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Compare Texas Electricity Rates and Plans (2025)

Texans in deregulated markets have the power to choose their electricity provider — but with hundreds of plans available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Gatby makes it simple. By entering your address, you can instantly compare electricity rates in Texas, review plan details from trusted providers, and lock in the cheapest energy rate for your home or business.

Last Updated: Sunday, September 28th, 2025

Best Texas Energy Plans

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Find the best plans in your city

Best Texas Energy Plans By City

Electricity prices vary across Texas because delivery charges and plan availability change by Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) and ZIP code. That means the cheapest electricity plan in Houston (CenterPoint) may differ from the cheapest plan in Dallas/Fort Worth (Oncor), Corpus Christi (AEP Central), West Texas (AEP North/TNMP), or Lubbock (LP&L).
Use the table below to explore examples of the cheapest plan and best value plan at 1,000 kWh in major cities.
ProviderCityPlan NameBill Est.RateTerm Length
Cirro EnergyCorpus ChristiSimple Advantage 9$147
14.7 ¢
1000 kWh
9 months
Cirro EnergyDallasSimple Advantage 9$148
14.8 ¢
1000 kWh
9 months
Cirro EnergyFort WorthSimple Advantage 9$148
14.8 ¢
1000 kWh
9 months
Cirro EnergyHoustonSimple Advantage 9$148
14.8 ¢
1000 kWh
9 months
Atlantex PowerLubbockLuminous$162
16.2 ¢
1000 kWh
8 months
Cirro EnergyPlanoSimple Advantage 9$148
14.8 ¢
1000 kWh
9 months
How we gathered rate data in Texas

Gatby’s research team compiled rate quotes across the most populous ZIP codes in every deregulated Texas city. We evaluate each plan at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh—the usage benchmarks listed on every Electricity Facts Label (EFL)—so you can compare plans on an apples-to-apples basis. Our dataset covers 180+ electricity rates from 30 providers across six TDUs: Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP North, AEP Central, Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP), and Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L). This approach reflects what Texans actually pay, not just headline teaser rates.

Discover the lowest-cost provider

Who Is The Cheapest Electricity Provider In Texas?

Texas has over 100 Retail Electricity Providers (REPs). In September 2025, Cirro Energy frequently advertises some of the lowest rates statewide. But “cheapest” depends on your usage and the plan structure:
  • Bill-credit & tiered-rate plans can be the lowest at exact usage thresholds (often 1,000 kWh). Fall short or go over and the effective rate can jump.
  • Straightforward fixed-rate plans usually cost a bit more on paper but produce more predictable monthly bills across seasons and usage swings.

What Is Considered Cheap Electricity In Texas?

Cheap electricity rates in Texas can be as low as ~10–11¢/kWh on plans with large bill credits. When considering this type of plan, start with your home’s typical monthly usage. Then review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to see the estimated average rate at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh.
If you see a very low price at 1,000 kWh but a rate that’s double (or close) at 500 kWh, treat it as a red flag—your bill could spike in lower-usage months.
If you’re comfortable taking on some risk, a bill-credit plan can be cheaper during high-usage months. If you prefer predictable bills, choose a more straightforward fixed-rate plan with a slightly higher published rate. For many households, rates in the 14–17¢/kWh range strike the right balance between price and stability.

Quick Checks Before You Enroll

  • Compare the EFL rates at 500/1,000/2,000 kWh—not just the headline price.
  • Note base charges and minimum-usage fees that apply regardless of consumption.
  • Confirm early termination fees (ETFs) and your contract end date to avoid penalties.
  • If your usage swings seasonally, favor a plan with smaller spread between 500 and 2,000 kWh.
Gatby Rate Tip

Plans with slightly higher fixed rates can save money over a year if your usage varies. Straightforward plans show less variation between 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh, helping you avoid the bill spikes common with bill-credit or tiered offers. For stability, many households find the 14–17¢/kWh range strikes the right balance.

