase summer electricity usage by 60-80% compared to drier climates.

Cost Breakdown by Home Size

Apartment/Condo (600-1,000 sq ft)

$105-155/month
700-1,000 kWh average usage
Shared walls reduce heating/cooling needs

Single Family Home (1,000-2,000 sq ft)

$165-245/month
1,200-1,600 kWh average usage
Most common Houston housing type

Large Home (2,000+ sq ft)

$265-395/month
2,000-2,800+ kWh average usage
Higher usage tiers may apply

Houston Climate Factors

  • • 110+ days above 90°F annually
  • • Peak demand: 3-7 PM weekdays in summer
  • • ERCOT grid stress during heat waves
  • • Energy efficiency rebates available from CenterPoint

Understanding CenterPoint Energy Delivery Charges

CenterPoint Energy delivers electricity to all Houston-area homes regardless of your retail provider choice. These TDU charges are the same across all electricity companies.

CenterPoint Service Area

  • Harris County: Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, Pearland
  • Fort Bend County: Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford
  • Montgomery County: The Woodlands, Conroe, Tomball
  • Galveston County: League City, Friendswood

Typical CenterPoint Charges

Base Charge (monthly)~$5.00
Energy Charge (per kWh)~$0.036
1,350 kWh Monthly Total~$53.60

Important: CenterPoint charges are identical regardless of whether you choose TXU, Reliant, Constellation, or any other retail provider.

What This Means for Your Houston Electric Bill

✓ Your retail electric provider sets the energy rate (9-15¢/kWh)

✓ CenterPoint Energy adds delivery charges (~$53-55/month)

✓ Total typical Houston bill: $185-205/month (1,350 kWh)

✓ Savings focus: Compare retail rates, not TDU charges

Tips for Saving on Your Houston Electricity Bill

Smart Rate Shopping Strategies

Compare Total Cost, Not Just Rate

A 9¢/kWh plan with high base charges might cost more than a 10¢/kWh plan with lower fees. Calculate total monthly cost for your usage level.

Lock in Rates Before Summer

Houston electricity rates often increase in spring before high-demand summer months. Lock in low fixed rates during winter/early spring.

Read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL)

Required disclosure shows actual costs at 500, 1000, and 2000 kWh usage levels. Use these for accurate cost comparison. Learn how to read your Texas electric bill for detailed guidance.

Avoid Variable Rate Plans

Variable rates may start low but can increase significantly. Fixed rates provide predictable billing, especially important for Houston summers.

Houston-Specific Energy Savings

Humidity Control Management

  • • Set thermostat to 76°F when home, 80°F when away
  • • Use dehumidifiers to reduce A/C workload
  • • Run dishwashers and laundry after 8 PM when possible
  • • Close blinds during peak sun hours (12-6 PM)

CenterPoint Rebates & Programs

  • • Up to $200 rebate for ENERGY STAR appliances
  • • Free home energy audits for efficiency improvements
  • • Smart thermostat rebates up to $85
  • • Tree planting programs for natural cooling

Houston Municipal Programs

  • • Green building incentives in downtown Houston
  • • Solar panel installation permitting assistance
  • • Energy efficiency loans for home improvements
  • • Weatherization assistance for qualified households

🌡️ Houston Summer Survival Guide

Beat the heat and high bills with these Houston-specific strategies

Peak Hours to Avoid (3-7 PM)

  • Delay running dishwashers until after 8 PM
  • 🔥Avoid using ovens during peak heat
  • 🚗Charge electric vehicles overnight

Houston Humidity Control

  • 🔧Replace HVAC filters monthly in summer
  • 💨Use ceiling fans to feel 4°F cooler
  • 🏠Seal air leaks around windows and doors

💡 Pro Tip: These strategies can reduce your Houston summer bills by $40-60 monthly!

Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Electricity Rates

What are the cheapest electricity rates in Houston, Texas?

The cheapest electricity rates in Houston currently range from 9.4¢ to 11.8¢ per kWh for fixed-rate plans. Providers like Champion Energy, Gexa Energy, and Express Energy often offer the lowest rates. However, be sure to compare the total monthly cost including base charges and fees, not just the per-kWh rate. Variable rates may start lower but can increase significantly over time.

Which TDU serves Houston, Texas?

Houston is primarily served by CenterPoint Energy, the TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) for the Houston metropolitan area. CenterPoint owns and maintains the power lines, transformers, and electrical infrastructure that delivers electricity to your home. TDU charges appear on your bill regardless of which retail electricity provider you choose, and these charges are regulated and identical across all providers in the CenterPoint territory.

How much can Houston residents save by switching electricity providers?

Houston residents typically save $350-550 annually by switching to a lower-rate electricity provider. With average monthly usage of 1,350-1,500 kWh due to Houston's humidity and rates ranging from 9¢ to 15¢ per kWh, the difference adds up quickly. For example, switching from a 15¢/kWh plan to a 12¢/kWh plan saves $40-45 per month, or $480-540 annually. Summer savings are even higher due to increased air conditioning usage.

What electricity providers serve Houston, Texas?

Over 25 electricity providers serve Houston, including major companies like TXU Energy, Reliant Energy, Direct Energy, Constellation, Green Mountain Energy, Champion Energy, Gexa Energy, Stream Energy, Express Energy, Just Energy, and many others. Each provider offers different rates, contract terms, renewable energy options, and customer service features. The competitive market gives Houston residents many choices to find the best plan for their needs.

What is the average electricity bill in Houston?

The average electricity bill in Houston is approximately $185-205 per month for residential customers using 1,350-1,500 kWh. This includes energy charges (varies by provider), TDU delivery charges (~$52/month), and taxes. Bills are typically higher in summer months (June-September) averaging $235-315 due to air conditioning usage and Houston's high humidity, and lower in spring/fall months averaging $145-165 when weather is mild.

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