Ohm Connect logo
Great Customer Service
Offers Next-Day Connection
Potentially higher deposit amount but can have the lowest rates
Allows Saturday start date
Allows enrollment up to 85 days before start date
APG&E logo
Commitment to Renewable Energy.
One of the lowest deposit options on our site
Offers Same-Day Connection
Allows Saturday service start date
Allows enrollment up to 60 days before start date
Rhythm Energy logo
Local Texas Company - has received multiple awards
100% renewable energy
Allows Same-Day Connection
Does not allow a Saturday service start date
Allows enrollment up to 60 days before start date
Compare rates across Texas

Texas Electricity Rates By Location

Electricity prices in Texas vary by ZIP code because each address is served by a specific Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) that sets regulated delivery charges. Plan availability and pricing also differ by city, so the cheapest electricity rate in Houston (CenterPoint) may not match the cheapest rate in Dallas/Fort Worth (Oncor), Corpus Christi (AEP Central), West Texas (AEP North/TNMP), or Lubbock (LP&L).
Why rates differ by city?
  • TDU delivery charges: Each TDU’s base and per-kWh delivery fees are different and change periodically.
  • Plan mix: Some markets see more bill-credit offers; others tilt toward straightforward fixed-rate plans.
  • Usage patterns & weather: Cooling demand, seasonality, and household usage profiles impact effective prices.
  • Competition: Provider density and local promotions shift city-to-city.

How To Choose the Best Electricity Plan in Texas

With hundreds of offers on the market, start with your usage and plan structure. Then confirm the details in the EFL before you enroll.

Common plan types (and who they fit)

  • Fixed-rate electricity plans (12/24/36 months):
    • Best for predictable bills. The rate is steady across seasons; effective prices usually move little between 500 → 2,000 kWh.
  • Bill-credit or tiered-rate plans:
    • Lowest at a target usage (often 1,000 kWh). Miss the threshold and the effective rate can rise sharply.
  • Time-of-use / "free nights & weekends" plans:
    • Good for households that shift usage off-peak (EV charging, night laundry). Daytime rates can be higher—check your pattern.
  • No-deposit / prepaid electricity plans:
    • Helpful when credit checks or deposits are a hurdle. Weigh convenience against per-kWh pricing and fees.
  • Green energy plans:
    • Many providers offer 100% renewable options. Compare the premium (if any) versus conventional fixed-rate plans.
  • Indexed/variable plans:
    • Month-to-month pricing tied to market conditions. More flexibility, more volatility.

The quick comparison checklist

  • Review EFL prices at 500/1,000/2,000 kWh.
  • Note base charges, minimum-usage fees, and TDU delivery charges.
  • Confirm contract length, ETFs (early termination fees), and any move-in/connection fees.
  • Check required autopay/paperless discounts and whether you'll realistically qualify.
  • Consider same-day start needs and renewal options.
Gatby Rate Tip

If your usage swings with the seasons, prioritize plans with a small spread between the 500-, 1,000-, and 2,000-kWh EFL rows. A plan that’s slightly higher on paper can cost less over 12 months if it avoids big low-usage penalties.

How Gatby Compares Plans

Gatby parses each plan’s EFL to compute effective costs at multiple usage levels, flags base/minimum-usage charges, identifies bill-credit thresholds, and weights non-price factors such as term length, fees, and provider track record. We surface the trade-offs so you can choose between lowest possible price and most predictable bill—based on your actual usage.
Understand your energy consumption

Understanding Your Usage

The fastest way to find your number

  • Check prior bills: Look for "kWh used" for the last 12 months and note your summer high and winter low.
  • Pull a usage history: If available, retrieve interval data from your smart meter portal to see daily/seasonal swings.
  • New move-in? Ask the property manager or previous owner for historical kWh, or estimate using a similar home type and adjust for square footage and HVAC.
Home TypeAverage Monthly Electricity Usage in kWh
Apartments / smaller homes~500–900 kWh
Average detached homes~900–1,500 kWh
Large homes / EV / pool>1,500 kWh

Choose a plan based on your pattern

  • Apartments / smaller homes (~500-900 kWh): Avoid steep minimum-usage fees and watch for 500-kWh EFL spikes.
  • Average detached homes (~900-1,500 kWh): Compare both fixed-rate and bill-credit options; verify 1,000-kWh pricing.
  • Large homes / EV / pool (>1,500 kWh): Look for plans with strong 2,000-kWh pricing or time-of-use if you can shift load.
Gatby Rate Tip

Use your lowest and highest months to stress-test a plan. If an offer looks great at 1,000 kWh but doubles at 500 kWh in the EFL, expect winter or travel months to feel expensive.

Make sense of electricity fact labels

Understanding the Electricity Facts Label (EFL)

Review the Electricity Facts Label

Every electricity plan in Texas comes with an Electricity Facts Label (EFL). It’s the single most important document for comparing plans because it shows the effective price at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh, plus all the charges that make up your bill.
Below is a sample EFL from APG&E Energy for its Eco Saver Plus 12 plan in the CenterPoint service area.
Understanding your EFL

How to read an EFL (quick walkthrough)

  • Average price per kWh (at 500 / 1,000 / 2,000 kWh)
    This is the apples-to-apples comparison point. Use the row closest to your monthly usage.
  • Energy charge
    The provider's per-kWh rate before any bill credits or delivery fees.
  • Base charge / minimum usage
    Flat monthly fees or penalties that apply regardless of usage (or if you miss a threshold).
  • Bill credits / usage credits
    Discounts applied only when your usage falls within a defined range (often around 1,000 kWh). Great when you hit the target, costly when you don't.
  • TDU delivery charges
    Regulated fees from your local utility (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP, TNMP, LP&L) added to every plan.
  • Term & fees
    Contract length, ETF (early termination fee), possible connection/move-in fees, and any autopay/paperless requirements.

What to look for

  • A small spread between the 500/1,000/2,000-kWh rows = steadier bills.
  • Bill-credit thresholds you'll actually hit (based on your history).
  • Base charges or minimum-usage fees that can erase "cheap" teaser rates.

How Gatby Tracks Trends

Gatby monitors plan pricing across major TDUs, normalizes by 500/1,000/2,000-kWh EFL rows, and aggregates into a Texas Rate Tracker so we can identify seasonal patterns and surface when fixed terms look most attractive versus bill-credit or time-of-use options.
Gatby Rate Tip

If the 1,000-kWh price looks amazing but the 500-kWh price is 1.5–2× higher, expect expensive months when your usage dips (winter, travel, mild weather). Favor plans with balanced pricing across all three EFL rows.

Read the Fine Print

The details matter with Texas electricity plans. Start with the Electricity Facts Label (EFL): review the average price per kWh at 500/1,000/2,000 kWh, the energy charge, any base charge, and your TDU delivery fees. Confirm the plan type and pricing mechanics—fixed-rate, bill-credit/tiered, or time-of-use—since these structures determine what you actually pay each month.

Next, scan the Terms of Service and Your Rights as a Customer disclosures. Look for:

  • Early Termination Fee (ETF) and contract length
  • Base or minimum-usage fees
  • Connection, disconnection, and reconnection fees
  • Move-in and late-payment fees
  • Deposit rules and any autopay/paperless requirements tied to the advertised rate
Switch-hold policy: A switch-hold can be placed on an address when there’s an unpaid balance (or similar issue). While the hold is active, you can’t switch providers. To remove it, resolve the outstanding amount with your current REP (or provide required documentation if there’s a dispute), and the provider will release the hold with the TDU.

Key Factors To Consider

Below are a few more key factors to consider as you shop around.
Price:
  • Per-kWh rate + base/minimum-usage fees: Low rates can be offset by fixed fees at low usage.
  • Bill-credit/usage-zone discounts: Some plans give a big credit if you land near 1,000 kWh. Miss it and your effective price jumps.
  • Time-of-use / free nights & weekends: Works if you can shift load; daytime rates are often higher—check your pattern.
  • Indexed/variable vs fixed: Variable offers flexibility but more volatility; fixed-rate plans provide steadier bills.
Term & renewal:
  • Common terms are 12/24/36 months. Longer terms can trade a slightly higher price for price certainty.
  • Know your contract end date and the 14-day penalty-free switch window.
Reputation & service quality:
  • Years in business & tenure in Texas
  • Complaint history with the PUCT / BBB patterns (billing disputes, surprise fees, switch-holds)
  • Customer support (hours, channels, responsiveness), same-day connect, and billing transparency
  • Providers with the rock-bottom teaser rate aren't always the best long-term experience.
Green options & solar:
  • Availability of 100% renewable plans; any premium vs standard fixed-rate.
  • Solar buyback terms if you export power; watch caps and credit rates.
Fees & policies:
  • ETF (early termination fee), move-in/connection fees, autopay/paperless requirements.
  • Deposit/credit checks (or no-deposit/prepaid alternatives).
  • Any minimum-usage penalties or base charges that affect low-usage months.
What to watch out for

When energy shopping in Texas, remember, the advertised rate is just that: An ad. Check the plan details and peruse the EFL to learn more about any hidden fees or hoops you’ll need to jump through to get the advertised rate.

Switch providers quickly and painlessly

How to Switch Electricity Plans in Texas

Switching with Gatby is straightforward and won’t interrupt your power.

How to Switch Electricity Providers in Texas

  • Enter your address on Gatby to see live plans for your TDU.
  • Compare EFL pricing at 500/1,000/2,000 kWh and check base/min-usage fees, ETFs, and required discounts (autopay/paperless). You can find your homes exact historic usage data using Smart Meter Texas.
  • Choose and enroll online with Gatby. We route your order to the provider; your new REP handles the switch.
  • Meter read occurs automatically; you do not need to call your TDU.

Find an Energy Plan in Texas

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Always free. No gimmicks.

Fees & Timing

  • ETF awareness: If you cancel early, an early termination fee may apply.
  • 14-day window: You can switch penalty-free within 14 days of your contract end date.
  • Moving? New move-ins generally aren't penalized—start fresh at your new address.
  • Same-day starts: Many providers offer same-day or next-day connection (cutoff times apply).
Get powered up in your new state

Are You Moving to Texas?

If you’re relocating to Texas, it’s important to understand its deregulated energy sector so you can effectively choose the energy plan that works best for you.

Understanding Deregulated Energy in Texas

Since 2002, most of Texas has operated a deregulated electricity market. Instead of buying power from a single monopoly, consumers in deregulated areas can choose among many Retail Electricity Providers (REPs). A few key players:

  • REPs (retail electricity providers): The "electric companies" you buy a plan from (billing, customer service, plan structure).
  • TDUs (Transmission & Distribution Utilities): Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP North, AEP Central, TNMP, and LP&L. They maintain poles/wires, restore outages, and set regulated delivery charges—the same no matter which REP you choose.
  • ERCOT: Operates the Texas power grid and wholesale market for ~90% of the state, balancing supply and demand in real time.
  • PUCT: The Public Utility Commission of Texas regulates the market and enforces customer protections. They own and operate Power to Choose which is another marketplace.

Pros and cons of deregulation:

ProsCons
Customers can choose between many plans, providers and prices.The deregulated market can be confusing to navigate.
Prices can be more competitive compared to regulated states.Not all options are advantageous to consumers.
Plans have more differentiation like free energy at night or discounts for driving an EVSome companies may choose to maximize profits over providing good service.
Reliable companies prioritize customer satisfaction to growHigher potential for market volatility.

Utilities vs. Providers (what’s the difference?)

The two main entities you’ll see when shopping for electricity are TDUs and retail electric providers (REPs), which are also called electric companies.
TDUs like Oncor and Centerpoint, fix outages, read meters, and set delivery fees that appear on every bill. REPs like Gexa, Direct Energy and APG&E, sell plans and set energy charges/fees, contract length, credits, and perks.

ERCOT and the Texas Electric Grid

Most of Texas is served by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates the power grid for ~90% of the state and coordinates electricity for more than 27 million Texans. ERCOT’s job is to balance supply and demand in real time, dispatch generators, and run the wholesale market where power is bought and sold. It works under the oversight of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).

How Does the Electric Reliability Council of Texas Set Energy Rates?

Despite the name, ERCOT does not set your retail electricity rate. Your monthly price comes from three places:
  1. Retail energy charge (set by your REP): Based on wholesale power costs, hedging, risk, term length, and plan structure (fixed-rate, bill-credit/tiered, time-of-use).
  2. TDU delivery charges (regulated): Filed tariffs approved by the PUCT. These charges are the same regardless of provider within a TDU territory and appear on every bill.
  3. Plan fees & adjustments: Base or minimum-usage fees, bill credits at certain thresholds (often ~1,000 kWh), and other terms shown on the Electricity Facts Label (EFL).
What moves prices in Texas?
  • Wholesale markets: ERCOT's real-time and day-ahead prices respond to weather-driven demand, fuel costs (especially natural gas), transmission constraints, and plant outages.
  • Generation mix: More wind/solar can lower averages over time but can increase intra-day volatility.
  • Delivery updates: Periodic TDU tariff changes adjust the "wires" portion of your bill.

Terms To Know

Here’s a handy glossary of some frequently used terms in Texas’ deregulated electricity market:
TermDefinition
Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)This organization manages the flow of electricity to over 90% of Texans.
Transmission and Distribution Utilities (TDU)These companies maintain the wires and poles for specific areas of the state. You might have a choice between two TDUs, but most areas just have one.
Retail electric provider (REP)This company sells electricity to customers. There are dozens of REPs per TDU area, and these are the companies you compare for service and plans.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)Electricity rates are expressed in cents per kilowatt-hour as this is the basic unit of measurement for usage.
Fixed-rate planFixed-rate plan
Variable planWith this plan, the electricity charge changes each billing cycle.
Time of use planThis plan charges different rates at different times of the day or week.
Renewable percentageThis is the percentage of a plan's electricity that comes from renewable energy like wind and solar or natural gas produced in Texas.
Electricity facts label/sheetThis document provides the breakdown of flat fees and fees per kWh plus discounts, cancellation fees and conditions for each plan.
Indexed planThis plan's electricity charge is tied to a publicly available market index, and the price can fluctuate each billing period.
Navigate Texas energy choices

How To Purchase Energy in Texas

How to Shop and Enroll with Gatby

  1. Gather usage: Check your last 6–12 months of bills to find your low/average/high kWh.
  2. Enter your ZIP on Gatby: We auto-detect your TDU and show plans available at your address.
  3. Filter by fit: Fixed-rate for stability; bill-credit if you consistently hit ~1,000 kWh; TOU if you can shift load; prepaid if you need no-deposit.
  4. Open each EFL: Compare 500/1,000/2,000-kWh prices, base/min-usage fees, credits, ETF, and any autopay/paperless requirements.
  5. Model the year: Estimate total cost at your low/average/high usage months.
  6. Enroll online with Gatby: Your new REP handles the switch; the TDU manages the meter—no service interruption.
  7. Timing tip: You can switch penalty-free in the 14 days before your contract ends. Movers typically avoid ETFs when starting service at a new address.
Gatby Rate Tip

If an offer is unbeatable at 1,000 kWh but punishing at 500 kWh, expect pricey winter or travel months. A slightly higher fixed-rate plan with a tight EFL spread often wins over 12 months.

Methodology: How Gatby Collects & Scores Texas Electricity Plans

Gatby’s goal is to show what Texans actually pay, not just headline teaser rates. We do that by standardizing plan data across cities, ZIP codes, and TDUs, and then comparing plans on an apples-to-apples basis.

Data sources & coverage

  • We pull plan details and Electricity Facts Labels (EFLs) directly from Texas retail electricity providers (REPs).
  • Pricing is normalized across the six major TDUs: Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP North, AEP Central, Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP), and Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L).
  • For city comparisons, we sample the most populous ZIP codes in deregulated cities and evaluate the plans available there.
  • Our current dataset includes 180+ electricity rates from 30+ providers across those TDUs and ZIPs.

How we normalize prices

  • Every plan is evaluated at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh—the usage points published on every EFL.
  • We include energy charges, base/minimum-usage fees, bill/usage credits, and TDU delivery charges to compute the effective price per kWh.
  • We prioritize fixed-rate residential plans (12/24/36 months) for comparability; bill-credit/tiered and time-of-use plans are labeled and scored with their structure in mind.

Scoring & recommendations

  • Lowest 12-Month Cost: We model annual cost at a household's low / average / high usage and sum all charges and credits from the EFL.
  • Most Predictable Bill: We emphasize plans with a small spread between the 500/1,000/2,000-kWh rows, limited fee exposure, and clear disclosures.
  • Secondary factors include term length, ETF/fees, EFL clarity, provider track record (billing transparency, service options like same-day connect), and availability of green or solar buyback options.

Edge cases we flag

  • Bill-credit thresholds (e.g., ~1,000 kWh) that can dramatically change the effective rate.
  • Minimum-usage penalties and base charges that make low-usage months expensive.
  • Autopay/paperless requirements tied to the advertised price.
  • Time-of-use plans where daytime rates may offset "free" periods.
  • Solar buyback caps/credit rates for homes with PV.

Update cadence & accuracy

  • We refresh listings on a rolling basis as providers update EFLs or TDUs adjust delivery charges.
  • If you see a discrepancy, use the plan's View EFL link in Gatby to verify the most current numbers; the EFL is the source of truth.
Explore plans by location

Shop Electricity Plans By City

Here at Gatby, our priority is making sure everyone can make fully informed decisions about setting up their electricity. Every city in Texas with a deregulated energy market shows different rates and different plans, and navigating those differences can be confusing. That’s why we’ve committed to giving you clear and reliable data about the different energy markets across Texas. Click any of the below cities to get more information on what rates look like in those markets, and the best ways to set-up your electricity there.

Confused about the electricity market?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average electricity rate in Texas?
There isn't one rate for everyone. Prices vary by ZIP code, TDU (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP, TNMP, LP&L), plan type, and usage. As a rule of thumb, "cheap" plans can appear around ~10-11¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh, while many predictable fixed-rate plans land in the mid-teens.
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Who is the cheapest electricity provider in Texas?
It changes with market conditions and your usage. Providers like Gexa, Frontier, 4Change, TriEagle, TXU, Shell frequently compete on price. The real winner for you depends on your EFL pricing at 500/1,000/2,000 kWh and fees.
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How do I compare electricity rates by ZIP code in Texas?
Enter your ZIP on Gatby. We detect your TDU and show plans available at your address with the EFL numbers side-by-side.
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Why do Houston and Dallas electricity rates differ?
Delivery charges and offers differ by TDU—CenterPoint (Houston) vs Oncor (Dallas/Fort Worth). The same provider can show different effective prices in each territory.
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What is the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) and how do I read it?
The EFL lists the plan's average price/kWh at 500, 1,000, 2,000 kWh, energy charge, base/min-usage fees, bill credits, TDU delivery charges, contract term, and fees. Compare plans using the row closest to your usage.
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What is a bill-credit plan?
A plan that gives a large credit when your usage hits a defined window (often near 1,000 kWh). Miss the window and the effective price can jump—especially at 500 kWh.
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Fixed-rate vs variable/indexed—what's the difference?
Fixed-rate: steady pricing across the term; best for predictable bills. Variable/indexed: month-to-month pricing tied to market conditions; more flexibility, more volatility.
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Are "free nights & weekends" (time-of-use) plans worth it?
Only if you can shift usage off-peak (EV charging, laundry, dishwashing). Daytime rates are often higher—check the EFL and your pattern.
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What is a bill-credit plan?
A plan that gives a large credit when your usage hits a defined window (often near 1,000 kWh). Miss the window and the effective price can jump—especially at 500 kWh.
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Why do Houston and Dallas electricity rates differ?
Delivery charges and offers differ by TDU—CenterPoint (Houston) vs Oncor (Dallas/Fort Worth). The same provider can show different effective prices in each territory.
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